Just over $12000 is left in Christopher DeVore’s endeavor to take his college small business, Father Nature Outdoors, to the ranks of brands seen on the shelves of your local outdoor outfitters. Father Nature Outdoors has more going for it than a fun catch-line, “Because Mother Nature can be a pain”. FNO has the products to compete with just that, Mother Nature.
Twelve thousand dollars will take one of its products, the FNO Integrated Camping Blanket, to the eyes and backpacks of the adventure-craving public. FNO hopes to use those same eyes and wallets to attempt to launch its product using the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Simply put, Kickstarter works as a pre-order website which allows supporters to donate to a start-up while receiving alluring products in advance. On August 13, FNO will undertake a campaign on Kickstarter in order to receive its final $12000. Two years of small item sales and entrepreneurship grants have significantly reduced what FNO needs to develop its newest product. If funded FNO will launch its primary product, an innovative camping design they intend to make available on a larger scale.
The innovation lies in the design of the FNO Integrated Camping Blanket. Blanket and quilt camping has been around for a few years with backpackers who look to cut weight and superfluous material. FNO realized the value of the design for the everyday outdoorsman who the small company and the outdoor industry like to identify as the weekend warrior. FNO focused on the comfort of the design and redesigned a blanket with the ability to adapt, dependent on the user and the climate.
“Blanket camping has the ability to be extremely comfortable and less restricting than traditional bags” DeVore remarked. “There are some decent quilts out there but we found many of the minimalist designs to be constrained to summer backpacking. They also require the purchase of partnering products such as sleeping pads and sheets which made many of the designs out of reach for your weekend warrior. We knew the benefits of blanket camping could be translated to the everyday outdoorsman while adding comfort and versatility.” The FNO Integrated Camping Blanket allows for an open feel in warmer temperatures and adapts with a secure, air-tight design in colder temperatures.
Kickstarter campaigns are operated as an “all or nothing” funding source, so if FNO does not achieve its $12000 goal, it must seek other options. “I am aware of the other sources available to emerging businesses, but Kickstarter seems like one of the most fun and practical ways to finish a final leg of the start-up process” DeVore commented. He is enthusiastic to receive more feedback and support from the public. To learn more and follow FNO on its journey please see the resources below.
To follow and share Father Nature Outdoor’s Kickstarter campaign see their Facebook (www.facebook.com/fathernatureoutdoors) and website (www.fathernatureoutdoors.com). For any additional questions or to schedule an interview with Christopher DeVore regarding FNO, email [email protected]
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