Newark, NJ — Erin Petenko reports in The Star-Ledger that Kickstarter has been an outlet for the dreams of New Jersey inventors and startups since the site first launched in 2009.
Projects headquartered in the Garden State have raised $16.7 million from nearly a quarter-million backers, leading to at least 1,400 successful projects, according to data gathered from the Kickstarter website.
The top projects have a certain brainy bias in geography: Princeton topped the list in most funds raised for projects, while Jersey City projects had the most backers.
Kickstarter projects only receive funding if the project meets its goal, but Kickstarter doesn’t track what happens with the project once the goal is met.
Projects headquartered in the Garden State have raised $16.7 million from nearly a quarter-million backers, leading to at least 1,400 successful projects, according to data gathered from the Kickstarter website.
The top projects have a certain brainy bias in geography: Princeton topped the list in most funds raised for projects, while Jersey City projects had the most backers.
Kickstarter projects only receive funding if the project meets its goal, but Kickstarter doesn’t track what happens with the project once the goal is met.
These are the New Jersey-based Kickstarters that have raised the most money so far, with their description from the site.
20. TiGr: Titanium Lock as Cool as your Bike
Tewksbury, NJ
Description: A titanium bike lock that’s designed as cleanly and thoughtfully as a bike. It’s secure but elegant, simple and easy to use and store.
Raised: 740 backers have pledged $108,065 over an initial goal of $37,500
19. The Future of Smart Homes - B.One
North Brunswick, NJ
Description: Future Proof your home with B.One Smart HUB.
Raised: 535 backers have pledged $109,893 over an initial goal of $100,000
18. Secrets of the Lost Tomb
Montclair, NJ
Description: The Cinematic Pulp Action Adventure Board Game! A Fast-Paced Cooperative and Competitive Tomb Diving Experience for 1 to 6 Players!
Raised: 685 backers have pledged $111,889 over an initial goal of $50,000.
What the founders said: Chris Batarlis, president of Everything Epic Games, said in an email that the company was working on a sequel, Secrets of the Lost Station.
“We’re currently getting ready to go to one of the biggest game conventions in the world, ‘Gen Con’ in Indiana,” he said.
They plan to launch a new Kickstarter for the sequel on August 8.
17. Leaving Megalopolis
Somerset, NJ
Description: When the caped heroes of the world’s safest city inexplicably all turn into homicidal lunatics, no one is safe.
Raised: 4,194 backers have pledged $117,660 over an initial goal of $34,000
16. Platypod Pro Max
East Brunswick, NJ
Description: Meet Max, the versatile mini tripod for big camera rigs! Get steady shots in tight spots where standard tripods don’t dare to go.
Raised: 1,329 backers have pledged $118,943 over an initial goal of $30,000
15. STANTT: Casual Shirts That Fit Like They’re Tailored For You
Hoboken, NJ
Description: A revolutionary approach to fit with over 50 sizes created from 3D body scan data.
With just 3 clicks the size tailored for you ships.
Raised: 980 backers have pledged $120,195 over an initial goal of $15,000
14. The Brigadier automatic watch
Princeton, NJ
Description: A classy self-winding timepiece produced by watch lovers, for watch lovers.
Raised: 458 backers have pledged $122,161 over an initial goal of $18,000
13. Bring Back a Beautiful, New and Digital Ramsey Theatre!
Ramsey, NJ
Description: Ramsey Theatre, a neighborhood landmark for 86 years, has gone dark. Support the digital upgrade and renovation so it can open again.
Raised: 1,015 backers have pledged $126,132 over an initial goal of $125,000
What the founders said: Ramsey Theater co-owner Laura Rose had no experience with running a local, film-era theater when the longtime owner retired, leaving the theater with a different local woman who had no interest in figuring out how to modernize it.
But she googled theater digitization on a whim one day, and was inspired by the results.
“This young couple in Kentucky had run a Kickstarter to digitize their theater, and I was surprised that these people with a family and everything could still do it,” she said. “I went back in and found many Main Street theaters using this avenue.”
In September 2013, She created a 35-day campaign, with rewards ranging from a single ticket-and-popcorn deal to private screenings and free ads. The theater met its goal and opened the next January with digital projectors and renovated facilities.
Her advice for potential Kickstarter projects: “I searched for similar projects and did research on it,” Rose said. “Sit down, and analyze what seemed to work and what the rewards are.”
12. Ramos alarm clock
Hoboken, NJ
Description: Tired of sleeping through your alarm? Do you just hit the snooze button over and over again? Ramos is here to help!
Raised: 525 backers have pledged $153,585 over an initial goal of $75,000
11. Flippr: The Ironing Board That Saves 80% of Your Time
Livingston, NJ
Description: The first redesign of the ironing board since 1892. We have a way to shorten your ironing times by up to 80%.
Raised: 1,386 backers have pledged $162,052 over an initial goal of $20,000
10. Zortrax M200 - professional desktop 3D printer
Ewing, NJ
Description: Zortrax M200 is the professional 3D printer that will change the nature and the future of home 3D printing.
Raised: 144 backers have pledged $179,471 over an initial goal of $100,000
9. Canary in a Coal Mine
Princeton, NJ
Description: A film about life with ME, the world’s most prevalent orphan disease.
Raised: 2,593 backers have pledged $212,962 over an initial goal of $50,000
8. Draft Top - Turning beer cans into pint glasses
Long Branch, NJ
Description: The bar tool designed to safely remove the top of aluminum beverage cans. Drink Topless - you’ll enjoy what cans have to offer!
Raised: 3,199 backers have pledged $214,083 over an initial goal of $75,000
7. Platypod Ultra (+ Multi-Accessory Kit)
East Brunswick, NJ
Description: The world’s most compact tripod and versatile photography accessory has a brand-new look! Get low-angle shots in unusual spots.
Raised: 2,221 backers have pledged $226,337 over an initial goal of $20,000
6. Carbon Fiber Acoustic Electric Guitars | KLOS Guitars
Princeton, NJ
Description: Featuring a new carbon fiber acoustic electric model - the ultimate versatile guitar both on and off the stage.
Raised: 518 backers have pledged $302,736 over an initial goal of $10,000
5. Gothitropolis Raven Action Figure by Four Horsemen Studios
Butlers Place, NJ
Description: Fan-selected Gothitropolis 6” fully-articulated Raven action figure (& variants) from award-winning Four Horsemen Toy Design Studios.
Raised: 1,510 backers have pledged $303,666 over an initial goal of $65,000
4. Beasts of the Mesozoic: Raptor Series Action Figures
Hackensack, NJ
Description: Beasts of the Mesozoic is a line of 1/6th scale scientifically accurate dinosaur action figures, with great detail and articulation.
Raised: 2,661 backers have pledged $351,753 over an initial goal of $125,000.
3. Lisa Frank Makeup Collaboration
Secaucus, NJ
Description: We want to put Lisa Frank’s iconic artwork on our high quality & cruelty-free makeup! Help bring this collab to life!
Raised: 5,935 backers have pledged $370,063 over an initial goal of $30,000
What the founders said: Glamour Dolls Makeup was built with the help of crowdfunding and fan participation, said Peter Georgotas, co-founder of the business.
So when they joined forces with Lisa Frank’s an her diehard fanbase last year, it seemed natural to use the Kickstarter platform to get the project off the ground, co-founder Jessica Romano said.
“We wanted to take the Lisa Frank designs, which are fun, colorful and youthful, and balance them with very professional products like matte mousse,” she said.
They met their goal on the first day of the project, and added in upgraded rewards tiers and a collaboration with YouTube star Wengie.
2. Mythic Legions Action Figures by Four Horsemen Studios
Butlers Place, NJ
Description: Mythic Legions is a line of beautifully detailed and fully articulated 6” scale fantasy action figures by Four Horsemen Studios.
Raised: 1,166 backers have pledged $452,528 over an initial goal of $140,000.
1. Mythic Legions 2 Action Figures by Four Horsemen Studios
Little Falls, NJ (FOR TOM: They moved between projects, hence the different locations)
Description: Mythic Legions series 2 expands the world of Mythic Legions with a line of all new 6” scale action figures by Four Horsemen Studios.
Raised: 1,868 backers have pledged $934,974 over an initial goal of $140,000.
What the founders said: Four Horseman first tried Kickstarter out of necessity, said Eric Mayse, co-owner of the company.
They held a campaign where fans would help to create an action figure line, choosing characters’ colors and accessories. There was only one problem.
“We were priced out of the factory,” Mayse said. “We found out the cost had risen exponentially on creating these figures.”
So they turned to their fans for help, asking for them to invest in the project in return for getting their beloved figures made. The company had so much success that they’ve returned twice now for other lines.
“We love what we do, and we’re so excited that other people love it as well,” he said.
20. TiGr: Titanium Lock as Cool as your Bike
Tewksbury, NJ
Description: A titanium bike lock that’s designed as cleanly and thoughtfully as a bike. It’s secure but elegant, simple and easy to use and store.
Raised: 740 backers have pledged $108,065 over an initial goal of $37,500
19. The Future of Smart Homes - B.One
North Brunswick, NJ
Description: Future Proof your home with B.One Smart HUB.
Raised: 535 backers have pledged $109,893 over an initial goal of $100,000
18. Secrets of the Lost Tomb
Montclair, NJ
Description: The Cinematic Pulp Action Adventure Board Game! A Fast-Paced Cooperative and Competitive Tomb Diving Experience for 1 to 6 Players!
Raised: 685 backers have pledged $111,889 over an initial goal of $50,000.
What the founders said: Chris Batarlis, president of Everything Epic Games, said in an email that the company was working on a sequel, Secrets of the Lost Station.
“We’re currently getting ready to go to one of the biggest game conventions in the world, ‘Gen Con’ in Indiana,” he said.
They plan to launch a new Kickstarter for the sequel on August 8.
17. Leaving Megalopolis
Somerset, NJ
Description: When the caped heroes of the world’s safest city inexplicably all turn into homicidal lunatics, no one is safe.
Raised: 4,194 backers have pledged $117,660 over an initial goal of $34,000
16. Platypod Pro Max
East Brunswick, NJ
Description: Meet Max, the versatile mini tripod for big camera rigs! Get steady shots in tight spots where standard tripods don’t dare to go.
Raised: 1,329 backers have pledged $118,943 over an initial goal of $30,000
15. STANTT: Casual Shirts That Fit Like They’re Tailored For You
Hoboken, NJ
Description: A revolutionary approach to fit with over 50 sizes created from 3D body scan data.
With just 3 clicks the size tailored for you ships.
Raised: 980 backers have pledged $120,195 over an initial goal of $15,000
14. The Brigadier automatic watch
Princeton, NJ
Description: A classy self-winding timepiece produced by watch lovers, for watch lovers.
Raised: 458 backers have pledged $122,161 over an initial goal of $18,000
13. Bring Back a Beautiful, New and Digital Ramsey Theatre!
Ramsey, NJ
Description: Ramsey Theatre, a neighborhood landmark for 86 years, has gone dark. Support the digital upgrade and renovation so it can open again.
Raised: 1,015 backers have pledged $126,132 over an initial goal of $125,000
What the founders said: Ramsey Theater co-owner Laura Rose had no experience with running a local, film-era theater when the longtime owner retired, leaving the theater with a different local woman who had no interest in figuring out how to modernize it.
But she googled theater digitization on a whim one day, and was inspired by the results.
“This young couple in Kentucky had run a Kickstarter to digitize their theater, and I was surprised that these people with a family and everything could still do it,” she said. “I went back in and found many Main Street theaters using this avenue.”
In September 2013, She created a 35-day campaign, with rewards ranging from a single ticket-and-popcorn deal to private screenings and free ads. The theater met its goal and opened the next January with digital projectors and renovated facilities.
Her advice for potential Kickstarter projects: “I searched for similar projects and did research on it,” Rose said. “Sit down, and analyze what seemed to work and what the rewards are.”
12. Ramos alarm clock
Hoboken, NJ
Description: Tired of sleeping through your alarm? Do you just hit the snooze button over and over again? Ramos is here to help!
Raised: 525 backers have pledged $153,585 over an initial goal of $75,000
11. Flippr: The Ironing Board That Saves 80% of Your Time
Livingston, NJ
Description: The first redesign of the ironing board since 1892. We have a way to shorten your ironing times by up to 80%.
Raised: 1,386 backers have pledged $162,052 over an initial goal of $20,000
10. Zortrax M200 - professional desktop 3D printer
Ewing, NJ
Description: Zortrax M200 is the professional 3D printer that will change the nature and the future of home 3D printing.
Raised: 144 backers have pledged $179,471 over an initial goal of $100,000
9. Canary in a Coal Mine
Princeton, NJ
Description: A film about life with ME, the world’s most prevalent orphan disease.
Raised: 2,593 backers have pledged $212,962 over an initial goal of $50,000
8. Draft Top - Turning beer cans into pint glasses
Long Branch, NJ
Description: The bar tool designed to safely remove the top of aluminum beverage cans. Drink Topless - you’ll enjoy what cans have to offer!
Raised: 3,199 backers have pledged $214,083 over an initial goal of $75,000
7. Platypod Ultra (+ Multi-Accessory Kit)
East Brunswick, NJ
Description: The world’s most compact tripod and versatile photography accessory has a brand-new look! Get low-angle shots in unusual spots.
Raised: 2,221 backers have pledged $226,337 over an initial goal of $20,000
6. Carbon Fiber Acoustic Electric Guitars | KLOS Guitars
Princeton, NJ
Description: Featuring a new carbon fiber acoustic electric model - the ultimate versatile guitar both on and off the stage.
Raised: 518 backers have pledged $302,736 over an initial goal of $10,000
5. Gothitropolis Raven Action Figure by Four Horsemen Studios
Butlers Place, NJ
Description: Fan-selected Gothitropolis 6” fully-articulated Raven action figure (& variants) from award-winning Four Horsemen Toy Design Studios.
Raised: 1,510 backers have pledged $303,666 over an initial goal of $65,000
4. Beasts of the Mesozoic: Raptor Series Action Figures
Hackensack, NJ
Description: Beasts of the Mesozoic is a line of 1/6th scale scientifically accurate dinosaur action figures, with great detail and articulation.
Raised: 2,661 backers have pledged $351,753 over an initial goal of $125,000.
3. Lisa Frank Makeup Collaboration
Secaucus, NJ
Description: We want to put Lisa Frank’s iconic artwork on our high quality & cruelty-free makeup! Help bring this collab to life!
Raised: 5,935 backers have pledged $370,063 over an initial goal of $30,000
What the founders said: Glamour Dolls Makeup was built with the help of crowdfunding and fan participation, said Peter Georgotas, co-founder of the business.
So when they joined forces with Lisa Frank’s an her diehard fanbase last year, it seemed natural to use the Kickstarter platform to get the project off the ground, co-founder Jessica Romano said.
“We wanted to take the Lisa Frank designs, which are fun, colorful and youthful, and balance them with very professional products like matte mousse,” she said.
They met their goal on the first day of the project, and added in upgraded rewards tiers and a collaboration with YouTube star Wengie.
2. Mythic Legions Action Figures by Four Horsemen Studios
Butlers Place, NJ
Description: Mythic Legions is a line of beautifully detailed and fully articulated 6” scale fantasy action figures by Four Horsemen Studios.
Raised: 1,166 backers have pledged $452,528 over an initial goal of $140,000.
1. Mythic Legions 2 Action Figures by Four Horsemen Studios
Little Falls, NJ (FOR TOM: They moved between projects, hence the different locations)
Description: Mythic Legions series 2 expands the world of Mythic Legions with a line of all new 6” scale action figures by Four Horsemen Studios.
Raised: 1,868 backers have pledged $934,974 over an initial goal of $140,000.
What the founders said: Four Horseman first tried Kickstarter out of necessity, said Eric Mayse, co-owner of the company.
They held a campaign where fans would help to create an action figure line, choosing characters’ colors and accessories. There was only one problem.
“We were priced out of the factory,” Mayse said. “We found out the cost had risen exponentially on creating these figures.”
So they turned to their fans for help, asking for them to invest in the project in return for getting their beloved figures made. The company had so much success that they’ve returned twice now for other lines.
“We love what we do, and we’re so excited that other people love it as well,” he said.
