Key Takeaways
- Silo’s modern food storage system has finally begun shipping to backers after nearly a decade delay.
- The company faced significant challenges, including funding issues and pandemic-related manufacturing delays.
- The product’s price has increased, with the basic system now costing $499 compared to $199 in 2018.
Delayed Delivery and Company Struggles
In 2018, Silo launched a crowdfunding campaign for an innovative food storage solution aimed at modern consumers. The product, akin to high-tech Tupperware, intrigued many backers, leading to strong initial support. However, it has taken nearly ten years for the product to finally reach its backers.
One major cause of the prolonged timeline was the COVID-19 pandemic, which hindered the team’s ability to travel to China for manufacturing oversight. Additionally, the company encountered funding challenges when an investor withdrew their support at the onset of the pandemic. CEO Tal Lapidot recounted receiving a call informing him that promised funds would not be transferred, a setback typical of many hardware startups during this time.
After securing a new investor, Lapidot was able to reassemble a team to resume work on the product. As of now, all backers who completed their surveys have received their units, and Silo has begun selling the food storage systems on its website.
The original entry price for backers in 2018 was $199. Due to the added years and costs involved in bringing the product to market, the current pricing reflects a significant increase, with the basic unit now priced at $499 and a larger 12-piece version available for $649.
Feedback from early users who participated in the Kickstarter campaign has been mixed, though generally leaning toward positive. Some backers have even created a Facebook group to connect and discuss their experiences. The product, now in the hands of initial supporters, awaits more extensive reviews, including one from this article’s author, who plans to test the system soon. This launch marks a significant milestone for Silo, illustrating the challenges faced by hardware startups in bringing innovative products to market.
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