EZ_Duffle Wraps Up a Successful $130,000 Kickstarter Crowdfunding Campaign and Moves Post-Order Sales to Indiegogo’s InDemand

Backers agree EZ_Duffle is the perfect adaptable carry-on luggage with 22 compartments designed for everything from clothes to electronic devices

By Robert Hoskins, Crowdfunding PR

Montreal, Canada – Creators of EZ_Duffle, which raised more than $130,000 (USD) from backers during a lucrative six-week Kickstarter campaign, are now moving forward with post-orders on Indiegogo’s InDemand.

Electronics module easily clips in and out and is equipped with a dedicated smartphone pocket, a padded tablet compartment, a documents pocket, 2 mesh pockets for all your small items

“We can’t wait to deliver the bags to you,” said the creators of EZ_Duffle, Jean-Francois and Michael Holuigue. The duo is already overseas at their manufacturing facility, addressing final product refinements and setting up quality control logistics to get production underway.

Offering both daily and air travelers a versatile bag with 30-plus smart features and 22 compartments designed to carry everything from clothes to electronic devices, the creators thoughtfully designed their product to be the most versatile bag on the market today.

Travelers can save time on packing and never worry again about how to pack, what to put where, and how to organize everything they need for their trips.

“Say no to wrinkled clothes, crumpled papers and beat-up gadgets,” said Jean-Francois Holuigue, who co-founded Torba, the company that developed EZ_Duffle. “Grab what you need, when you need it, period.”

Backers agree EZ_Duffle is the perfect adaptable carry-on luggage with 22 compartments designed for everything from clothes to electronic devices

EZ_Duffle features include:

• 22 compartments with numerous interior mesh pockets
• A multi-purpose garment strap
• Two padded side modules for electronics and accessories that allow people to easily organize their items – with easy-to-open magnetic flaps that are both secure and easily accessible
• Spill-proof toiletry pockets
• A vented laundry compartment that keeps worn, smelly clothes separate from other packed items
• A storage sleeve that doubles as a washable shoe bag or an extra laundry bag
• A dedicated space for a 15″ laptop
• Built-in interior LED lights in the side- and middle-compartments
• A dual-zipper main opening that gives an unencumbered view of everything inside
• Three distinct carrying options: briefcase style, over-the-shoulder with an ergonomic seven-position shoulder strap, or backpack-style using its adjustable chest strap
• Scratch-resistant PU exterior shell, YKK waterproof zippers and a shock-resistant base – making the bag’s exterior 100-percent water resistant.

When travelers need extra space for shoes, jackets and other large items, EZ_Duffle can be configured without side modules. Also, for instant access to hats, shirts, and other garments stored in the main compartment, EZ_Duffle provides a quick-access flap on top – doubling as a “grab n’ go” solution for items in the spill-free toiletry pocket.

EZ_Duffle is also designed to allow the interior to be partitioned in three unique ways: into three compartments for short trips, using the main chamber for clothes and two side modules for electronics and accessories, using all EZ_Duffle’s space by detaching both side modules when getting ready for sports or other activities that require bulky items, or detaching one side module for a two-compartment configuration.

EZ_Duffle can also be purchased with an optional 10,000 mAh battery, featuring Quick Charge, universal compatibility (USB-c, lightning, micro-USB), and connection to the smart pocket located at the top of the bag, for charging smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices while on the go.

For more information visit the EZ_Duffle Campaign Page on Indiegogo InDemand.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins is considered one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding experts that has amassed a huge social media following, which is dedicated to supporting donation-, rewards- and equity-based crowdfunding campaigns.

 

 

Advertisement

Bluesmart Luggage Portfolio Raises More Than $1 Million via Ongoing Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign

 The world’s first smart luggage system helps travelers avoid baggage fees for overweight luggage, breeze through airport security and keeps bags protected

By Robert Hoskins, Crowdfunding PR

New York City, New York – Bluesmart has successfully launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to fund the 2nd generation of one of the world’s first smart suitcases. The new Bluesmart travel product line includes: a carry-on luggage, a checked bag, a laptop bag, and a passport pouch. Powered by its second-generation technology, all products connect to Bluesmart’s new app, to work as a system assisting travelers along their journey. The line brings upgraded materials, expanded capacity, colors and a new sleek, iconic look.

The world’s first smart luggage system helps travelers avoid baggage fees for overweight luggage, breeze through airport security and keeps bags protected against theft and can locate them if stolen

“The travel experience is in desperate need of an upgrade. We started a revolution three years ago with the creation of the world’s first smart suitcase, now being used in more than 100 countries,” said Tomi Pierucci, co-founder and CEO of Bluesmart. “Our ultimate goal is to make the traveler’s journey as enjoyable as the destination. Series 2 is a further step in that direction, incorporating the feedback and ideas from thousands of users and harnessing the latest technologies.”

With the Series 2 Luggage System travelers will know the location of all their belongings at all times and never again have to deal with lost luggage, forgotten passports and bags left behind. It helps travelers avoid baggage fees for overweight luggage, breeze through airport security and keeps bags protected against theft. Additionally, Series 2 travelers can keep all devices, including laptops, powered up along the way. A detailed listing of all Series 2 products’ features and specifications can be found on the Bluesmart website: http://bluesmart.com/indiegogo.

Bluesmart’s second-generation technology upgrades the location tracking system making it compatible with every country’s cellular networks and improving accuracy to unprecedented levels. The new battery system allows for faster charging and longer duration of charge. The new weight sensors system increases accuracy and usability. The Series 2 line is compliant with all major aviation and transportation regulators (FAA, DOT & TSA).

Bluesmart’s Second-generation Technology Options:

• Bluesmart Luggage Cabin – The Series 2 Cabin has been thoughtfully redesigned increasing packing capacity by 25%, improving the fabrics and materials and refining its silhouette. The product features GPS+3G location tracking, remote auto-locking and supercharging capabilities.
• Bluesmart Luggage Check – The Series 2 Check is a 29 inches robust suitcase that expands the Cabin’s technology and design for longer trips. In addition to the GPS+3G location tracking and remote auto-locking, it features a new smart weight sensing system that alerts for potential overweight baggage fees via the app.
• Bluesmart Luggage Laptop Bag – The Series 2 Laptop Bag is an elegant business briefcase that attaches seamlessly to the Series 2 suitcases. This bag features Bluetooth location tracking, distance alerts and a removable supercharger that powers up smartphones and laptops.
• Bluesmart Luggage Passport Pouch – The Series 2 Passport Pouch helps travelers never again leave their passports and travel documents behind. It protects travelers’ essentials with Bluetooth tracking capabilities, RFID blocker and water-resistant materials.
• Bluesmart Luggage Mobile App – The new app provides a more intuitive travel experience, identifying and anticipating travelers needs through all stages of the journey – from flight schedules, gates, destination, currency exchange, weather and more. With the app travelers are able to manage all Bluesmart products in one central hub.

Bluesmart Series 2 is available for pre-order through Indiegogo. The pre-order campaign will last 30 days and the products will ship approximately 90 days after the pre-order campaign ends.

Pierucci continued, “We came back to Indiegogo for this launch because we care deeply for our original community, who supported us on our first product launch. We want to thank them by giving them first access to the limited units of Series 2 that are available at big discounts and will ship in just weeks.”

“We are very proud to have enabled Bluesmart to emerge thanks to our platform,” said Slava Rubin, Founder of Indiegogo. “It’s amazing to see it return to Indiegogo for their second generation product. Bluesmart was one of the most successful campaigns on Indiegogo and it delivered a great, quality product on time. We’re confident that Bluesmart will continue its amazing success with their Series 2.”

Bluesmart is an award-winning travel goods company known for pioneering the smart luggage category. Founded by a group of entrepreneurial friends in New York, it launched the world’s first smart connected luggage, with a crowdfunding campaign that raised over $2 million in 2014. The BBC called the product “the iPhone of Luggage” and the FT “the biggest thing since wheels.”

Since then the company went on to scale production and ship to over 110 countries, entering 200 stores in prestigious retailers such as MoMA Stores and Neiman Marcus. The company has raised $18M in venture capital from prestigious investors in Silicon Valley and Asia. The products have received several awards including the “RedDot Design Award” and have been endorsed by celebrities such as Usain Bolt and Tony Hawk.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding PR” to see why Mr. Hoskins runs one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding PR, social media and marketing agencies that has amassed a huge social media following and is dedicated to supporting a wide variety of donation, rewards and equity crowdfunding campaigns.

 

Kickstarter Crowdfunding Campaign Raises Money for Wavepod Technologies’ Smart Wi-Fi Device that Connects Home Security Devices

Homsecure is designed to connect existing home alarm systems and send alerts to a user’s smartphone while they’re away

By Robert Hoskins, Crowdfunding PR

Dublin, California – After launching a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter less than a month ago, Wavepod Technologies now offers Homsecure, a smart device allows users to upgrade their home security systems using smart technology at a more affordable price than competitors. Homsecure allows users to stay more connected with the status of their home, and requires very little setup.

Homsecure is a smart WiFi device that connects your existing home alarms and provides alerts on your phone when you are away

“Our friends and family are already using Homsecure, all with great results!” said Sundeep Chauhan, CEO of Homsecure. “In the process, we have established partnerships locally and abroad to enable us to successfully manufacture Homsecure.”

Having a secure and safe home is invaluable. Homsecure creates an added sense of security using smart technology and notifying owners when something goes wrong. Not only will consumers feel more at ease about the status of their home when they are away, but Homsecure also works seamlessly with existing alarms. This means installation is easy and allows for all of the benefits of smart technology, without the need to replace the entire system.

Integrating pre-existing alarms ensures that Homsecure is fully equipped to keep a user’s home safe while also maintaining assurance. Leaving the home can be hard for certain people. This device is able to give homeowners peace of mind. Additionally, in case of power outages, internet connection issues, or tampering, Homsecure is computerized to send notifications immediately.

Cheaper than other alternatives currently on the market, Homsecure only requires one device to fully function throughout the entire home. Companies like ADT charge hundreds of dollars a year for the same capabilities that Wavepod Technologies has created through this device.

The team has been working extremely hard to ensure Homsecure is not only a concept, but an actual product. Wavepod Technologies has already developed both an iOS and an Android app, a cloud platform on Amazon Web Services (AWS) and successfully manufactured the final design prototype. In the process, they have established partnerships locally and abroad to enable them to successfully manufacture Homsecure.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins runs one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding PR, social media and marketing agencies that has amassed a huge social media following and is dedicated to supporting a wide variety of donation, rewards and equity crowdfunding campaigns.

FitForLaunch.com Launches Rewards-Based Crowdfunding Campaigns for Enomad, Knops, M3 and Snapmaker

To date, the new crowdfunding platform has successfully raised $8.2 million for product development and guarantees delivery for crowdfunded pre-orders

By Robert Hoskins, Crowdfunding PR

Fulton, Maryland – FitForLaunch announced the launch of its new platform for crowdfunding pre-orders. FitForLaunch is unique in that it offers consumers peace of mind with a delivery guarantee, so that they can pre-order the coolest tech without any risks. Should a business fail to deliver within 12 months, FitForLaunch will either refund their purchase or secure an equal or better replacement.

FitForLaunch.com Launches Rewards Crowdfunding Campaigns for Enomad, Knops, M3 and Snapmaker

Every company that joins FitForLaunch undergoes a thorough vetting in 5 key areas: Market feasibility, technical feasibility, production feasibility, financial feasibility and creator feasibility. Each key area is evaluated by a team of subject matter experts; only companies that are viable in all key areas are permitted to join the platform and considered fit for launch.

FitForLaunch debuted in June 2017 with four companies (M3D, Snapmaker, Knops, and Enomad) that have already had successful crowdfunding campaigns representing a total of $8.2 million raised for product development. FitForLaunch expects to add a dozen additional vetted companies every month and aims to help them increase pre-order revenues by addressing new markets.

FitForLaunch companies also benefit by having access to strategic advice in areas of marketing, manufacturing, employment, and even taxes.  Helping companies learn how to keep their costs down and have sound strategies maximizes their chance of success.  FitForLaunch’s experience allows us to help companies avoid pitfalls and save hundreds of thousands, if not millions.  A short conversation with an expert can have a huge impact and is an additional value for companies joining the platform.

FitForLaunch encourages companies with new products to take pre-orders using a crowdfunding-type mechanism as opposed to setting up their own ecommerce site until they are in stock.  Leveraging a platform like FitForLaunch also helps protect them from fraud, chargebacks and merchant processor holdback reserves.  Many creators do not realize that credit card processors have the potential to devastate a startup by denying them access to the funds they’ve raised.  New companies also may lack the resources for setting up their own ecommerce site and maintaining it along with screening purchases against fraud and dealing with chargebacks.

FitForLaunch was born out of witnessing failures that were predictable due to our fundamental understanding of the crowdfunding space and experience with manufacturing operations.  We saw trust in the crowdfunding space falling and wanted to do something about it.  We developed a proprietary system for predicting success – our own underwriting process for gaging risk.  We then surveyed buyers and found an underserved market of purchasers that would pre-order projects only if given a guarantee, even with a significant additional fee.  FitForLaunch was then setup as a way to effectively communicate and support our own vetting and guarantee process.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins runs one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding PR, social media and marketing agencies that has amassed a huge social media following and is dedicated to supporting a wide variety of donation, rewards and equity crowdfunding campaigns.

SpaceoutVR Launches Equity Crowdfunding Campaign on Netcapital.com to Raise Money for a New High Tech Mobile Virtual Reality Company

The team has had an exciting quarter leading up to this campaign, with several big milestones including a seed funding round with $365k invested

By Robert Hoskins

Troy, NY – SpaceoutVR, Inc. announced the launch of an equity crowdfunding campaign on Netcapital.coml to raise money for a Mobile Virtual Reality software company. Their product, Spaceout.VR is a free to play Social VR MMO for iOS & Android that monetizes with upgrades and features for entertainment, gaming and communications.

SpaceoutVR Launches Equity Crowdfunding Campaign on Netcapital.com to Raise Money for a New High Tech Mobile Virtual Reality Company

“We are pleased to offer our friends and fans an opportunity to grow with our company,” said SpaceoutVR’s CEO, V. Owen Bush. “Equity crowdfunding is how the future is funded and SpaceoutVR is the future of immersive entertainment.”

The VR MMO engages players with fun VR experiences. Players aim to win by building the biggest Space Station in VR. Using machine learning and social media analysis, the MMO populates personal spaces with the digital content that players love. A social feed allows players to meet, share, and leave messages for each other. A gamified user economy will drive the revenue of SpaceoutVR, Inc.

With two years of operations, over 250,000 app downloads and over $1.2M invested, the startup is on the launchpad to success. The team has had an exciting quarter leading up to this campaign, with several big milestones including a seed funding round with $365k invested.

SpaceoutVR has been selected as a top featured VR app for the Google Play Store and smashed new records in engagement with an average session of 18.33 mins in May. The team launched Spaceout.VR v 1.3.1 with a Social VR Feed and in-app 360 Photo Sharing.  Spaceout.VR is now a top featured app on the Google Cardboard VR Library.

On June 29, 2017, SpaceoutVR won the CEG Technology Award “Judges’ Choice for Technology”. They were also awarded a free booth at both TechCrunch Disrupt in May and at the Northside Festival, June 7-9 in New York.

The company was co-founded by four senior executives in Gaming, Entertainment and Digital Marketing. SpaceoutVR, Inc. hopes to become a defining brand in mass-market consumer VR, and they have the experience behind them to make it happen.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins runs one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding PR, social media and marketing agencies that has amassed a huge social media following and is dedicated to supporting a wide variety of donation, rewards and equity crowdfunding campaigns.

 

XChime “Smart” Video Doorbell Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign Allows Homeowners to See Who’s at the Front and Garage Doors via Smartphone App

Affordability combined with new video doorbell features such as garage door opener and add-on smart light bulb extend safety to front and garage doors

By Robert Hoskins

Chicago, Illinois – Home security and automation just got a bit smarter with the launch of Xchime’s Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. With video doorbells being a key part of any home safety setup, Xchime aims to broaden the usefulness by adding convenience and security features such as a garage door opener and smart light bulb integration. Soon after it’s launch, Xchime has exceeded its goal by 200% having raised $45,526 from 431 backers and is already 100% funded with first units expected to ship quickly by August 2017.

XChime Smart Video Doorbell Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign Allows Homeowners to See Who’s at the Front Door or Garage Door from Anywhere via a Smartphone App

Expand Beyond the Front Door

Garages are one of the entry points for criminals, typically when home owners forget to (completely) close the garage door. With an additional Xchime unit set up in the garage, instantly view the status of your garage door from your mobile device. Open or close it with one touch from our mobile app, using the optional garage door opener kit add-on accessory. Light is also a major deterrent to would-be thieves. Integrate your smart light bulbs with Xchime to remotely turn on or off exterior lights.

Say Goodbye to Lag

Lag time is a common complaint with other video doorbells. Anyone who’s used one knows the frustration of having a 7 or 8 second delay from when someone pushes the doorbell to when you can see and hear what’s going on. Xchime’s crack team of engineers worked hard to significantly reduce lag time, getting it closer to real-time.

Fits Any Budget

Leading video doorbells range from $199 to $249. Early backers of Xchime can get units for only $129 each, making the Xchime a perfect fit for any home budget.

Xchime features also include:

• HD video (1080p)
• Two-way audio
• Video live-view and communication
• Latency (lag)-free streaming
• Night vision
• Wide-view angle
• Cloud recording
• Wide operating temperature range (-40F to 150F)
• Dual power supply (16-24VAC & 12-24VDC)

The Xchime Story

Xchime isn’t your typical inventor in a garage. The company boasts experienced engineers with backgrounds from Motorola and Qualcomm, along with seed funding from Ufrate and other angel investors to the tune of $420,000. “To fit in each doorframe, Xchime uses the standard rectangular shape design similar to other doorbells on the market, but what makes it stand out from competitors is what’s on the inside,” says CEO Gary Bi. “Our team used our experience in Real-Time Communications to reduce the lag that other video doorbells have, fulfilling the promise of almost instant views of who’s at your door. And why stop there? Home security is about the entire perimeter, not just the front door. Our add-ons mean you can secure your garage and control lights through Xchime for more peace of mind.”

Get your early units of Xchime now at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/xchime-doorbell-watch-your-home-from-your-phone.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins runs one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding PR, social media and marketing agencies that has amassed a huge social media following and is dedicated to supporting a wide variety of donation, rewards and equity crowdfunding campaigns.

 

 

HelloMD Receives $200k Boost for Dual “Form C, Series A” & “Reg. CF” Crowdfunding Raise of $1,216,314 with 27 Days Left

HelloMD launched its crowdfunding offering on the SeedInvest platform last month and has already received over $1,216,314 from over 795 investors

By Robert Hoskins

San Francisco, California – HelloMD – one of the nation’s largest communities of medical cannabis patients – announced that it had received an investment of $200,000 from SeedInvest’s “Selections Fund.” The money will count towards the amount HelloMD is targeting to raise from the crowdfunding platform, as well as from accredited investors in its funding round.

HelloMD launched its crowdfunding offering on the SeedInvest platform last month and has already received over $1,216,314 from over 795 investors.

HelloMD launched its crowdfunding offering on the SeedInvest platform last month and has already received over $1,216,314 from over 795 investors for app that markets marijuana products/services

“We like what HelloMD has accomplished thus far and feel it’s well positioned to capitalize as an early leader in a rapidly growing market,” stated Ryan Feit, SeedInvest CEO and Co-Founder. “Our Selections Fund invests alongside individual angel investors in some of the most promising companies on our platform,” he continued.

Since launching service in California two years ago, HelloMD has developed a rapid following among medical marijuana patients seeking to remedy things like anxiety, stress and chronic pain to more serious medical issues like cancer and epilepsy. The site connects patients, doctors, retailers and brands in an online community where advice on product selection, health & wellness and anything related to medical cannabis can be discovered.

“We are on a mission to create the largest medical cannabis community and the first national retailer of cannabis products,” stated Mark Hadfield, HelloMD’s CEO. “We are thrilled that SeedInvest recognizes the value HelloMD brings to patients everywhere, and has decided to demonstrate that with a sizable investment of their own,” he continued.

HelloMD’s rapid growth has been fueled by its extensive library of proprietary patient generated medical information (question & answers about medical cannabis) as well as articles, videos and other unique content. Additionally, over 400 business partners (retailers and cannabis brands) have partnered with the site to make information available to customers seeking information on their use of cannabis. The company plans to use the proceeds of the equity round to expand it service offerings across all 30 cannabis legal states, as well as internationally.

HelloMD is the leading digital healthcare platform for medical cannabis patients. The service allows for easy, convenient online video access to physicians for medical cannabis consultations, recommendations to qualifying patients, product advice and more.

SeedInvest is a leading equity crowdfunding platform that provides individual investors with access to pre-vetted startup investment opportunities.  SeedInvest has funded over 160 startups and boasts a rapidly growing network of over 160,000 investors.  SeedInvest has had over 13,000 startups apply to raise capital since inception and has only accepted 1% of those companies to feature on the platform.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins runs one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding PR, social media and marketing agencies that has amassed a huge social media following and is dedicated to supporting a wide variety of donation, rewards and equity crowdfunding campaigns.

SoftBank Vision Fund Raises $93 Billion of $100 Billion Goal from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s PIF, the SoftBank Group and the UAE’s Mubadala Investment Company

The Vision Fund is expected to be active across a wide range of technology sectors, including: IoT, artificial intelligence, robotics, mobile apps, computing, communications infrastructure, telecoms, computational biology and other data-driven business models, cloud technologies and software, consumer internet businesses and fin-tech

By Robert Hoskins

St. Helier, Jersey –  The SoftBank Vision Fund announced its first major close with over U.S.$93 billion of committed capital. In addition to SoftBank Group Corp (SBG) and the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (PIF) as previously announced, investors in the Fund also include the Mubadala Investment Company of the United Arab Emirates (Mubadala), Apple Inc. (Apple), Foxconn Technology Group (Foxconn), Qualcomm Incorporated (Qualcomm) and Sharp Corporation (Sharp).

The Fund is targeting a total of U.S.$100 billion of committed capital, with a final close within six months.

SoftBank Vision Fund announced its first major close with over $93 billion of committed capital

SBG created the SoftBank Vision Fund as a result of its strongly held belief that the next stage of the Information Revolution is underway, and building the businesses that will make this possible will require unprecedented large scale long-term investment. Additionally, the Fund’s portfolio companies are expected to significantly benefit from SBG’s global scale and operational expertise, as well as its ecosystem of group portfolio companies (including Sprint and Yahoo Japan); this will thereby help them to accelerate their own growth profile.

The Fund will be SBG’s primary vehicle to realise its SoftBank 2.0 vision, with preferred access to investments of U.S. $100 million or more that meet the Fund’s investment strategy.

Masayoshi Son, Chairman & CEO of SoftBank Group Corp. said, “Technology has the potential to address the biggest challenges and risks facing humanity today. The businesses working to solve these problems will require patient long-term capital and visionary strategic investment partners with the resources to nurture their success. SoftBank has long made bold investments in transformative technologies and supported disruptive entrepreneurs. The SoftBank Vision Fund is consistent with this strategy and will help build and grow businesses creating the foundational platforms of the next stage of the Information Revolution.”

H.E. Yasir Al Rumayyan, Managing Director of the Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, added, “Our investment in the SoftBank Vision Fund alongside other sovereign and corporate investors is an important part of our overall investment strategy. We are building a portfolio that is diversified across sectors, asset classes and geographies, and expect the Vision Fund to act as a platform to access a range of exciting, emerging opportunities in the technology sector. We expect that this will, in turn, help enable the Public Investment Fund’s role in supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to develop a diversified, knowledge-based economy.”

Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Group CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, said, “Our participation in the SoftBank Vision Fund perfectly complements Mubadala’s strategy as a long-term global investor and partner to the technology sector’s high-growth companies. Technology and innovation are central to the UAE’s economic diversification strategy, and we believe the Vision Fund has the scale to deploy significant capital into these disruptive industries that are shaping the future.”

Investment Strategy

The Fund will target meaningful, long-term investments in companies and foundational platform businesses that seek to enable the next age of innovation.

The Fund will seek to acquire minority and majority interests in both private and public companies, from emerging technology businesses to established, multi-billion dollar companies requiring substantial growth funding.

The Fund is expected to be active across a wide range of technology sectors, including but not limited to: IoT, artificial intelligence, robotics, mobile applications and computing, communications infrastructure and telecoms, computational biology and other data-driven business models, cloud technologies and software, consumer internet businesses and financial technology.

The Fund will have the right to acquire certain investments already acquired (or agreed to be acquired) by the SoftBank Group, including 24.99% of its holding in ARM, and investments in Guardant Health, Intelsat, NVIDIA, OneWeb and SoFi.

Key Leadership

The Fund will be advised by wholly-owned subsidiaries of SBG, known collectively as “SB Investment Advisers.”

Rajeev Misra will serve as the CEO of SB Investment Advisers and will be a member of the Investment Committee. He will play a key role in all Fund transactions, supported by a highly-experienced global team across offices in London, San Carlos, and Tokyo.

Nizar Al-Bassam and Dalinc Ariburnu of newly formed Centricus, who advised on structuring and fund raising efforts for the Vision Fund, will continue their roles as advisers.

ARM group

• SBG’s commitment to invest U.S. $28 billion in the Fund will be partially satisfied through the in-kind contribution of approximately 24.99% of the shares in ARM Holdings plc, at a value of approximately U.S.$8.2 billion.
• ARM will continue to be a consolidated subsidiary of SBG. SBG will continue to control (directly and indirectly) 100% of the voting rights of ARM, through its retained ownership of approximately 75.01% of the shares and its ownership of the entities managing and advising the Fund.
• In the course of discussions with certain investors in the Fund, a portion of ARM was requested to be transferred into the Fund based on the shared vision on the huge growth potential of ARM
• There will be no change to the Board, governance structure or operations of ARM as a result of the transfer.
• The investors in the Fund will not gain any special commercial benefits from ARM’s operating business.

Relationship to SoftBank Group Corp.

• The Fund’s general partner is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBG, as are each of the SB Investment Advisers, including the Fund’s primary investment adviser, SB Investment Advisers (UK) Limited.
• SBG has subscribed for commitments of U.S. $28 billion to the Fund to be contributed through a combination of equity in ARM and cash on hand. The Fund will be consolidated by SBG for accounting purposes.
• While the Fund will be the primary investment vehicle for investments in excess of U.S.$100 million consistent with the Fund’s investment strategy, SBG (and its subsidiaries) may continue to make certain investments outside of the Fund, including (but not limited to) investments in early stage VC, strategic investments done at the operating company level, and/or other investments which do not fall within the Fund’s investment strategy and criteria.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins is considered one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding experts that has amassed a huge social media following, which is dedicated to supporting donation, rewards and equity crowdfunding campaigns.

OurCrowd to Host more than 5,000 Attendees at World’s Largest Equity Crowdfunding Conference on February 16, 2017 in Jerusalem, Israel

The event will feature 110 OurCrowd portfolio companies, 200 multinational companies, investors from over 80 countries, corporate partners, entrepreneurs, global delegations, financial and industry research analysts and leading fin-tech media outlets

By Robert Hoskins

Jerusalem, Israel – OurCrowd will host the 2017 OurCrowd Global Investor Summit, which is the largest equity crowdfunding event in the world, and the biggest investor event in the Startup Nation. Now in its third year, the Summit has hosted thousands of investors, venture and corporate partners, entrepreneurs, global delegations, industry leaders and members of the press. Attendees hailing from more than 80 countries gather in Jerusalem, the capital of the Startup Nation, to celebrate the global community’s collective drive for innovation.

Israel to Host more than 5,000 at World’s Largest Equity Crowdfunding Conference on 2/16/2017

Each year, attendees come from all over the world to hear from expert industry speakers and participate in interactive programming featuring cutting-edge technologies and the future of crowd investing.  They also have the opportunity to support portfolio companies through significant fundraising and making strategic business connections to help grow their businesses.

Most of OurCrowd’s 110 portfolio companies making news are expected to participate. These include:

• Consumer Physics: together with Sichuan Changhong Electric Co., Ltd. (Changhong) and Analog Devices Inc. (ADI), demonstrating the world’s first material sensing smartphone able to scan the chemical composition of objects around it.

• MedAware: discussing the recent Harvard study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA), which validated its big data analytics and machine learning platform to identify and eliminate prescription errors.

• VocalZoom: which last year announced a partnership with Honda, recently demonstrated its optical microphone technology to enable voice control inside noisy vehicles at CES 2017.

• NSLComm: whose revolutionary expandable space antennas will transform satellite communications.

• Freightos: demonstrating their new online international freight shipping marketplace.

• Zebra Medical: discussing its machine learning platform for automated interpretation of radiological images.

“Participants at the Summit will have the opportunity to interact hands-on with many of the latest technologies changing the world,” said OurCrowd CEO Jon Medved. “The Summit provides a unique opportunity to evaluate and touch the remarkable pace of technology change together with thousands of friends and colleagues from around the world.”

Among the 100 + speakers  at the Summit will be noted author and WSJ Columnist Andy Kessler; Head of  Honda Silicon Valley Lab, Nick Sugimoto; Samsung Ventures lead  Gonzalo Martinez de Azagra; Joe Powers, Head of Commercialization, Johns Hopkins University; Horste Bente, Founder of the Dassler family backed LeAD Sports Tech Accelerator;  Andy Chan, founder of Kuaidi Taxi (Didi), which recently acquired Uber China; and Alec Ellison, former Vice Chairman of Jefferies, and new member of the OurCrowd Advisory Board.

Nick Sugimoto, Senior Program Director at Honda Silicon Valley Lab, said, “Honda has expanded and deepened our presence in the innovation ecosystem in Israel since the partnership between Honda and OurCrowd was announced at last year’s event. We are looking forward to sharing updates on our activities in Israel and meeting more potential partners who are focused on revolutionizing the future of mobility.”

Special events at the Summit will include workshops on collaborative innovation for multinationals, an investor Bootcamp, a Startup CEO interchange, investor hackathon, a due diligence drama, speed dating sessions between multinationals and startups, and the largest tech party ever thrown in Jerusalem, featuring unlimited Israeli microbrew beer tasting, plus entertainment provided by the iconic Israeli favorite band Hadag Nachash.

OurCrowd is one of the leading global equity crowdfunding platforms for accredited investors. Managed by a team of seasoned investment professionals and led by serial entrepreneur Jon Medved, OurCrowd vets and selects opportunities, invests its own capital, and brings companies to its accredited membership of global investors.

OurCrowd provides post-investment support to its portfolio companies, assigns industry experts as mentors, and takes board seats. The OurCrowd community of over 15,000 investors from over 110 countries has invested over $320M into 110 portfolio companies and funds.

For more information and to reserve your tickets please RSVP here.

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins is considered one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding experts that has amassed a huge social media following, which is dedicated to supporting donation-, rewards- and equity-based crowdfunding campaigns.

Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign Seeks to Prevent over 3,000 Deaths and 1.6 Million Accidents with New Smartphone Safe that Completely Eliminates the Cell Phone as a Driving Distraction

The zippered cell phone case makes it easy for any parent or fleet safety manager to enforce a cell phone safety policy, receive real time alerts and generate driver compliance reports

By Robert Hoskins

Los Angeles, California – “Texting while Driving” is the #1 leading cause of teenage deaths in America. And, 64% of 2.5 million accidents each year, or 1.6 million crashes, are caused by a drivers that took their eyes off the road for less than 5 seconds in order to read their cell phone’s screen and/or send a text message while driving. These stats are growing annually to epidemic proportions even though 46 states and DC have passed laws that specifically outlaw talking on cell phones and texting while driving.

Limited Early Bird Best Deal on a Shellback Smartphone Safe for only $74

“Before Shellback Smartphone Safes were invented, it was almost impossible to enforce corporate cell phone safety policies,” said Michael Maguire, Shellback Smartphone Safe’s CEO. “But now it is possible for parents, business owners, and fleet safety managers to receive real time alerts and prevent accidents before they happen. They will always know when specific phones are not in use — especially when driving. In addition, the Smartphone Safe’s LED lights indicate to the driver that the Smartphone Safe is in ‘safe’ mode and fully compliant — making it easy to improve driver behavior.”

The Smartphone Safe tracks the phone continuously, but only reports violations of opening the case while driving. Back-end reporting makes it easy to identify and address your high-risk drivers and to recognize your safe drivers. Our cloud-based servers store all information and provide useful dashboards to improve your operations and reduce any liability. Finally — cell phone policies can be enforced and substantiated.

Over the past eighteen months, the Smartphones Safes have been tested in real world conditions. Driver behavior improves when they know there will consequences for violating the cell phone policy. Safety improves dramatically. Costs and liabilities are greatly reduced.

Shellback is raising $50,000 to fund its 1^st large-scale manufacturing production run via an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign that begins on February 6^th and ends on March 20, 2017.

The MSRP for the Smartphone Safe is $60 and a monthly monitoring fee of $15 per month or $240 per year, but the crowdfunding campaign will offer Early Bird Perks that offer Smartphone Safes and monthly monitoring for $74, $99, $140, and $150 until the limited supplies are gone.

It will also offer significant discounts to Cell Phone Case and Accessories Retailers, Resellers, Distributors and Fleet Managers that want to buy in bulk quantities of 10, 30, or 60 Smartphone Safes per order.

Please visit Shellback Smartphone Safe’s Indiegogo campaign profile to view videos, photos, infographics, competitive grids, production timelines, FAQs and in-depth perk descriptions at:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/help-prevent-3-000-fatal-car-accidents-in-2017/x/1907888#/

Are you a social media guru that wants to earn some extra cash? Shellback will pay a commission to those that help Shellback spread the word to their family, friends and business contacts via social media and other forms of marketing. Shellback will pay a 10% commission on all sales over $1,000. Discounts don’t apply to personal purchases.

Click here for details on how to join the Shellback Sales Team: http://liveundistracted.com/campaign/indiegogo-sales-team/

# # #

Robert Hoskins
(512) 627-6622
@Crowdfunding_PR

---

Mr. Robert Hoskins is a seasoned marketing veteran with a proven track record of helping entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses as well as Fortune 500 corporations launch successful marketing communications campaigns to gain market traction for a wide variety of products and services.

On a regular basis, Mr. Hoskins consults with crowdfunding campaign managers as well as crowdfunding sites, portals and platforms to deliver successful crowdfunding marketing campaigns.

Google search “Robert Hoskins Crowdfunding” to see why Mr. Hoskins is considered one of the industry’s foremost crowdfunding experts that has amassed a huge social media following, which is dedicated to supporting donation-, rewards- and equity-based crowdfunding campaigns.