New microbrand renders only Kickstarter vs prototype first — advice needed
Hi everyone,
We're an Irish microbrand called ARTOS currently in development.
We've spent months doing extensive manufacturer due diligence and have quotes in hand from manufacturers at the quality level we're targeting. However the prototype only becomes available once committed to a full MOQ order with a substantial deposit and we are not in a position to commit to that before validating demand through Kickstarter. Committing to prototype costs attached to a full production order before proving demand feels like the wrong order of events.
Our strategy was always to get prototypes in hand and build momentum through real product photography and community engagement before launching. Finding a manufacturer willing to do a proper prototype for an original premium diver design at a reasonable MOQ is proving genuinely difficult right now.
We're now seriously considering launching on Kickstarter with renders only and going straight to production if we hit our funding target as an option.
ARTOS is not just another dive brand. There is genuine personal meaning behind it that we believe resonates . The website is live with final tweaks still to come but gives a good sense of where ARTOS is heading. We'd love your honest thoughts.
Questions for the community:
Has anyone successfully launched a Kickstarter with renders only and did backers respond well?
Is the prototype barrier something other founders have hit recently or is it specific to our situation?
Any pitfalls we should know about going straight from Kickstarter funding to production?
If you have a manufacturer recommendation for a premium diver at this spec level feel free to DM. Happy to keep it confidential.
For context our spec is a compact 38mm automatic premium diver Miyota 9015, 200m, brushed steel bezel, BGW9 lume, multi-link bracelet.
Any honest advice from founders who have been through this appreciated and general feedback from the community.
Many thanks 🙏