Ripple Effect: Local inventors get project funded through Kickstarter

An app on Karl Schwartz’s cellphone delivered the good news a few weeks ago.

More than 300 online investors had pledged a total of $20,000 to help launch the Ripple, a detachable plate-and-bowl combination that’s designed for mingling-with-friends dinner parties and flopping-on-the-couch dining.

It was a memorable moment for Schwartz and business partner Kevin Scharfe, who learned that they had met their fundraising goal through the crowdfunding website Kickstarter. They crossed the threshold with three weeks to spare before their offer expired.

Since eclipsing the $20,000 goal, the project has attracted an additional $5,000.

"We’re really excited," Schwartz said soon after the Ripple’s Kickstarter project reached its goal. "Now we’ll have to try and reach a stretch goal."

By TOM HOWARD

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/business/features/ripple-effect-local-inventors-get-project-funded-through-kickstarter/article_dc38d3e1-1b1f-5143-9fda-9eea73a3c4a6.html