A bird feeder with a camera selling for $200? The tech-for-nature startup Bird Buddy came up with this genius idea. The coolest part is how they use AI to make it smart. It’s one of the most-funded Kickstarter campaigns ever in the gadgets category. In just 12 months, they made $11M in sales. I’m seriously impressed that even with competitors trying to copy them, people are still choosing Bird Buddy.Ā
Now, letās dive into how this innovative feeder pulled it off.
What Is a Smart Bird Feeder?
The bird feeder with camera is something every bird lover would go crazy for. Just place it in the backyard, fill it up with birdseed, and wait for the birds to drop by. The camera will catch all the moments, no more missing those feathered visitors.Ā
The product design has a sleek, modern look. What sets this smart feeder apart from others on the market is:Ā
- The camera is detachable, so recharging is super easy.Ā
- The solar panel is cleverly integrated into the roof, rather than using separate panels and long wires.
How AI is Innovating Birdwatching?
Aside from its standout design, whatās really worth mentioning is how Bird Buddy uses AI to enhance the birdwatching experience.
Choosing the best shot
Most bird feeders on the market send a notification every time a bird shows up, but many consumers complain their phones are blowing up all day. And half the time, the photos are either blurry or donāt even catch the whole bird.
Bird Buddy spotted this problem early and used their AI to filter out the best photos and videos, only sending a few of the best ones each day.
AI smart recognition
Seeing a bird on camera is just the first step. So, how to level up birdwatching experience? Bird Buddy says their AI can tell you what species is visiting. For example, when a Blue Jay flies in front of the feeder, the AI doesnāt just capture the best shot; it also tells you, āHey, a Blue Jay just visited!āĀ
That’s not all. Bird Buddy turns birdwatching into a game. Every time you spot a new bird species through their app, it gets added to the collection, kind of like a Birdpedia game, where you need collect all the bird species. It keeps bird watching thrilling and wonder which bird will be unlocked next.
Beyond bird identification, AI is also used to spot sick birds and other animal visitors. This way, users can quickly clean, or move the feeder.Ā
How They Launched a New Product?
After launching their standard bird feeder, Bird Buddy set its sights on birdwatchers’ ultimate favorite: the hummingbird. The smallest bird in the world, known for its incredible speed and ability to hover in mid-air while sipping nectar, the hummingbird is really hard to observe.Ā
So developing a new product for hummingbirds wasnāt just about creating a new design. It had to function for those speedy little birds. For example, the perch needed to let hummingbirds land easily while also positioning the camera for the perfect shot.
In May 2023, they launched a Kickstarter campaign for a smart hummingbird feeder that absolutely took offāhitting their goal in just 12 minutes and raising over $3 million in a month.Ā
The project was called The Summer of Birds, because hummingbirds start migrating south at the end of summer, only to return in the spring. Their original plan was to produce and ship the feeders by May the following year, just in time to catch the action.
Where's the Product Made?
As a startup based in Slovenia, the company manufactures its product components and assembles them in the U.S. Since the product is plastic, they had to finalize the injection mold before mass production. Samples were shipped from the U.S. to Slovenia, where they would inspect them and suggest changes to the manufacturer.Ā
The hummingbird feeder is targeted at U.S. consumers, so Bird Buddy originally thought that manufacturing and shipping in the U.S. would reduce lead time. However, too much time was spent adjusting the samples, which pushed their original shipping deadline back by about a month.Ā
Since it was Bird Buddy’s first time making a hummingbird feeder, they had no idea about the market demand, so the first batch of stock was way too small.
Smart Subscription Strategy
Bird Buddy really knows how to cash in on a subscription service. The feeder needs seed refills, so naturally, they designed seasonal subscription bird food based on what birds like to eat throughout the year. The seed subscription is $30 per month.Ā
But itās not just about selling physical products. The app also brings in revenue with its premium features. The Premium plan costs $6 per month or $60 per year. It lets users share the feeder view with up to 10 family members or friends, offers unlimited cloud storage for all bird photos and videos, and provides clearer 2K resolution bird shots.
Pro subscribers also get the chance to name a specific bird, like Jack. So, if the camera captures that same bird coming back, youāll get a notification like, āJack is back again!ā Plus, Bird Buddy has created a cool community feature where you can watch a live bird show from remote feeders around the world.
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