# #015 - How to benefit for your hardware project from the first major crowdfunding platform, with Sandy Diao of Indiegogo, USA

- Show: [The Hardware Entrepreneur](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur)
- Published: 2017-03-01
- Length: 23m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p
- Listen: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thehardwareentrepreneur/015.mp3

## Summary

Sandy Diao, Director of Strategic Programs at Indiegogo, explains how the platform differs from Kickstarter through its for-profit business model, direct entrepreneur support, and hardware-focused audience. She discusses the importance of having working prototypes for crowdfunding success and cites exits like Misfit (acquired by Fossil) and IHang as evidence of the platform's value for raising follow-on funding. Diao also highlights Indiegogo's new initiatives, including Arrow Electronics certification for hardware trust and direct retailer connections, while noting cultural differences in launch timelines between Chinese and US entrepreneurs.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=0) Introduction and Indiegogo's Origins
- [4:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=251) Sandy Diao's Role and Motivation
- [6:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=373) Indiegogo vs. Kickstarter: Business Model and Audience
- [8:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=502) Optimal Stage for Crowdfunding: Prototypes and Trust
- [11:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=662) Crowdfunding Exits: Misfit, IHang, and Follow-on Funding
- [14:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=865) New Initiatives: Arrow Certification and Retail Partnerships
- [17:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=1058) Career Advice, Books, and Productivity Habits
- [20:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p#t=1242) Cultural Differences: China vs. US Launch Timelines

## Topics

- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Fundraising & investors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fundraising)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Indiegogo (company)
- Kickstarter (company)
- The ONE Smart Piano (product)
- Misfit (company)
- Fossil (company)
- IHang (company)
- Arrow Electronics (company)
- Amazon (company)
- Brookstone (company)
- Target (company)
- New Egg (company)
- Rivwood Solutions (company)
- The Black Swan (other)
- Flux (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [117: Successful Equity Crowdfunding for Hardware Startups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2022-03-09-117-successful-equity-crowdfunding-for-hardware-startups) (Product Startup)
- [067: Modern Funding Tools for Hardware Product Startups](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-03-16-067-modern-funding-tools-for-hardware-product-startups) (Product Startup)
- [233: Raising Money For Scaling Via a Crowdfunding Campaign](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-07-25-233-raising-money-for-scaling-via-a-crowdfunding-campaign) (Product Startup)
- [Kickstarter, IndieGoGo & Ignite - Jasperated Jimswinger Jobbery](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-04-24-kickstarter-indiegogo-ignite-jasperated-jimswinger-jobbery) (The Amp Hour)
- [065: Hardware Funding from Seed Financing to Millions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-03-02-065-hardware-funding-from-seed-financing-to-millions) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-03-01-015-how-to-benefit-for-your-hardware-project-from-the-first-major-crowdfunding-p. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Hardware Entrepreneur.