3 ms·

We launched https://solokeys.com https://solokeys.com 2y ago. We're 4, 2 with kids 2 without. I think having partners is fundamental to keep the flywheel going.

We launched https://solokeys.com https://solokeys.com 2y ago. We're 4, 2 with kids 2 without. I think having partners is fundamental to keep the flywheel going. And also accept that -at the beginning- it's a side project for everybody, so you can only put a few hours, things will necessarily progress slow, etc. Don't give up and celebrate any small win. BTW, despite all the issues that 2020 & covid brought us, next week we're launching our v2: https://solokeys.com/v2 https://solokeys.com/v2.

asdev 6y ago
wow, that looks awesome! did it require a lot of capital initially for manufacturing and sourcing?
- ecesena 6y ago
  We did it with just the Kickstarter, so around $100k, nothing out of pocket except maybe a total of $1-2k to prototype. The "mistake" we did initially is that we didn't account for enough extra inventory. I mean, with the KS money you have to 1) fulfill the backers, 2) create additional inventory to sell. But at a certain point while you're selling your inventory you need to start manufacturing another batch and you need money for that. Tl;dr: 3x your production costs, don't 2x them. It's not a huge issue, but that means you can do a smaller 2nd batch and you risk to run out of stock, which we did. Don't get me wrong, it's a good problem to have... it's just extra work and we could have optimized better.
35mm 6y ago
I recently bought a Solokey after researching YubiKey alternatives (the usb-c version seemed overpriced). I assumed your company was much larger than a side project, so great work! I’ve been recommending it to friends. My only feedback is that I’d love to have some kind of waterproof casing beyond the silicone cover that I could put on it - I keep it on my key ring and living in the UK my pockets do get wet in the rain.
- ecesena 6y ago
  Thank you for buying and for recommending it! The v2 is water resistant, we sealed all components in a layer of epoxy. For v1 there's still a layer of epoxy on the components. As long as you dry it before usage, a bit of water shouldn't damage it. Or if you feel adventurous you can try sealing it with some glue or epoxy. P.S: I called it side business in the sense that it started as a side business. Then thankfully it grew into a company.
  - 35mm 6y ago
    Good to know, thanks!

asdev 6y ago

wow, that looks awesome! did it require a lot of capital initially for manufacturing and sourcing?

ecesena 6y ago
We did it with just the Kickstarter, so around $100k, nothing out of pocket except maybe a total of $1-2k to prototype. The "mistake" we did initially is that we didn't account for enough extra inventory. I mean, with the KS money you have to 1) fulfill the backers, 2) create additional inventory to sell. But at a certain point while you're selling your inventory you need to start manufacturing another batch and you need money for that. Tl;dr: 3x your production costs, don't 2x them. It's not a huge issue, but that means you can do a smaller 2nd batch and you risk to run out of stock, which we did. Don't get me wrong, it's a good problem to have... it's just extra work and we could have optimized better.

35mm 6y ago

I recently bought a Solokey after researching YubiKey alternatives (the usb-c version seemed overpriced). I assumed your company was much larger than a side project, so great work! I’ve been recommending it to friends. My only feedback is that I’d love to have some kind of waterproof casing beyond the silicone cover that I could put on it - I keep it on my key ring and living in the UK my pockets do get wet in the rain.

ecesena 6y ago
Thank you for buying and for recommending it! The v2 is water resistant, we sealed all components in a layer of epoxy. For v1 there's still a layer of epoxy on the components. As long as you dry it before usage, a bit of water shouldn't damage it. Or if you feel adventurous you can try sealing it with some glue or epoxy. P.S: I called it side business in the sense that it started as a side business. Then thankfully it grew into a company.
- 35mm 6y ago
  Good to know, thanks!