# #023 - Developing consumer products with an all-in-one manufacturer in China that is just different, with Jacob Rothman of Platform88, China

- Show: [The Hardware Entrepreneur](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur)
- Published: 2017-04-26
- Length: 35m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i
- Listen: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/thehardwareentrepreneur/023.mp3

## Summary

Jacob Rothman, co-founder of Platform88, explains how his company bridges the gap between Western hardware startups and Chinese manufacturing by offering transparency and vertical-specific expertise. He details Platform88's evolution from a trading company to owning three factories that produce consumer goods like water bottles and kitchenware, citing Stojo as a key success story. Rothman emphasizes that startups should engage with manufacturers early in the design phase to navigate supply chain complexities and avoid costly mistakes, noting that traditional consumer products often offer better opportunities than high-tech ventures. He also discusses the cultural shifts in China, the importance of building trust through open communication, and how Platform88 helps startups manage cash flow constraints.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=0) Introduction: Jacob Rothman and Platform88
- [5:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=332) Jacob's Journey: From Trading to Manufacturing
- [9:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=554) Platform88's Factories and Services
- [12:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=742) Differentiation: Transparency and Vertical Focus
- [15:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=906) When Startups Should Engage Platform88
- [18:11](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=1091) Case Study: Working with Stojo
- [24:16](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=1456) Market Trends: Millennials and Niche Products
- [26:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-04-26-023-developing-consumer-products-with-an-all-in-one-manufacturer-in-china-that-i#t=1569) Managing Cash Flow for Startups

## Topics

- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Design for manufacturing & NPI](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/design-for-manufacturing)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Platform88 (company)
- Stojo (product)
- Oxo (company)
- Weber (company)
- Hydro Flask (company)
- Razor Scooters (company)
- OmniCcharge (product)
- Indiegogo (other)
- Kickstarter (other)
- Walmart (company)
- Target (company)
- Home Depot (company)
- Lowe's (company)
- Stelton (company)
- Rubbermaid (company)
- Clean Canteen (company)
- Swell (company)
- Hand Ground (product)
- Crew V (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Zach Hoeken Smith - Creative China Commorant](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2012-11-12-an-interview-with-zach-hoeken-smith-creative-china-commorant) (The Amp Hour)
- [064: Preparing and Executing Your Product's First Production Run](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2021-02-23-064-preparing-and-executing-your-products-first-production-run) (Product Startup)
- [S6E47 Brogan Miller | Being a Doula for Hardware Startups, Manufacturing in Asia, and How to Start Networking](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2025-11-21-s6e47-brogan-miller-being-a-doula-for-hardware-startups-manufacturing-in-asia-an) (Being an Engineer)
- [The Advantages and Challenges of Manufacturing in China with Case Engelen of Titoma](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-01-19-the-advantages-and-challenges-of-manufacturing-in-china-with-case-engelen-of-tit) (Predictable Designs Podcast)
- [180: Hardware Startup Tips for Non-Technical Founders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2023-06-15-180-hardware-startup-tips-for-non-technical-founders) (Product Startup)

## Citing this page

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