Kickstarter and Indiegogo, two of the most popular donation-based crowdfunding sites in the country, give creative people the opportunity to fund their projects via online donations or pre-purchasing of products or experiences. Every few weeks, The Report on Small Business will provide a snapshot of the top Canadian entrepreneurial crowdfunding campaigns of the moment. The figures are accurate as of Feb. 4, 2015.
1. The Connected Universe
This documentary film, directed by Malcom Carter, features the work of theorist Nassim Haramein of The Resonance Project Foundation. It explores new understandings in science that reveal a bigger picture of interconnection. The campaign has raised $264,176 (U.S.), making it the highest-funded documentary on Indiegogo.
2. Phenol
Phenol is a new synthesizer designed by Kilpatrick Audio. It brings the fun and creative potential of a modular analog synthesizer to more people by offering an attractive and approachable musical instrument that is small, portable and sounds amazing. The project has raised $142,414 on Kickstarter.
3. ProtoCycler
This product, developed by ReDeTec, allows you to recycle waste plastic into 3-D printer filament. It comes complete with a built in grinder, intelligent computer control, safety certification, and real time diameter feedback, so anyone can make their own filament hassle free. The campaign has raised $102,313 (U.S.) on Indiegogo.
4. Ferro
Ferro is a minimalist watch with Swiss Quartz or Japan Automatic movements. It has been carefully designed and created with simplicity, modernity and elegance in mind. Inspired by tachometer of sports cars, Ferro is geared with 316L brushed stainless steel 44 mm case and buckle, date indicator, sapphire crystal and genuine leather strap (brown or black) as well as copper material face in black or white colors. The watch is also 10 BAR water resistant. Ferro uses a single red or black hand to display time (each small tick mark between hours represents 5 mins). The project has raised $97,441 on Kickstarter.
5. Window Horses: The Poetic Persian Epiphany of Rosie Ming
In this coming-of-age story by Ann Marie Fleming, a young Canadian poet of mixed descent named Rosie Ming, is invited to perform at a Poetry Festival in Shiraz, Iran, but she’d rather be in Paris. Once in Iran, she finds herself in the company of poets and Persians, all who tell her stories that force her to confront her past; the Iranian father she assumed abandoned her and the nature of Poetry itself. Rosie learns to find her own voice through listening to the voices of others. It’s about building bridges across generations and cultures through the magic of Poetry. The campaign has raised $80,858 on Indiegogo.
6. Moonshot: The Indigenous Comics Collection
Produced by AH Comics Inc. and edited by Hope Nicholson, Moonshot brings together dozens of creators from across North America to contribute comic book stories showcasing the rich heritage and identity of indigenous storytelling. From traditional stories to exciting new visions of the future, this collection presents some of the finest comic book and graphic novel work in North America. The project has raised $74,792 on Kickstarter.
7. Pinć VR
Pinć (pronounced ’pinch’) is a smartphone case for iOS and Android that converts into a wearable virtual reality experience. Developed by Cordon, a digital agency in Toronto, Pinć is the first VR platform that fits in your pocket, allowing you to use your phone traditionally or as a virtual reality headset with integrated controllers. The campaign has raised $72,202 on Indiegogo.
8. Next Keyboard
This keyboard puts more power at your fingertips with super fast editing, predictive typing, instant emojis, and beautiful themes. Tiny Hearts, the developers behind the project, have raised $65,497 for the project on Kickstarter.
9. Lucidream eXo-skeleton
Developed by Montreal-based Lucid Dream, the eXo-skeleton is a premium stainless steel impact absorbing iPhone case, with an integrated accessories connection, enabling functional customization. The company has raised $59,615 on Kickstarter.
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