Some weeks ago, I reported about nvohk (pronounced ‘invoke’), a company that puts our "collective customer commitment" model into action: Get 5000 members who pay 50$ each of funding, use the money to create an eco-friendly line of clothes, and then sell the clothes to a wider public and share the profits with the original members. Members, as part of their pre-payment, get the right to vote on new designs and co-manage some of nvohk's business decisions.
In a press release today, the company reported that since December 4, 2007, nvohk could recruit 2,800 members worldwide – enough that the company will officially activate membership and launch its brand on June 5, 2008.
I am curious to see how the project will develop and if it reaches its threshold of 5000 members. It seems a bit more difficult then the founders officially expected. In January they were talking about 20,000 people to be recruited. to start the project. Now they are down to 5000, and still 40% away from this target.
Perhaps the founders should just position nvohk in the "pimp my C.V." domain. For just 50$ investment, you honestly can say you run your own eco-business and are investing in the sustainability revolution ...
Context:
- Website: www.projectnvohk.com
- My previous posting about the company
I saw the blog, but was a little disappointed in the way mgmt. just announced a June activation date regardless of the number of people who have signed up. They probably should have had the blog up prior to changing the target (again) and got some feedback from the crowd
Posted by: Crowded | May 16, 2008 at 10:57 PM
I think one of the main issues is transparency and trustworthiness - it's nice that they started a blog lately .. and very essential for this kind of project: it is always hard to convince that you don't just take the money and run (sort of a new pyramid scheme business model). maybe they can use fundable.org or sth. for the financing.
Posted by: ami | May 16, 2008 at 11:27 AM