10 Strange, Yet Successful, Startups
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
If you're an entrepreneur looking for some inspiration, you should definitely check out some of the strangest but most successful startups. These companies come from all different industries and backgrounds, but they have one thing in common — they've achieved massive success despite being considered "weird" by many people.
We'll discuss a few of these startups and what makes them so successful. We'll also talk about their funding amounts and locations, so you can get a better idea of what it takes to be a successful startup.
Learn how to launch your own company by reading our comprehensive guide on how to start a startup.
Top Weird, But Successful, Companies to Watch
It doesn't matter what industry you're in, there's always room for a weird but successful startup. The examples below seemed to have broken all the rules and yet they have found success with their strange ideas.
Disclaimer: With so many exciting startups launching and growing worldwide, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups that are listed below are not officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.
1. I Do Now I Don't
Location: New York, New York
Funding: Seed, $57,500
Josh Opperman started this unique company after his fiancee of three months ended up leaving him. He was able to take the devastating feeling he experienced and transform it into a successful startup. I Do Now I Don't is a Craigslist for fine jewelry for those who no longer have a need for their rings, and people will get a much better price than if they were to attempt to return the ring to the store they bought it from.
2. Parihug
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Funding: Equity Crowdfunding, $23,900
If you've ever found yourself feeling alone in this big, wide world, you are not the only one. Millions of people need some kind of comfort in their lives and Parihug is here to give it to them. The company creates Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled teddy bears that can hug someone and it is almost like having the real thing. People can hook up to the bear and give a hug to someone as if it were from them personally.
3. Potato Parcel
Location: Denton, Texas
Funding: Shark Tank, $50,000
Seen on Season 8 of Shark Tank, Potato Parcel was nothing until Kevin O'Leary invested in them, and now they make about $25,000 per month. The idea is simple: you send a whole potato to someone with a unique message written on top of it in marker. It's a novelty gift, but it has really taken off for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries as a fun gift not to be taken seriously.
4. Scentra
Location: Delhi, India
Funding: N/A
No one has innovated shoes like Scentra, as their durable and comfortable footwear actually has a scent emanating from the shoe itself. These shoes come with a good smell that can actually cover up any bad foot stench. There are a variety of different styles too that people will enjoy while having the best smelling feet on the block.
Feeling inspired? learn how to launch your company with our guide on how to start a startup.
5. JoinMyWedding
Location: Australia
Funding: N/A
If you've ever seen pictures of an Indian wedding, you've probably been wowed by the intense colors, decorations, and overall extravagance of the event. They are usually a week-long affair with multiple events each day and can cost upwards of $100,000. JoinMyWedding is a website where people can sign up to attend weddings as guests and pay a fraction of the cost to do so. It's a great way to see a different culture and have a ton of fun while doing it.
6. Spud Pickles
Location: Riverton, Utah
Funding: N/A
Spud Pickles is actually an app development company based out of Utah, but it's one of the unique apps that has brought them the most attention. They created a one-of-a-kind app that is used by ghost hunters. That's right, people who are in search of finding ghosts can use the app to look for different clues the app can pick up. Although not backed by science, it hasn't stopped anyone from giving it a try.
7. Ship Snow, Yo
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Funding: N/A
The magic of winter never has to leave your house when you buy your own snow that can be shipped to you using Ship Snow, Yo. The company specializes in shipping all kinds of snow including an entire snowman kit. They can deliver anywhere in the US and have different snow amounts you can purchase. As you can imagine, Christmas deliveries get sold out pretty quickly.
8. CoolMiniOrNot (CMON)
Location: Hong Kong
Funding: Equity Crowdfunding, $2.6 Million
The board game Dungeons & Dragons often has some of the most dedicated and creative game players of any other board game. CoolMiniOrNot (CMON) taps into this fandom and is a website started as a way for players to upload their own elaborately-painted D&D figurines. Now, the site creates its own games, but the primary attention grabber is still the unique figurines on display.
9. BrewDog
Location: Ellon, United Kingdom
Funding: Equity Crowdfunding, $252.3 Million
No one makes beer quite like the BrewDog and it's yet to be seen if anyone ever will again. The eccentric company makes incredibly strong ales that can be as potent as 55% alcohol by volume — that’s 110 proof. The bottles actually ended up selling for $20,000, and the real kicker is the bottle came in taxidermied roadkill. Although strange, it helped set the company apart to enjoy a good amount of success.
10. DogSpot
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Funding: Undisclosed, $7 Million
If you have a dog then you know how awkward and painful it can be taking your dog out with you to run errands but then not knowing what to do when they aren't allowed inside. DogSpot creates a solution by building smart dog houses that are strategically set up around stores so you can leave your pet in a secure and safe space while you go out shopping.
Recommended: Check out our full list of the top startups to watch!
