Mako Design + Invent Agency Logo

Mako Design + Invent

About the company

Austin, TX
Founded: 1999
10+ Empl.

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.

Contact Mako Design + Invent

If you’re not seeing exactly what you need here, send this company a custom message. You can talk about your project needs, price, and timeline to get started on your project.

Services

Product DesignManufacturing ConsultingContract Manufacturing

Industries

ManufacturingRetailE-commerceOther industriesInformation technologyConsumer products & servicesMedicalDentalGPS, Navigation & GIS

Portfolio

GoFish Underwater Fishing Camera

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.

Reviews ( 2 )

Overall rating

5

2 Reviews

Expertise

5

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

4.5

Value for Money

4.5

Communication

5

Accuracy of Timeline

5

Collaboration with Innovative Cooler Design Firm

Published: December 20, 2023

The Project

Business Consulting

Completed

Oct 2023 - Dec 2023

25000-50000 USD

anonymous

Anonymous

Founder & Inventor

Confidential

2 - 9 employees

Overall rating

5

Expertise

5

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

5

Communication & Responsiveness

5

Accuracy of Timeline

5

Value for Money

5

Willingness to Refer

10/10

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

Innovative Development for Wristband Fastening Solution

Published: June 8, 2016

The Project

Custom Software Development

Completed

Aug 2014 - May 2016

25000-50000 USD

anonymous

Anonymous

Inventor & CEO

Confidential

2 - 9 employees

Overall rating

5

Expertise

5

Accuracy of Cost Estimates

4

Communication & Responsiveness

5

Accuracy of Timeline

5

Value for Money

4

Willingness to Refer

10/10

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

Offices

Headquarter

Austin, 5120 Burnet Road, Building 2

Toronto

130 Queens Quay East, East Tower, 4th Floor

Oakland

8000 Edgewater Drive, Suite 200

Area served

WorldWide

Are you an agency owner?

Claim your agency profile on Refetrust to secure a free listing that can significantly enhance your visibility within our extensive business network.

AI Recommendation of Similar Agencies

9.9% fee. 18-month guarantee. Top talent, fast.

Executive Search +4
50 - 249 Empl.
Boston, United States

Enterprise Solutions & Ecommerce Apps

CRM Consulting and SI +6
10 - 49 Empl.
Los Angeles, United States

JBHired is a recruitment agency specializing in sourcing senior digital and technology talents for its clients.

Headhunting +4
50 - 249 Empl.

©2025 Refetrust. All rights reserved.