Smart Parka, a Winter Coat with Built-in Gloves, Raises over $1 Million on Kickstarter with 22 days to go.
Toronto, ON (PRWEB) March 04, 2016 -- “Smart Parka” designed by Canadian software developer Jamil Khan surpassed its original Kickstarter goal and reached $1 million (CAD) in 37 days, with 22 days left in the campaign. That’s 3,472% of the original $30,000 (CAD) goal at time of publishing. “I knew this coat would be popular, but I didn’t think it would become almost viral, growing exponentially as we move into the second half of our campaign,” said Khan.
Khan, founder of North Aware Inc., had previously quit his job when he dreamed up the idea for a “better” winter coat, one that included everything needed for going out in the cold. Khan had wanted people to be more active in the winter, rather than intimidated by the cold. “Innovation in the fashion world was long overdue,” said Khan, “it was about time that someone listened to consumers and changed the status quo.”
Khan spent his own money and worked with a team of product designers in Toronto for a year before launching his Kickstarter campaign on January 26. The resulting “Smart Parka” features built-in gloves that allow users to operate touch devices, a built-in scarf, tech pockets for smart phones and tablets, a length extension, removable lining for two different temperature ranges, and a hat pocket, along with other features. The final product is slated for delivery in August 2016.
Not only does it address technology needs, but it finally recognizes the need to incorporate all other winter accessories into one single integrated parka. The market has expressed interest, with 2,856 backers at time of publishing, and the pace of pledges increasing. North Aware is now planning manufacturing, growing its line of winter wear, and expanding into new geographic markets outside Canada and the US.
The Smart Parka Kickstarter went live on Tuesday, January 26th at 10:00 AM EST.
Smart Parka Kickstarter: http://kck.st/1VnxALa
Smart Parka Media Kit (includes video, images and gifs): http://northaware.com/main/media
About North Aware: Started by Toronto software developer Jamil Khan in January 2015, North Aware’s goal is to make people go out more in winter. The company aims to penetrate the winter wear market by combining fashion and function. North Aware launched its first Kickstarter, for the Smart Parka, in January 2016.
Jamil Khan, North Aware Inc, http://northaware.com/track=prw, +1 (416) 939-4299, [email protected]
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