Kickstarter crowdfunding enables ARM-based innovations

In the run-up to the holidays, ARM is highlighting 50 of the inventions based on its technology that have achieved support on Kickstarter, which describes itself as the world's largest funding platform for creative projects. The devices were chosen by ARM from a long list of successful ideas over the last two years to be shown on a specially curated page. All were created by inventors using the same kind of ARM-based technology that is enabling today’s maker community.

Between them these projects have raised almost $40m, and many have gone on to stellar success. The standout devices are the virtual reality headset Oculus Rift, bought by Facebook in March 2014 for $2bn, and the SmartThings home connectivity hub, acquired by Samsung in 2012 for a reported $200m. When the Pebble watch launched on Kickstarter two years ago it attracted more than $10m, and by March 2014 it had sold 400,000 units.

In total, Kickstarter has helped to attract $220m of support for more than 2,000 technology products, with a number of the ventures going on to receive venture capital funding in excess of $300m. The 50 projects selected by ARM have been highlighted in order to inspire makers and we expect it will further accelerate the momentum behind these development platforms. The basic technology needed to create such products is widely available, with developers able to buy boards from the likes of Raspberry Pi and Arduino, with 3D printers sold by many electronic distributers.

“Amazing things are possible when innovators connect with an audience that shares their passion,” said Dominic Pajak, Senior Embedded Strategist, ARM. “These startup projects are often solving problems outside traditional mass markets and serving different communities, as well as sometimes crossing over to create high value companies. The maker movement is exploding, especially in the festive season as parents in particular seek to give their children the chance to get creative.”