The Biggest Crowdfunding Campaign Ever Is Probably Going to Fail bit.ly/13FB94j For the Ubuntu Edge, it’s $10 million down, $20 million to go. That’s because the proposed smartphone that would transform into a PC is aiming to raise $32 million on the crowdfunding site Indiegogo, and has committed to only take the money if it reaches its goal. There are only six days left in the month-long Ubuntu Edge campaign, and open-source developer Canonical has raised nearly $10.5 million. The previous record holder, smartwatch maker Pebble, had topped out at just about $10.3 million on Kickstarter (then again, Pebble’s original goal was $100,000). The new device would run both Ubuntu mobile OS and Android and convert into a desktop PC via a monitor. It would have much more memory and storage than the standard smartphone and a sapphire crystal display. Canonical compares it to Formula 1 in the car industry, a so-called “superphone” that would inspire broader innovation. Weirdly enough, it doesn’t sound like Canonical actually expected to reach its goal. “The campaign has sparked a level of interest that has surprised even us,” Canonical founder Mark Shuttleworth told the BBC. He indicated it was possible that the campaign would be extended or that large manufacturers who came “out of the woodwork” might help make the device. But perhaps the unattainable goal is in part what’s driving all the no-risk commitments. As the Ubuntu Edge Indiegogo page describes it: “If we don’t reach our target then we will focus only on commercially available handsets and there will not be an Ubuntu Edge. All contributions will be fully refunded.” The funny thing is, one of Indiegogo’s distinguishing factors is that it doesn’t require all-or-nothing campaigns, unlike its competitor Kickstarter. Indiegogo offers a “Flexible Funding” option that gives projects the options to keep all the money they raise, minus an additional five percent fee.
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 18:06:24 +0000
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