What Works for Startups Like Yours?

Woosh is a screen and device cleaning product company founded in 2012 by Jason Greenspan that pivoted from car cleaning products after discovering their formula worked exceptionally well on electronics. The company achieved over 200-300% year-over-year growth, reaching $5-10 million in projected 2016 revenue through primarily wholesale distribution across retailers like Apple Store and Staples, with the product available in multiple form factors including a $10 spray-and-cloth combo.

First customers: CES 2012 trade show as proof of concept, distributing one-ounce bottle samples

Vertigris is a Silicon Valley-based IoT hardware and SaaS company founded by Mark Chung and two co-founders that helps commercial buildings monitor and optimize electricity usage. They install magnetic sensor clamps on electrical panels paired with an iPhone-like gateway device, then provide recurring software services for energy management and predictive analytics. With 300 customers generating approximately $260k MRR ($3.12M ARR) and a goal to reach $5M revenue in 2017 (4x growth from $1.2M in 2016), they've raised $16M in venture capital and leverage Verizon's 900-person sales team as their primary growth channel.

Noah Rasheta built iStabilizer, a smartphone and tablet accessories company, after struggling to film his young son at the park with his iPhone 3GS. Starting with a universal smartphone tripod adapter costing $1 to make and retailing for $19.95, he grew the business from $60-70K in first-year revenue to $400-500K after landing a Walmart deal. Today the company has 15 SKUs and generates significant revenue from major retailers like AT&T Wireless ($600K annually) and Walmart ($400K annually), with 75% of revenue from retail partnerships and 25% from online sales.

First customers: Website sales following product launch

BioWave is a medical device company founded by Brad Smith in 2007 that uses electrical signal technology to provide FDA-cleared, non-opioid pain relief. The company sells professional-grade devices ($3,500) to sports teams and hospitals, consumer home units ($895), and recurring revenue through disposable gel pads ($15 per pair) and high-margin percutaneous needle electrodes ($150 per pair). With 16 employees, 90+ pro sports teams as customers, presence in 34 VA hospitals, and a growing network of 70+ distributors, BioWave is projected to cross $5 million in annual revenue.

First customers: Direct outreach to New York Giants as first customer in 2007

TRX, founded by Navy SEAL Randy Hetrick in 2005, is a premium fitness hardware and education company that grew from $5M in angel funding to approximately $60M+ in annual revenue. Starting as a B2B business serving gyms and professional trainers for 10 years, TRX pivoted to B2C consumer sales and digital subscriptions, achieving massive growth during COVID-19 lockdowns when consumers sought home workout equipment.

Concept2 is a hardware company founded by Olympic rowers Dick and Peter Dreissigacker that manufactures rowing machines designed to replicate the authentic feeling of rowing on water. Initially built from bicycle parts in a Vermont barn and serving a niche market of rowing clubs and schools, the business accelerated significantly when Crossfit founder Greg Glassman began installing their machines in his gyms. Today, Concept2 sells rowing machines, stationary bikes, and skiing machines to thousands of gyms and home trainers worldwide.

First customers: Rowing clubs and schools that competed in the sport

Zipline is a drone delivery company founded by Keller Rinaudo Cliffton that transformed from a smartphone robot company into a global on-demand delivery service. The company started by delivering critical medical supplies to hospitals in Rwanda, demonstrating Keller's belief that innovation can improve lives outside traditional markets. Zipline is now expanding into the commercial market, targeting partnerships with retailers like Walmart for same-day package delivery.

First customers: Direct partnership with hospitals in Rwanda for medical supply delivery

Nuro is a hardware company building autonomous vehicles specifically designed for goods delivery rather than passenger transport. Founded by Dave Ferguson, the company has already partnered with major brands including Domino's Pizza, Uber Eats, and Kroger Grocery stores for pilot deliveries, with plans to expand across the country.

Rob Burke founded MindTalk Technology to create communication devices built into mouth guards that let users hear through vibrations transmitted via their jawbone and teeth. The company has soft commitments for 5,000 units and is working with professional teams like the Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars. Rob is raising $1.7 million on a convertible note with 6% interest, having already secured $100,000 in soft commitments.