Crowdfunding - 6 things you need to know in 2026
Have you thought about using crowdfunding to kick off your new project idea? Whether you are testing an early concept or ready to ship thousands of units, crowdfunding helps you build a community while you build your product.
The year 2025 showcased several successful innovators who collectively raised millions of pounds and achieved widespread viral notoriety. Two have attracted our attention and we thought we'd share with you the secret of their success.
Success Stories: Persistence and Better Design
Ayal Rosenberg wanted to make Tech Human Again. His true passion is the intersection of music and technology. While studying in New York, he became obsessed with a single problem: why is electronic music gear so intimidating?
Most music tools look like airplane cockpits, black metal, hundreds of buttons, and complex screens. Inspired by the idea that music should be learned through play, Ayal designed Tembo, an instrument that looks and feels like a high-end wooden board game. Instead of clicking a mouse, you place magnetic pucks on a wooden grid to create beats. There is no screen; it is tactile, natural, and inviting.
He launched the Tembo campaign on Kickstarter in March 2026. It became an instant hit, raising over $2.1 million (£1.65M) in weeks. By launching this way, he proved to sceptical retailers that there is a massive, multi-million pound hunger for tactile, family-friendly tools. There are still 29 days to go if you would like to back this project!
