Hardware startups often begin with strong technical ideas and ambitious visions. However, many struggle to progress beyond early prototypes and initial demonstrations.
The challenge is rarely about innovation alone. Instead, it lies in execution — transforming a concept into a reliable, manufacturable, and scalable product.
The gap between concept and reality
In early-stage hardware development, teams must navigate complex engineering decisions, supply chain planning, manufacturing feasibility, and cost control — often simultaneously.
This transition from promise to proof introduces real-world constraints:
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Design choices that impact manufacturability
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Component availability and lead times
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Early production risks and quality considerations
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Capital efficiency during product iteration
Without addressing these factors early, even promising projects can stall.
Why execution readiness matters early
As hardware products move closer to market, the margin for error narrows. Decisions made at the early stage often determine long-term scalability, cost structure, and production stability.
For investors and partners, evaluating execution readiness becomes as important as assessing technology itself. Teams that understand how their product can be built, supplied, and scaled are better positioned for sustainable growth.
Why Startups Score Touchdowns with Turnkey manufacturing PartnersRaising the bar for early-stage hardware teams
Raise The Bar was created to reflect this reality.
Led by NexPCB in collaboration with ATUM Ventures, Raise The Bar is an early-stage program designed for deep-tech and hardware teams preparing for the next phase of validation and investment consideration.
The program focuses on helping teams demonstrate not only technical potential, but also a clear path toward execution — bridging the gap between promise and proof.
Don't just raise funds
Raise The Bar
Show us your deck. And explain why this investment matters now for your next leap.
If you have any concerns or doubts about this investment, please contact jocelin@nexpcb.com.
