Connect solo founders to vetted small-batch manufacturers in 24 hours.
Solo founders struggle to find affordable manufacturers for small-batch hardware production due to high minimum order quantities (MOQs) and long lead times.
BatchLink is a curated marketplace where solo hardware founders submit RFQs and get matched with manufacturers offering MOQs under 500 units. It handles vetting, communication, and payments, slashing lead times from months to weeks. Founders save 50% on costs by accessing exclusive small-batch deals not available on big platforms.
Solo founders developing physical hardware products needing small-batch (under 100-500 units) production
Hand-vetted manufacturers specialized in <100 unit runs, with guaranteed 2-week lead times and solo-founder success stories.
supportive
Upload product specs, CAD files, and requirements to generate instant RFQ.
AI-powered matching to 3-5 vetted manufacturers based on specs and location.
Side-by-side quote viewer with pricing, lead time, and quality scores.
Escrow payments released only after sample approval.
Real-time updates on production and shipping status.
Detailed profiles with past solo-founder reviews and capabilities.
Pre-built templates for common hardware like PCBs, enclosures.
In-app messaging with manufacturers.
Cost savings tracker and reorder history.
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| text | No | |
| name | text | Yes |
| subscription_tier | text | Yes |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| user_id | uuid | No |
| specs | text | No |
| moq_target | int | No |
| status | text | No |
| created_at | timestamp | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| name | text | No |
| capabilities | text | No |
| min_moq | int | No |
| verified | bool | No |
Relationships:
| Column | Type | Nullable |
|---|---|---|
| id | uuid | No |
| rfq_id | uuid | No |
| manufacturer_id | uuid | No |
| price | int | No |
| lead_time_days | int | No |
Relationships:
/api/rfqsCreate new RFQ
/api/rfqs/:id/quotesGet quotes for RFQ
/api/manufacturersList vetted manufacturers
/api/ordersPlace order from quote
/api/user/rfqsList user RFQs
No payments, 1 active RFQ
Up to 10 orders/month
Unlimited
| Month | Users | Conversion | MRR | ARR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 50 | 2% | $25 | $300 |
| Month 6 | 400 | 4% | $400 | $4,800 |
Get matched to manufacturers with <500 MOQ in 24h – no high costs or delays.
Post in r/hardwarestartups, r/SoloFounders, and Hardware Entrepreneurs Slack with a free beta invite. DM 20 founders from Product Hunt hardware launches offering first RFQ free. Follow up via email with case study.
Instant quotes
High MOQs for custom, expensive for small runs
Curated for <500 units, solo-focused with escrow
Cheap PCBs
Limited to PCBs, higher MOQs
All hardware types, true small-batch
Curated network of 50+ small-batch manufacturers built over time, with exclusive deals and data on founder preferences.
Explosion of solo hardware startups via Kickstarter/IndieGoGo, but supply chain gaps persist post-COVID.
Low adoption if manufacturers unreliable
Strict vetting and escrow
Manual matching initially
Seed with 20 manufacturers
Payment disputes
Stripe escrow
Success: 15 confirm willingness to pay $25/mo
Success: 3 paid conversions
Success: 100 signups
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