And this is the prime example of the type of product that should not be crowdfunded, under any circumstance.
The model makes some sense for simple branded products which (i) aren't that appealing to VCs and (ii) have chances of success closely allied to ability to generate buzz from evangelists (though I still expect the return on the asset class to be negative when its equity funding rather than pre-orders)
The model makes no sense whatsoever for technically complex but potentially very high return inventions, where the choice of crowdfunding as a fundraising strategy is basically a big red flag saying "we think people unable to do due diligence are our best bet for [the next stage of] funding"
The model makes some sense for simple branded products which (i) aren't that appealing to VCs and (ii) have chances of success closely allied to ability to generate buzz from evangelists (though I still expect the return on the asset class to be negative when its equity funding rather than pre-orders)
The model makes no sense whatsoever for technically complex but potentially very high return inventions, where the choice of crowdfunding as a fundraising strategy is basically a big red flag saying "we think people unable to do due diligence are our best bet for [the next stage of] funding"