Using Crowdfunding for Product Validation, Nate Lawrie – AOTK 227

Art of the Kickstart

What will it take to get your new startup off the ground? How can you take advantage of amazing resources like crowdfunding for product validation? My guest today is professional athlete and innovator, Nate Lawrie. In our conversation, Nate opens up about what led him to create a startup around foam rollers, how he got his product up and running, why he went to Romania to get his product manufactured, what it was like to appear on Shark Tank and much more. You don’t want to miss a minute of this exciting and informative episode! Using what you know can make a huge difference. Have you ever wondered where some of the most innovative and exciting new products on the market come from? Everyone has a different approach when it comes to product research but sometimes it can be as simple as improving upon something you use every day. This was precisely the case for Nate Lawrie as he came up with the idea of improving an everyday item in his life, foam rollers. While the development process wasn’t easy, Nate’s credibility really shines through as a powerful asset on his journey of building a stable and thriving brand. To hear more about Nate’s journey creating the Brazyn roller, make sure to listen to this episode! How crowdfunding can help you with product validation. When it comes to consumer products, it can be tough to gauge what level of interest the general public will have. This is the very reason why many startup entrepreneurs are looking to crowdfunding to help with product validation. On this episode, Nate Lawrie explains why he started a campaign on Kickstarter and how it helped him with his product validation process. Nate says that his experience with crowdfunding was largely positive because it provided the influx of cash he needed to offset production costs, and he was able to accurately gauge market demand for his product. Make sure to listen to this episode as Nate expands on this important topic and much more! Why travel to Romania for manufacturing? As a new startup entrepreneur, it may sound a little out of left field to hear that Nate Lawrie had his product manufactured in Romania. Usually, such a move is something that experienced and connected business leaders make. So what was it that led Nate to Romania for product manufacturing? As it turns out, it was a family connection. Nate’s wife is originally from the country of Romania and her father runs a manufacturing facility there. Like any good entrepreneur, Nate was able to use his network to successfully launch his product. What can you learn from his story? Find out on this episode! Is the Shark Tank experience really worth it? Imagine getting the opportunity for your brand to be featured on Shark Tank, sounds like a dream come true right? What would you do to get that opportunity? How do you think you’d fare? On this episode, Nate Lawrie provides his inside look at how the Shark Tank experience played out and offers some advice for entrepreneurs who may have hopes of appearing on the show. Nate says that the best part of the Shark Tank experience was getting his brand on such a massive platform. The nice boost in sales was positive as well. To hear more about Nate’s Shark Tank experience, make sure to listen to this episode! Key Takeaways [1:05] Nate Lawrie joins the podcast and talks about why he loves using foam rollers. [4:00] What was the process of creating the Brazyn roller? [5:30] The biggest challenge during the development process. [7:30] Nate talks about finding supplies and materials for the Brazyn roller. [9:20] Why did Nate and his team choose the crowdfunding route? [12:30] What was Nate’s experience appearing on Shark Tank like? [16:30] Advice for entrepreneurs who want to appear on Shark Tank. [17:30] Nate enters the Launch Round. [20:00] What does the future of crowdfunding look like? [21:30] How to connect with Brazyn. Links Shark Tank Elon Musk Shoe Dog