Is this a self funded project?

[samdawson]

Hi there guys,

Just wanted to start by saying, I’m hugely impressed with the camera you’ve created, and also the branding and marketing work around it. It’s really exciting to see some new energy in the space.

One small concern I have, is around the pre-production of this camera and how it was financed. Creating a camera like this I would imagine would costs a lot of money, maybe $100k+ (?). Was this self funded, or are there investors also involved in the company? Who are the founders, and what is their backgrounds? The ‘About Us’ page really doesn’t say much..

Only reason I’m asking, is obviously it’s a considerable amount of money to buy a camera, and I like to know more about the business before investing my trust in such company, that they can delivery on their promises.

Thanks,

Sam

[Admin]

Hi Sam,

Thank you so much for the kind words, and for asking these questions. We’re happy to answer everything. Being open with our community is really important to us, especially when you’re putting your trust in a new company.

You’re right, building a camera like this is a huge project. The idea for Spark actually started way back in 2016 when our founder, Young, was working on his PhD. He began researching high-speed camera tech then, so this has been his main focus for almost 10 years. He started the c in 2023 and has spent the last two years with the team, working patiently to build and perfect Spark. We’re all really impressed by his commitment to getting it just right.

And that’s a good guess on the cost! It’s actually over a million dollars so far. We’re lucky to have strong financial support from professional investors who believe in what we’re doing.

So, you might be asking, “if you have the money, why use Kickstarter?”

The answer is simple: we believe in the power of community. Young always wanted to build a culture, not just sell a product. Kickstarter is the perfect place to connect with passionate, creative people like you, who love being the first to try something new. It also lets us offer Spark at a better price for our first supporters. We believe the best advertising is word-of-mouth from people who love using our camera.

But we want to show you, not just tell you. We’ve been taking Spark on the road all year:

• A Spark event in Dubai in August

• Cine Gear in LA 

• NAB in April

Our official launch is at IBC in Amsterdam (Sept 12-15), and we go live on Kickstarter on September 17th.

Lastly, we know that trust is built over the long run. Good after-sales service is a top priority for us. That’s why we are actively working with key partners to set up local repair centers. We want to be a brand that’s there to help you when you need it.

I hope this helps answer your questions. We believe time proves everything, and Young has spent nearly a decade building a product that we believe can really change the industry. Our goal is to “Catapult Culture,” and we hope you’ll join us in helping more creators make amazing new things with Spark.

All the best，

Jing

[Pixboo]

Thanks for sharing the backstory on Young Jing!! Very fascinating he’s been working on this journey to slowmotion for almost 10 years. That’s around the same time I started getting interested in super slowmotion as well. It’s really cool to see Young trying to create a transparent culture with the Pixboom community. 

[samdawson]

Thanks so much for that response Jing! That sounds really cool. The context of Young working on this for almost 10 years is really reassuring, and shows some of the passion behind the project.

Yeah Kickstarter makes a lot of sense, even with funding.. If it helps finance the delivery of the fist X sales, and also gives early birds the chance for a discount, why not! 

Wishing you guys the best for a successful launch!

PS. I also am part of a small start-up creating camera products (Cinelux). We recently made replacement mini-mag for RED DSMC 2 cameras. So I appreciate the great job you guys are doing!

[Admin]

Hi Samdawason,thank you for your thoughtful and encouraging words. It’s feedback like this that keeps us motivated.

We’re pleased that our story and our strategy with Kickstarter make sense to you. It’s especially meaningful coming from someone else in the industry.

 We wish you continued success.

[Admin]

That’s so great to hear! It’s amazing that your slow-motion journey started around the same time. Building a transparent community is at the heart of this project, and we’re thrilled to have you be a part of it.