MIT-spun startup FINsix wants you to say so long to clunky laptop adapters and outlet battles. Monday marks the first day in the company’s Kickstarter campaign, aimed at bringing the world’s smallest laptop charger to market.
Over the next 30 days, FINsix (formerly OnChip Power) hopes to catch the attention of backers to reel in $200,000 to go into manufacturing for its hallmark product, the Dart. The company claims its colorful laptop charger is four times smaller and six times lighter than traditional adapters on the market. But it gets better: The sleek yet fully-powered 65W AC adapter also features a built-in 2.1 amp USB port, allowing users to simultaneously juice up their smartphones and tablets.
FINsix originally debuted the product at this year’s International CES in Las Vegas, where it received numerous nods from industry media, including Best Startup at CES by Laptop Magazine and Engadget, among others. After the event, over 10,000 people signed up for the presale, said FINsix CEO Vanessa Green. “With that interest, we decided we should go ahead and do a Kickstarter to work with people and figure out what they really want from [the product],” explained Green. “It’s a great way to engage with early customers, and learn a lot about them while testing the product in the market.”
If FINsix meets its goal, the company will be able to manufacture around 2,500 Darts, according to Green. The first 1,000 backers will receive an early bird price of $79 for the ultra-lightweight pocket size chargers. Retail price for the Dart rings in around $119.
The company has raised a total of $5.2 million in funding from Matthew Nordon, the former VP of Venrock’s Cambridge office, among others. Most recently, FINsix raised $2.4 million in July 2012 from a number of angel investors.
The 18-person startup has since opened up an office in Menlo Park, California, but also keep 10 employees and space in Cambridge.
Donate to FINsix’s Kickstarter here.
