10 Most Successful Crowdfunded Companies of All Time

Crowdfunding changed how entrepreneurs and innovators bring their ideas to life. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe have enabled thousands of companies to secure funding directly from consumers. Some campaigns have exceeded expectations, raising millions of dollars and establishing themselves as industry leaders. Here’s a look at some of the most successful crowdfunded companies.

1. Oculus Rift

One of the most well-known crowdfunding success stories, Oculus Rift, launched its Kickstarter campaign in 2012 with a goal of $250,000. The virtual reality (VR) headset company ended up raising over $2.4 million. This success caught the attention of tech giants, and in 2014, Facebook acquired Oculus for $2 billion, solidifying its position as a leader in VR technology.

2. Pebble

Pebble was a pioneer in the smartwatch industry. Its 2012 Kickstarter campaign raised over $10.3 million, making it one of the highest-funded projects at the time. In 2015, the company launched another campaign for the Pebble Time, which raised $20.3 million. Despite its success, Pebble was eventually acquired by Fitbit in 2016, marking the end of its independent journey.

3. Coolest Cooler

The Coolest Cooler was a multifunctional cooler featuring a blender, Bluetooth speaker, and USB charger. It became one of Kickstarter’s biggest campaigns, raising over $13.2 million in 2014. However, despite its success in fundraising, the company struggled with production and eventually ceased operations, becoming a cautionary tale in crowdfunding.

4. Exploding Kittens

This card game, created by Elan Lee, Matthew Inman (of The Oatmeal), and Shane Small, took Kickstarter by storm in 2015. It raised over $8.7 million from more than 219,000 backers, making it one of the most backed crowdfunding campaigns in history. The game has since expanded into multiple editions and remains a popular party game.

5. Baubax Travel Jacket

Baubax introduced a travel jacket with multiple built-in features like a neck pillow, gloves, and a drink pocket. The 2015 Kickstarter campaign raised $9.2 million, making it one of the most successful fashion-related crowdfunding projects. The company has since released multiple versions and remains a strong player in the travel apparel market.

6. Star Citizen

Star Citizen, an ambitious open-world space simulation game, is the highest-funded crowdfunding project in history. Initially launched on Kickstarter in 2012, it raised over $2 million. However, the developers continued raising funds through their website, amassing over $600 million by 2024. The game remains in development but has a loyal community of supporters.

7. Flow Hive

Flow Hive revolutionized beekeeping by introducing an innovative hive that allows honey to be harvested without disturbing the bees. Its 2015 Indiegogo campaign raised over $12.2 million. The product has since gained worldwide popularity among beekeepers and sustainability enthusiasts.

8. Pono Music

Founded by musician Neil Young, Pono Music aimed to provide high-fidelity digital music players and services. The Kickstarter campaign raised $6.2 million in 2014. Although the company eventually ceased operations, it demonstrated the demand for high-quality audio products.

9. Eoma68 Computer

The Eoma68 Computer was a modular, eco-friendly computer designed for sustainability. It raised significant funds on crowdfunding platforms, showing that there is a demand for ethical and environmentally friendly technology solutions.

10. Shenmue III

The sequel to the beloved Shenmue video game series, Shenmue III, launched a Kickstarter campaign in 2015. It raised over $6.3 million, making it one of the most successful video game crowdfunding projects. The game was eventually released in 2019, fulfilling the dreams of its dedicated fanbase.

Crowdfunding empowered startups and creators to bypass traditional investment channels and connect directly with their audience. While some of these companies have thrived and even been acquired by major corporations, others have struggled despite massive funding. Nonetheless, these stories highlight the potential of crowdfunding as a tool for innovation and entrepreneurship.

If you’re looking to launch a crowdfunding campaign, these examples offer valuable lessons on how to engage backers, manage expectations, and execute a successful project.