Successful Startup 101 Magazine - Volume 2, Issue 1

This evolution of hardware startup is bringing makers, hackers and DIYers everywhere out of the wood works and into the limelight. These handy, hands-on individuals have worked tirelessly perfecting, prototyping and testing their passion projects in the garage, basement and wherever else their spouse sought fit to allow.

  Suddenly with crowdfunding their creations are now feasible. The businesses they never dreamt of building are within reach and it's resulting in unprecendented innovation in the hardware space.

  The Innovator's Era

  Now is the time of change. Inventive entrepreneurs everywhere are attacking the stagnant sectors of corporate and unveiling inventions as we've never before experienced. The examples truly speak for themselves. The Pebble Smartwatch raising in excess of $10 million. Oculus' $2.5 million before a $2 billion acquisition two years later.

  The startup landscape is changing. The time is now for product creators to shine. Funding, building business or even exploring incredible other opportunities the campaign creators of today are turning the business world on it's head. From Google, Nike, Amazon and Shark Tank I've seen past podcast guests and consulting clients frequently receiving orders, offers and unexpected campaign assistance as they work to innovate.

  And in the age of acquisitions where big businesses are turning away from risky ventures and costly product development, startups and crowdfunding campaigners are stepping up to fill the void.

  How this will play out is anyone's guess but everyone from VC's to Fortune 500 execs are caught in a whirlwind they could never fully anticipate or understand. Not sure how it'll all shake out but believe me folks we're in for a wild ride.

  About the Author

  Matt Ward is the founder, crowdfunding consultant and podcast host of Art of the Kickstart, the leading resource for product creators and aspiring inventors interested in crowdfunding. Since launching Matt has interviewed over 100 crowdfunders and consulted and case studied dozens of other product innovators. To learn more about crowdfunding and how past guests have raised over $15 million dollars, check out Matt’s free 6 step guide to Kickstarter. @MattBnB

  * This article originally appeared on Inc.com