New hardware companies are one of the hottest trends in the startup world.
Instead of building apps and Web services, companies are building real physical hardware that you can buy and use.
A lot of these find life on the crowdfunding site Kickstarter, where the community votes with its wallet on what gadget they want to use. Most notably, there's Pebble, a company that makes smartwatches, and Ouya, a company that makes an Android-based video console. Both companies have raised millions in regular VC money after seeing success on Kickstarter.
But they're not alone. Check out some other cool hardware startups you need to know about.
Grand St. helps hardware makers sell their products
Startup:Grand St.
Founded: 2012
Location: New York, NY
Founders: Amanda Peyton, Aaron Hendhsaw, and Joe Lallouz
Concept: An e-commerce consumer electronics marketplace.
Why you should care: Grand St. is an online hyper-curated boutique that sells creative technology. Grand St. is a great way to discover new products because the site only stocks gadgets that have been tested by someone on staff.
Funding: $1.3 million
Pebble makes a smartwatch that connects to your Android phone or iPhone
Startup:Pebble
Founded: 2012
Location: San Francisco, Calif.
Founder: Eric Migicovsky
Concept: A fully customizable e-ink smartwatch.
Why you should care: Pebble was one of the largest Kickstarter campaigns ever, raising over $10 million in about 30 days.
The watch uses sports and fitness apps, allowing you to get notifications from your smartphone. Pebble also lets users wirelessly control music without having to remove your smartphone from your pocket.
Funding: $26.1 million
Ouya is a $99 game console that challenges traditional systems.
Startup:Ouya
Founded: 2012
Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
Founders: Julie Uhrman and Yves Behar
Concept: A $99 open-sourced video gaming console based on Android.
Why you should care: Ouya is re-imaging how we consume video games. Traditionally, consoles cost upwards of $300, but this device is tiny and cheap. The Ouya runs its own version of the Android operating system and is in the process of developing exclusive content.
The platform is completely open, meaning any Ouya owner and gamer can also become a developer.
Funding: $23.6 million
See the rest of the story at Business Insider