Why flexible funding?

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Why flexible funding?

ddoak 02 Jun 2015 17:05

The Wireless Thymio campaign on Indiegogo uses flexible funding.

As I understand this, flexible funding doesn't actually guarantee anything to the backers (In contrast the fixed funding model seems to be more like an escrow arrangement).

We have a set of Thymio at school and I'd like to suggest that we upgrade them all to wireless.

However, for a school like ours (with a budget which is constrained by financial controls) the flexible funding model potentially makes it difficult to support the campaign.

To be clear, I have confidence in Mobsya's previous experience and ability to deliver - I am just surprised by the choice of a flexible funding model.

Re: Why flexible funding?

riedo 03 Jun 2015 06:46

Hello,

I see your point. But please do not worry, we will deliver the perks even if the goal is not fully met.

As we explained, the development of the wireless modules is in its final stage. We decided to do a crowdfunding campaign to let people pre-order the robots or upgrades, because at the beginning of the production a lot of costs come at the same time, because we want to have a good documentation when the new features come out, and because it could also give us an idea of the demand (are people interested in Wireless Thymio? in upgrades only?).

Our objective, 20'000 EUR, does not cover the whole development of the new modules as you can guess, but it would be the confortable amount that allows us to start the production without worries, hire help where needed (for example, documentation, translations, graphical design). If the campaign did not work at all, we would still go with the production, but some things would be delayed in the documentation for example, because we would do everything ourselves, one thing at a time. Now if the goal is half met, those preorders could still help, which is why we opted for flexible funding.
The campaign is also a good occasion to let Thymio users know about our new developments, and reach out to new people! And to thank those who trust us by preordering we give them an "early bird" price.

I hope that it is clearer now :)

Re: Why flexible funding?

ddoak 03 Jun 2015 16:16

Thanks for the explanation. I understand.

It is pretty much what I imagined - i.e. the crowdfunding doesn't provide an option which exactly fits your situation.

I can see that you gain some benficial publicity, market research and momentum from choosing a crowdfunding pathway - although I suspect that you may not be able to measure the full demand for Wireless Thymio since some people will be wary of crowdfunding and consequently may not engage with the campaign.