Insured prototypes from trusted freelance makers.
Solopreneurs experience poor quality control and unreliable outputs when outsourcing manufacturing to unvetted freelancers.
ProtoGuard matches solopreneurs with insurance-backed freelancers for prototype manufacturing, including failure insurance up to $1k per project. Platform handles contracts, IP protection, and rapid prototyping turnaround with vetted shops. Users get prototypes shipped directly with quality certification.
Solopreneurs running physical product businesses who outsource manufacturing to freelancers
Built-in insurance and IP safeguards specifically for prototypes, reducing risk for early-stage products.
friendly
Submit CAD/files for instant quotes from vetted makers.
One-click project insurance coverage.
Secure file sharing with NDAs auto-generated.
Searchable list of insured prototype specialists.
Integrated tracking and delivery confirmation.
Priority queue for 7-day prototypes.
Version control for prototype designs.
Quotes for production runs post-prototype.
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| text | No | |
| type | text | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| insurance_policy | text | No |
| capabilities | text[] | Yes |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| maker_id | uuid | Yes |
| status | text | No |
| insured | bool | No |
| file_url | text | Yes |
Relationships:
/api/prototypesSubmit RFQ
/api/makersSearch makers
/api/insurance/:protoIdActivate insurance
/api/quotesFetch quotes
No insurance
3 active prototypes
None
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 80 | 4% | $93 | $1,116 |
| Month 6 | 700 | 7% | $1,449 | $17,388 |
Insured, protected manufacturing from day one for solopreneurs.
Post in r/hardware, r/prototyping with free insurance offer. Target Kickstarter creators via email list scrape. Join maker Discord servers for direct outreach.
Fast
Expensive, no freelancers
Affordable freelance + insurance
Insurance partnerships create switching costs.
Maker movement + cheap CAD tools drive prototype demand.
Insurance claims high
Partner with underwriter, high deductibles
Few insured makers
Bootstrap with incentives
Success: 60% willing to insure/pay fee
Success: 20% convert to beta
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