MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry’s leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers.
MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry’s leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers.
MAKO Design + Invent is the original firm providing world-class consumer product development services tailored to startups, small manufacturers, and inventors. Simply put, we are the leading one-stop-shop for developing your physical product from idea to store shelves, all in a high-quality, cost-effective, and timely manner. We operate as one powerhouse 30-person product design team spread across 4 offices to serve you (Austin, Miami, San Francisco, & Toronto). We have full-stack in-house industrial design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, patent referral, prototyping, and manufacturing services. To assist our startup and inventor clients, in addition to above, we help with business strategy, product strategy, marketing, and sales/distribution for all consumer product categories. Also, our founder Kevin Mako hosts The Product Startup Podcast, the industry’s leading hardware podcast. Check it out for tips, interviews, and best practices for hardware startups, inventors, and product developers.
The world’s first IoT connected underwater fishing camera on the actual fishing line! Mako Design was brought in from concept all the way through to engineering, prototyping, etc. Now being sold all over the world, grab yours at Amazon, Walmart, or many other outfitter retailers.
Overall rating
2 Reviews
Expertise
Accuracy of Cost Estimates
Value for Money
Communication
Accuracy of Timeline
The Project
Business Consulting
Completed
Oct 2023 - Dec 2023
25000-50000 USD
Founder & Inventor
Confidential
2 - 9 employees
Overall rating
Expertise
5Accuracy of Cost Estimates
5Communication & Responsiveness
5Accuracy of Timeline
5Value for Money
5Willingness to Refer
Summary
Mako Design + Invent exceeded expectations in their willingness to collaborate on a unique cooler design project. Their communication and alignment with company values were commendable, but there is room for improvement in explaining their sourcing process to clients.
Project Description
I discovered Mako Design + Invent through an online search and chose them because they were conveniently located near me. Their team of 6-10 employees communicated effectively through in-person meetings and emails. They were tasked with designing a high-end cooler with Tesla-inspired aesthetics that could fit in a unique storage space and be manufactured in the USA at a reasonable cost.
Pros
Great communication and well-documented process with scheduled points for approval. Willingness to work with a startup idea and aligning with company values.
Cons
Could have communicated the sourcing process better in selecting a manufacturing company. Provided results without explaining the process, leaving me unsure of the thoroughness of their work.
Switched from another provider?
yes
Considered other providers?
yes
The Project
Custom Software Development
Completed
Aug 2014 - May 2016
25000-50000 USD
Inventor & CEO
Confidential
2 - 9 employees
Overall rating
Expertise
5Accuracy of Cost Estimates
4Communication & Responsiveness
5Accuracy of Timeline
5Value for Money
4Willingness to Refer
Summary
Working with Mako Design + Invent was a transformative experience for me as a product developer. Their diverse team, open communication, and commitment to excellence were key factors in the success of my project. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking to bring their innovative ideas to fruition.
Project Description
In mid-2014, as a busy mother of three, I reached out to various local companies seeking assistance. Mako Design + Invent stood out with their prompt and professional response. After an initial consultation, we embarked on a comprehensive design and prototyping journey, culminating in successful patent acquisition and manufacturer connection. The team’s dedication and expertise were instrumental in bringing my product to life.
Pros
The team at Mako Design + Invent consistently communicated with me throughout the entire process, ensuring a seamless workflow. Their creativity and expertise resulted in a high-quality prototype that impressed external retailers. Additionally, their connections with manufacturers provided me with the confidence to proceed with production.
Cons
While email communication was frequent, there were instances where I felt that direct calls would have been more efficient, especially during critical decision-making moments. However, this minor issue did not overshadow the overall positive experience I had with Mako.
Switched from another provider?
yes
Considered other providers?
yes
Headquarter
Austin, 5120 Burnet Road, Building 2
Toronto
130 Queens Quay East, East Tower, 4th Floor
Oakland
8000 Edgewater Drive, Suite 200
9.9% fee. 18-month guarantee. Top talent, fast.
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