MetMo, a UK-based startup founded in 2019, is revolutionizing the world of manufacturing by reimagining and re-engineering forgotten inventions from the past. With a deep appreciation for the brilliance of early pioneers and their often-overlooked creations, MetMo aims to bring these innovative concepts back to life and leverage their potential for the benefit of modern society. Through their high-quality and meticulously machined products, MetMo provides a satisfying experience while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in design and engineering.
Resurrecting the Past:
Many inventions throughout history were far ahead of their time, yet their full potential remained unrealized due to limitations in manufacturing techniques. MetMo recognizes the value and ingenuity of these forgotten creations and embraces the challenge of reintroducing them with a modern twist. One such example is the MetMo Driver, inspired by an 1871 design called the Weltrecord ratchet driver. This novel driver, unlike conventional screwdrivers, allowed users to exert more torque by leveraging their body weight. MetMo successfully launched a campaign to create a human-powered driver based on this design, which garnered significant attention and led to further product development.
Progress and Current Status:
MetMo’s journey began with their MetMo Cube campaign in 2019, where they raised initial startup capital by selling solid metal cubes on Kickstarter. Since then, the startup has launched six successful Kickstarter projects, each surpassing the previous one in terms of backers and brand awareness. MetMo’s latest endeavor, the MetMo Pocket Driver campaign, has already raised over £700,000 in just 20 days, with 40 days remaining on Kickstarter. The company’s growth is evident, transitioning from a small team of two engineers with ambitious ideas to a passionate team of ten individuals dedicated to everything MetMo.
An Inspirational Story:
In 2019, MetMo embarked on their entrepreneurial journey with nothing more than a bold idea to sell solid metal cubes on Kickstarter. With a combined expertise of around 10 years in design and engineering, the founders, Sean Sykes and James Whitfield, decided to incorporate an impressive machining technique known as wire EDM. This technique allowed them to achieve impossibly accurate tolerances in metal, resulting in the illusion of a seamless cube when nested within each other. Despite facing numerous challenges, including significant setbacks with their initial production run, the founders persevered and fixed every single cube, fulfilling their commitment to backers. This experience laid the foundation for their subsequent successes and propelled MetMo forward.
MetMo draws inspiration from Nike, a company renowned for its ability to build a community of passionate fans. Emulating Nike’s customer engagement strategies, MetMo has cultivated a vibrant community of superfans on Kickstarter and their dedicated forum, CubeClub. By maintaining transparent communication and actively listening to their followers, MetMo establishes a strong connection with its customers, fostering loyalty and support.
Future Aspirations:
In four years’ time, MetMo envisions running the MetMo foundation in conjunction with their core business. The foundation’s primary goal is to establish a large community of engineers, designers, and makers, facilitating knowledge sharing among like-minded individuals. Additionally, the foundation aims to sponsor apprenticeships in STEM fields and showcase the expertise of retired engineers, ensuring their knowledge is preserved for future generations. As for the core business, MetMo intends to continue innovating and securing patents for their unique designs. With an ambitious growth trajectory, the company aims to triple its current turnover from £1 million+ to £3 million within the next four years.
MetMo’s mission to resurrect forgotten inventions from the past and adapt them for the modern world showcases the power of embracing history in the realm of innovation. By
