TL;DR No it doesn't matter, 99.9% of the time. Its all about execution. Most consumers will change to a more capable product if it's placed in front of them, it

TL;DR No it doesn't matter, 99.9% of the time. Its all about execution. Most consumers will change to a more capable product if it's placed in front of them, it solves their problems better and the cost of switching is low. We all think that we are special snowflakes and that our idea is unique. Unfortunately, there are probably tens or hundreds of other groups of people working on the same idea of yours, at this very moment. These guys launching on KS probably have been working way longer than you on this idea, maybe one or more years. Having competitors is a good sign vs. no competitors at all. Note here, profitable competitors is a good metric, not just KS campaigns! 1) Yes it happens all the time! Don't try to defend your idea with patents, try and build a better product and serve your customers better. 2) Don't get discouraged, instead take some time to reflect why you are doing this, how are you solving your customer's problems. Why is your solution better or how could it be better. Can you execute this project to the end? Have you talked to your users about their problems? Do they get excited when you tell them about your solution? Can you bootstrap your way to a campaign or even better, to some beta units? It's all about execution. 3) Not enough data to advice. Follow your gut feeling.. 4) Nothing to do to avoid others doing it. Don't be defensive about it, embrace it and try and build a better product. PS: Remember to have fun and enjoy your self (ZEN of business). Hope this helps :)