Amazon Launchpad is a new online marketplace devoted entirely to hardware startups and crowdfunded products.
On their journey from Makerspace to marketplace, arguably one of the biggest challenges a startup will ever have to endure is generating the necessary awareness and translating that into sales. With this in mind, Amazon has rolled out a specialized storefront within its popular website that provides companies just starting out with a dedicated showcase.
Called Amazon Launchpad, the program offers a streamlined onboarding experience, custom pages, a comprehensive marketing package, and access to Amazon’s global fulfillment network, all geared towards helping startups successfully launch their innovations and share their stories with a widespread audience.
With hopes of leveling the playing field for hardware startups, Amazon Launchpad will enable them to overcome many of the challenges associated with introducing new products by using the retail giant’s expertise and infrastructure to establish visibility, and ultimately, drive revenue.
“As the pace of innovation continues to increase within the startup community, we want to help customers discover these unique products and learn the inspiration behind them. We also know from talking to startups that bringing a new product to market successfully can be just as challenging as building it,” explained Amazon Vice President Jim Adkins. “Amazon Launchpad gives customers access to a dedicated storefront featuring a variety of innovative new products from emerging brands. For startups, we handle inventory management, order fulfillment, customer service, and more, allowing them to focus their efforts on the innovation that results in more cool products.”
At the moment, Amazon is working with more than 25 venture capital firms, startup accelerators and crowdfunding platforms to bring these new businesses into the Amazon Launchpad program. Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator and Indiegogo are a few of the companies that have funded the more than 200 products currently available in the Amazon Launchpad store, which features everything from smart home devices and wearables to travel accessories and beauty items.
Products from startups in the program include the Bluesmart Smart Carry-On Luggage, Sphero 2.0, Myo Gesture Control Armband, eero Home Wi-Fi System, Narrative Clip, Cuff DVB Smart Sport Band, Fenugreen FreshPaper Produce Saver Sheets, Electric Objects EO1 Digital Art Panel, Soma Sustainable Pitcher & Plant-Based Water Filter, Thync Mood-Changing Wearable System, and Casper Mattress, among several others.
“Launchpad makes Amazon an ideal partner for the most innovative young tech companies,” adds Marc Andreessen, Co-Founder and General Partner of Andreessen Horowitz. “It’s yet another way Amazon fosters a real ecosystem of invention and creativity.”
Keep in mind, this isn’t the first time Amazon has developed a storefront for hardware-based startups. Back in March, they launched Amazon Exclusives, a digital storefront that gives customers direct access to innovative new gadgets from up-and-coming brands, Kickstarter projects and other stuff seen on ABC’s hit TV show Shark Tank — all sold exclusively on Amazon.
Want to learn more? Head over to the Amazon Launchpad’s official site here.
