EdBoard Technologies
Product Launch
Role
Brand Strategist
Project Type
1.5 Years
Project Lenght
Solo
Summary
In the summer of 2019, I joined Edboard Technologies, a student-led startup based at the University of Colorado. The team consisted of seven engineers who had developed early prototypes of an innovative educational tool designed to teach users of all ages the fundamentals of circuitry. My role on the team focused on two key areas:
Developing a Kickstarter campaign to secure funding for the first production run of Edboards.
Creating a compelling business pitch for Boulder's New Venture Challenge to raise funds for advertising the Edboard Kickstarter campaign.
Outcomes
New Venture Challenge
4th place finish out of 141 entrees
$12,500 in prize money
$5,000 Donation from the Caruso Family Foundation
Kickstarter
$37,000 Successfully raised in under 30 days
over 150 New backers
Featured on the Kickstater Home page
The Inspiration
When I joined the EdBoard team, I was tasked with developing the company's customer messaging strategy. During this process, I stumbled upon a 1970s video featuring parents discussing the potential impact of computers on their lives and their children's futures. This sparked a realization: parents deeply desire their children to have better lives than their own, and their involvement with their children’s education is essential.
Key insights:
Parents want to set their children up for success.
Confidence in our abilities influences our willingness to learn.
Learning should be enjoyable.
What is EdBoard
EdBoard is a subscription-based service that teaches the basics of circuitry through engaging, hands-on kits.
Each kit has different story-driven lessons that challenge users to design, build, and prototype their circuits to solve real-world electrical problems.
The EdBoard emulates a traditional breadboard, a fundamental tool in electrical engineering, ensuring that the skills acquired are directly transferable to real-world applications.
EdBoard Kits
New Venture Challange 12
The New Venture Challenge (NVC) is the premier entrepreneurial program in the Boulder area. In the spring of 2020, EdBoard entered alongside 141 boulder-based start-ups to pitch why our idea would be worthy of up to $100,000 in prize money. This involved creating a short 5-minute pitch to local investors and entrepreneurs. At EdBoard, we centered our pitch around the importance of STEM Education and helping kids find their confidence.
Our time advanced to the finals in the spring of 2020, securing a 4th place and $12,500 in prize money
EdBoard's Pitch video
Kickstarter Campaign
In the summer of 2020, EdBoard successfully executed a Kickstarter campaign—a challenging feat even under normal circumstances, let alone amidst a global pandemic. To achieve this, our team focused on crafting a fun and educational narrative that resonated with parents and teachers. We utilized eye-catching visuals and real-life demonstrations to showcase the benefits of our product. We also leveraged social media and community outreach to maximize our reach, ensuring a broad and enthusiastic base of backers. Ultimately, our success stemmed from making learning enjoyable and engaging for everyone involved!
