We knew that tech addicts can make pretty great backers when it comes to helping a startup get initial funding. But when they happen to be bike lovers discovering a product like FlyKly, well, they just turn a Kickstarter campaign into the craziest success story of the past weeks.
Champagne must be popping at the New York headquarters of Slovenian startup Flykly. Supported by more than 350 backers, the team raised over 100.000 dollars just two days after the launch of its campaign on crowdfunding platform Kickstarter.
Innovating in the e-bike field since 2011, the young company has developed a product coupled with an app to upgrade the ordinary bicycle with a motor and turn it into a pedal assist. The concept consists of Smart Wheel, a rear wheel with a built-in electric motor, and Smart Light – a device combining a light, and a phone holder with a charger. The free app allows controlling and monitoring the Smart Wheel. In addition to remotely locking the motor and tracking it via GPS it in case it gets stolen, the Flykly app also enables cyclists to share their rides and performances online. Currently, Flykly has a working prototype.
Niko Klansek, founder and CEO of FlyKly tells inventures.eu that his team and him are really “psyched” about reaching their goal so quickly. “We didn’t really expect everything to happen so fast. There’s still a lot of work to do and we’re not taking it any easier now. Our backers are still our main concern and we’re doing our best to be there for them all the way.”
Crowdfunding inspiration
Klansek explains that after having some previous experience with other crowdfunding campaigns, his team expected that support from the people will be the most beneficial factor. Indeed, many of FlyKly members were already involved in four other successful Slovenian Kickstarter campaigns: LL Stol, ONDU Pinhole, Musguard and Lumu.
“We decided to crowdfund our project because we find it as a very appropriate funding platform for young startups, especially ones that work in social connectivity and responsibility. We also like the fact that it makes it possible to test the market and makes the transition to regular market presence softer,” he said.
Klansek adds that if their campaign had failed, they would have probably sought traditional ways of funding – but that doesn’t seem to have been their number-one priority. “We haven’t really been thinking about back-up plans because we invested all of our time and energy in setting up this Kickstarter campaign for the past few months.”
What’s next?
Now that the target amount has been attained, Klansek says that they are not thinking about additional features or awards to their project yet. “Our main concern is to support our existing backers first and have the whole campaign under control. We’ll see how things will be turning out.”
The money will be invested in tools and equipment, and perhaps even more importantly, into the local production of Smart Wheel in New York.
Flykly is planning on shipping its first batch of products by May 2014.
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