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February has been one busy month, and it seems to be continuing with a slew of events. From Mobile World Congress to Distree, tech events have started off the year with a bang!<\/p>\n
During last week\u2019s Distree, we had the chance to animate a couple of panels (international brand building & crowdfunding), where one of the main topics that we addressed was how crowdfunding is affecting the traditional retail model. Today, Indiegogo is providing a new platform within retailers to give a voice to small business innovations, where they may grow their ideas into actual products that are eventually retail ready.<\/p>\n
Alongside this model, the distributor framework fluctuates, as brands are now able to sell directly to retailers, eliminating middleman fees and excess product resources. That being said, tell me why we still have distributors?<\/p>\n
Check out what we discussed here with Trackr<\/a>, inCharge<\/a>, & UPRIGHT<\/a>: Distree Crowdfunding Panel<\/a>.<\/p>\n Outside of the panels, I met some startups that made an impression on me, which include the 3 above.<\/p>\n Waka Waka<\/a><\/p>\n The increased brand recognition that was generated from Waka Waka\u2019s nine crowdfunding rounds, led to the spread of their idea not only to people who found the product interesting, but also to people whose survival and development depended upon it.<\/p>\n Harnessing the power of the sun, Waka Waka is bringing light to people around the developed and developing world. There are millions of people in the developed world who constantly deal with power outages, and others from the developing world who study under kerosene lights. Yes, even today\u2026 says Camille Van Gestel-Walinga, CEO. Basic lighting is an everyday need, and if there are environmentally friendly substitutions why shouldn\u2019t we \u201cempower people to light their world.\u201d Similar to the campaign for Tom\u2019s shoes, Waka Waka is donating a light for every product purchased. #SharetheSun<\/p>\n UPRIGHT<\/a><\/p>\n Remember all those times you were slouching in your office chair, and you never understood why your back hurt at the end of your day? Knowing that I do this on a daily basis, I wanted to share with you this new product that will help you keep your spine in-line. In one simple vibration, you are reminded to sit up straight, just like a parent giving you a dirty look for slouching.<\/p>\n Trackr<\/a><\/p>\n Last year, I had the opportunity to meet the President of Trackr at OrangeFab<\/a> Days here in Paris, and then received a second opportunity at Distree. It is the<\/em> product to keep track of your most important items. If you are anything like me, with the occasional rogue keys and\/or wallet, then you should check this out. Trackr Bravo includes a new GPS service that helps you locate your misplaced items from anywhere in your house using a simple ping. Think of it\u2026 your kid takes your keys, and puts them behind the couch in order to miss school\u2026\u00a0\u201cNo more getting out of school, because of lost keys.\u201d<\/p>\n
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