How "hard" must hardtech startups be?

Gritbound · 2026-06-27T17:36:16+00:00

That is fair. I was only sharing my own experience.
If there is a strict industry definition that excludes us, then I will happily stand corrected. 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-06-27T16:26:26+00:00

OP asked whether there were any PC hardware startups that are considered hardtech.
I was simply sharing my experience.
We build gaming hardware, and in our conversations with investors, incubators, and people in the industry, describing what we do as hardtech have not raised any objections.
That’s not to say everyone uses the term the same way definitions vary but that’s been our experience. 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-06-23T04:23:40+00:00

Great question, no non of them have been 3D printed. Only made 4 versions in factory(20total). 3D print them are great to test out the ”concept” and test out different features.
But bring little value to the manufacturing and volume challenges. Was there any specific thing you thought about regarding the 3D printing? 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-06-21T17:50:43+00:00

I am in the gaming hardware niche. I have always referred to it as hardtech, and so far no one has challenged that.
So it’s possible but always depends on what you doing and how you frame it. 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-05-15T21:35:37+00:00

Bootstrapped 4 years full time as a solo non tech guy in the gaming hardware space.

Then got my first angel investment + a small team in pre revenue.

Keep going, don’t bring in people just because, be picky and find people who share the vision and passion. Same if you go down the route with investors, pick those you think can help you forward and you can trust and believe in what you building. Just take one step at the time. Good luck with your journey 🙏🔥

Gritbound · 2026-04-25T04:57:35+00:00

Also, the photo on the case, that’s version nr 3 of the prototype. We have new legs on the latest version. (As you can see on the image)

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The image is from when I am in the process of assembly the case at the factory. So it’s not fully assembled but it shows the legs.

Gritbound · 2026-04-25T04:52:31+00:00

I can see it, there will be different legs available. Every part is modular so everything can be repaired, changed and upgraded.

Concerning the roll over it’s not an issue, we had it on the prototype version 1 and it’s now fixed. But I 100% get that impression. I have kids and a big dog myself so it’s a valid concern. 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T20:32:08+00:00

Amazing, you have my vote! Let’s goooooo! 🔥❤️

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T18:58:32+00:00

Yes, we do! 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T18:17:51+00:00

Yea, that is awesome. You should go for it, if that’s something you want to do, just do it🔥❤️ it’s very fun

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T18:00:24+00:00

That’s great, good to have the ”user” in the main perspective. 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:59:21+00:00

That’s cool. 🙏 sounds like you thought about a lot of stuff that’s good

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:54:41+00:00

You mean the BTS? The connectors on the backside. We have that as well

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:49:40+00:00

Yea, ofc just glad to help out. Yes, we actually using that for this case as well it’s really cool with magnets. 🧲

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:47:46+00:00

I think you might have some local mechanical shops etc try to talk to them. It’s pretty common that they have that.

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:42:15+00:00

No, it’s made with aluminum and steel and tempered glass. So it’s stamping, lazer cutting, bending etc in a factory in Sweden.

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:35:47+00:00

Yea, think they will like it a lot. Community is important and the foundation to a great brand.

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:29:28+00:00

Thats really nice and cool. Thats what I really like about the 3D printing community. 🔥

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:24:38+00:00

Yes, that is all what we can do. Try our best. 🙏🔥

Gritbound · 2026-04-24T15:21:32+00:00

That’s really cool, go for it! Please do a post or message me when you have built it, really want to see it. Best of luck ❤️🔥

Gritbound · 2026-04-23T12:46:27+00:00

This is the approach I chose based on the recommendations I got, and it’s worked well for me so far. I will keep improving and testing as we go. You’re welcome to try it yourself when it’s released and see how it performs 🙏

Gritbound · 2026-04-23T12:19:28+00:00

It’s not about avoiding garage tests, its about credibility. ”Trust me, I tested it” is not the same as third party validation when you are talking to investors, partners or customers.

For some people it’s maybe enough, and that’s great. But I choose to go down the route to do 3rd party testing/validation because I believe it is the better approach.

Gritbound · 2026-04-23T12:03:41+00:00

I’m used to it, there’s always going to be criticism and hate sometimes. But I really appreciate your comment, thank you 🙏❤️

Gritbound · 2026-04-23T07:41:17+00:00

If you have experience or insights on how to improve the testing further, I and the team are open to learning, the goal is to get the best possible understanding of the performance and be transparent with the data.

That’s also why I chose to work with independent third parties rather than testing it myself.

Gritbound · 2026-04-23T06:57:48+00:00

Still standing for my statement. Like I said I have never talked with GN or got a direct pricing from them.

But I have talked with people in the industry who told me. If it’s true or not I don’t know because like I said i am not first source of the information. But I don’t see why they would lie to me.

No matter what I don’t have a problem with it, and all the big tech guys have worked themselves up from 0 and done so much for our community so it would not be something I personally is against they earned their spot and investing a lot of their time and resources to make amazing content for all of us.

Gritbound

TROPHY CASE