EPISODE · May 25, 2026 · 13 MIN
Why Hardware Startups Should Sell Before Building
from Hardware Startups with Fexingo: Devices, Robotics, and Manufacturing Tech Companies · host Fexingo
Episode 11 of Hardware Startups with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dive into the concept of preselling hardware before manufacturing. They look at the case of Pebble, which raised over $10 million on Kickstarter before producing a single watch, and contrast it with modern crowdfunding failures like the Skarp laser razor. Lucas explains how presales validate demand, reduce inventory risk, and improve cash flow. Luna pushes back on the downsides: pressure to ship, backorder hell, and the danger of overpromising. They discuss how startups like Framework and Nothing have used waitlists and deposits to build hype without overcommitting. The episode ends with a practical checklist for hardware founders considering a presale strategy. #HardwareStartups #Crowdfunding #Pebble #Kickstarter #Presales #InventoryRisk #CashFlow #FrameworkLaptop #Nothing #SkarpLaserRazor #DemandValidation #Hardware #Startups #Business #Technology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
What this episode covers
Episode 11 of Hardware Startups with Fexingo. Lucas and Luna dive into the concept of preselling hardware before manufacturing. They look at the case of Pebble, which raised over $10 million on Kickstarter before producing a single watch, and contrast it with modern crowdfunding failures like the Skarp laser razor. Lucas explains how presales validate demand, reduce inventory risk, and improve cash flow. Luna pushes back on the downsides: pressure to ship, backorder hell, and the danger of overpromising. They discuss how startups like Framework and Nothing have used waitlists and deposits to build hype without overcommitting. The episode ends with a practical checklist for hardware founders considering a presale strategy. #HardwareStartups #Crowdfunding #Pebble #Kickstarter #Presales #InventoryRisk #CashFlow #FrameworkLaptop #Nothing #SkarpLaserRazor #DemandValidation #Hardware #Startups #Business #Technology #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast #Podcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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Why Hardware Startups Should Sell Before Building
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