Meet the Drapers is a crowdfunding show where people present business ideas to venture capitalist Tim Draper and a guest public. A large number of start-up companies have been funded and a lot have benefited from expert guidance as well as funding from the show. Here are 5 of the most successful ones:
1. Glampster
Glampster transformed the concept of camping with basic tents to delivering large, ready-to-use bell tents, teepees, and domes for glamorous camping in campsites. Monique Bautista, the founder of Glampster, presented pretty good numbers to the investors; their overall sales were at $200 000 in the first three months, and the campsites are booked for a year in advance. Meet the Drapers helped her raise $200,000 to which Glampster used on inventory, operations, and marketing. By a year, its sales crossed 600% as the travelers realised the beauty of glamourous tenting amidst pandemic situations for a private touch which can be enjoyed only outdoors.
Key Takeaway: Market identification of a specific segment of hospitality, targeting and growing the segment demonstrated good market signal which attracted investors.
2. YouFractal
YouFractal is an artificial intelligence based individualised nutrition. To perfect its nutrition test and increase the number of users of the unique service, the company obtained $150,000 funding on the show. What was more impressive was figures headed by the founder, Daniel Thomas, possessed scientifically grounded understanding about how DNA analysis and blood biomarkers can be used to give people accurate suggestion regarding nutrition, unlike hugely popular unintuitive diets. About 85% of its existing users claimed that its usage pulled up their health factors like weight loss within two to 3 months or signs of reduced inflammation. The investor interest and capital has accelerated the pace of research and development and also the pace at which the innovations produced are put to commercial use.
Key Takeaway: Strategic deep technologies aimed at improving health have a higher and higher potential.
3. Uprising Food
Gluten-free, vegan, allergan friendly snacks, without any added sugar of the Uprising Food’s granola online sales lastly reached its crowdfunding goal of $250,000 by winning the home audience votes of 74%. Stacy, the founder, talked about her health experience and the idea of developing healthy snacks for everyone. Afterword, in 3 months, Uprising Food increased an online sales 3000%; It fixed the problem with a packaging, retailing & utilizing online marketing and influencer diplomacy with emphasis on a healthy and eco-friendly ingredients.
Key Takeaway: Company mission suits a broader audience targeting caters to welfare nutrient solids Market.
4. Takumi Home
The facets of Japanese inspired modern furniture such as multifunctional tatami bed and innovative space saving modular closet are availed by Takumi Home in urban houses. The company that was founded by Jodelle and Jerome Chan received $300,000 of investment for expanding the manufacturing capability as well as for increasing inventory to meet growing needs. Takumi Home sales spiked at 800% within half a year after accepting the post capital infusion. It also provided funds for focused research into one’s own designs which are more suitable to the urban environments and the new trends. In recent past there has also been collaborations to display Takumi Home’s furniture in Japanese styled luxury hotel rooms.
Key Takeaway: It is good business to develop new cultural patterns that copy previous ones, but are different in todays world.
5. The Killer Creamery
The Killer Creamery was able to influence world famous Bitcoin investor Tim Draper to invest $250,000 into the business solely by having creamy, rich vegan ice cream made from coconut milk and avocado. Founder Jessica Osorio and I also discussed her vision to make vegan options without the use of animal products. Expansion into the retailer chains after the investment firmed up the opportunities of operational increase in distribution at 700% within a year and brand familiarity. Their new products combined with the focus on sustainability that addressed the consumers’ need to be more environmentally friendly sentiments made helping growth of over 900% since plant based foods started trending.
Key Takeaway: Desired copies of appealing products enhance replacement by new consumers beyond selective purchasers.
Meet the Drapers helped the above startups get funding and aid their growth paths from the hand of reputed investors. Their ability to develop creative solutions to key consumer needs using technologies and performing different positions in the market helped the companies to rapidly develop after investments. The capital injection and mentorship improved the sales and distribution performance although within short periods of time in unfavourable economic environments. These startup stories demonstrate how positioning strategies, innovation, and investors create market and consumer segment disruptions.
