Founder: Janne Kyllönen
Business: QuietOn
Revenue/Annual: $500K
Founders: 2
Employees: 15
Website: quieton.com
Location: Oulu, Finland
Founded: 2015

QuietOn has redefined the relationship between technology and sleep, creating a product that merges innovation with necessity. At the heart of this reinvention is Janne Kyllönen, the Finnish entrepreneur who saw an opportunity where others might have simply shrugged at sleepless nights. “Sleep deprivation is an invisible epidemic,” Kyllönen explains, his voice calm but driven. “We’re solving a very human problem—the kind that technology should be addressing, not causing.” 

The company’s active noise-canceling earbuds are compact, lightweight, and specifically tailored to block out the low-frequency sounds that traditional earplugs can’t handle—like snoring or the rumble of distant traffic. For Kyllönen, this focus on low frequencies was a turning point in the product’s development. “Most noise-canceling devices are built for high-frequency noise, like voices or airplane cabins,” he says. “But what keeps people awake at night isn’t someone talking—it’s that constant droning hum or the low snore that cuts through everything.” 

Kyllönen’s path to launching QuietOn wasn’t born of coincidence but of deliberate problem-solving. He draws on his background in acoustics and engineering to tackle what he describes as “a gap in the market that no one was filling.” Unlike traditional noise-masking products that drown out disturbances with white noise or music, QuietOn takes a subtler, more effective approach. Its earbuds actively cancel disruptive sounds while maintaining a silence that feels natural. “Silence is the real luxury,” Kyllönen says with a smile. “It’s what we’re all chasing, even if we don’t know it.” 

The company’s rise hasn’t been without challenges. Designing earbuds for sleep isn’t as straightforward as designing for other use cases like travel or work. Comfort, Kyllönen explains, was non-negotiable. “You can’t tell someone to sleep with something that feels like a rock in their ear,” he notes. Achieving the balance between comfort and technological capability required countless iterations. “The idea wasn’t just to make something functional—it had to disappear when people used it. The moment someone feels it while sleeping, we’ve failed.” 

QuietOn’s earbuds weigh just 1.8 grams, making them among the lightest noise-canceling devices available. The team spent years perfecting the ergonomic design to ensure users can wear them all night without discomfort. “Comfort is a science of its own,” Kyllönen remarks. “It’s about millimeters, materials, and an obsessive focus on feedback.” Customer input has played a critical role in refining the product. Kyllönen recalls early testers who described the sensation of being able to hear their own breathing or heartbeat when wearing the earbuds. “That was a revelation for us,” he admits. “It taught us to think about how silence feels—not just how it sounds.” 

While many tech entrepreneurs focus heavily on cutting-edge features, Kyllönen emphasizes practicality over flash. “It’s easy to add features and complicate a product, but simplicity is harder,” he says. This philosophy is reflected in QuietOn’s stripped-down design. There are no apps, no Bluetooth pairing, and no unnecessary frills—just a seamless experience. “Our product is built to do one thing exceptionally well: help you sleep,” Kyllönen adds. 

The global response to QuietOn has validated its niche positioning. With over 80,000 units sold and revenue exceeding $500,000 per month, the company’s growth trajectory is undeniable. What’s more compelling, though, is the feedback Kyllönen receives from customers. “We’ve had people tell us it saved their marriage,” he shares. “When one person snores and the other can’t sleep, it creates real friction. We’re not just selling earbuds—we’re improving relationships, health, and quality of life.” 

It’s this personal impact that motivates Kyllönen and his team. He speaks warmly about a letter he received from a customer who had struggled with insomnia for years before discovering QuietOn. “They told us, ‘You gave me back my nights,’” Kyllönen says, his tone softening. “That’s when you realize the work we’re doing is meaningful in a way that numbers and sales can’t fully capture.” 

QuietOn continues to expand its reach, propelled by a combination of word-of-mouth testimonials and partnerships in regions where sleep technology is gaining traction. Kyllönen is clear-eyed about the future. “Our goal is to create the standard for sleep solutions,” he says confidently. “When people think about sleeping better, we want them to think about us first.” 

A Spark in Chaos: From Inspiration to Innovation 

Great ideas often emerge from unexpected moments, and for Janne Kyllönen, the turning point came not in the quiet of a lab but in the chaos of a Beijing airport. It was there, surrounded by the hum of a bustling terminal, that Kyllönen first encountered active noise-canceling technology. Slipping on a pair of noise-canceling headphones for the first time, he found himself in a bubble of near silence. “It was surreal,” he recalls. “For a moment, it was like the world disappeared. The stress, the noise, the chaos—it all just stopped.” 

But what intrigued him wasn’t just the effect—it was the potential. The headphones were effective, sure, but they were bulky and impractical for anything beyond short bursts of use. “I remember thinking, this is great, but it’s not something I could use in my daily life, and definitely not while trying to sleep,” Kyllönen says. That brief moment of calm stuck with him long after he left the airport, igniting the idea that would later shape QuietOn. 

Kyllönen wasn’t starting from scratch. His years at Nokia had equipped him with a deep understanding of user-centric design and a knack for bridging technology with real-world needs. As a project and product manager, he’d been on the front lines of mobile innovation. But when Nokia’s mobile division wound down and his role ended, Kyllönen saw it as an opportunity rather than a setback. “I suddenly had this blank canvas to think about what I really wanted to create,” he explains. 

He began jotting down ideas, evaluating each one not just for feasibility but for its potential to solve a tangible problem. Noise-canceling technology kept coming back to him. Could it be smaller? Could it be more versatile? Most importantly, could it be comfortable enough to wear all night? “I wanted to create something that addressed a very specific need,” he says. “Sleep is something we all take for granted until it’s disrupted. I kept thinking, what if we could give people back the gift of uninterrupted rest?” 

To move from idea to execution, Kyllönen turned to Matti Nisula, a former colleague with a deep background in audio engineering and signal processing. The challenge they faced was formidable: adapting active noise-canceling technology to fit a form factor so small it could be worn unobtrusively for hours. “At first, it seemed almost impossible,” Kyllönen admits. “Active noise cancellation requires hardware, power, and space. To make it all fit into something small enough for sleep was asking a lot.” 

Nisula was skeptical but intrigued. Together, they started brainstorming and testing, working through the countless technical hurdles that come with downsizing complex technology. “It wasn’t just about shrinking the hardware,” Kyllönen explains. “It was about making it work just as effectively, if not better, in this new form.” 

As the technical challenges mounted, so did the financial pressures. Unlike massive tech companies with deep pockets and vast resources, Kyllönen and his small team were running on determination and limited funding. “There was no safety net,” he says bluntly. “We were all in—financially, emotionally, and physically.” 

Their efforts paid off in ways they couldn’t have fully anticipated. The first working prototypes were a testament to their grit and ingenuity—a marriage of cutting-edge technology and meticulous attention to user comfort. But even then, the work was far from done. “A prototype is one thing,” Kyllönen says. “Turning that into a product people can buy, trust, and rely on is a completely different challenge.” 

For Kyllönen, the journey wasn’t just about making a product—it was about solving a problem. “The world is noisy,” he says simply. “But peace is possible. We just needed to figure out how to deliver it in the right way.” That singular focus on solving a universal pain point has been the driving force behind QuietOn from the very beginning. 

From Glue Guns to Global Impact 

Launching QuietOn’s first earbuds wasn’t the polished endeavor one might expect from a now-renowned product. Kyllönen and his team operated on a shoestring budget, with their early work resembling a craft project as much as a high-tech innovation. The prototypes were cobbled together with hot glue, nail polish, and precision soldering under a microscope. “It was far from glamorous,” Kyllönen admits, “but those early versions proved something critical: the technology worked. Even in that raw form, the noise-canceling was as good as anything available on the market.” 

The scrappy approach paid off. Friends and early testers raved about the prototypes, offering feedback that validated both the concept and the need for such a product. Encouragement came from unexpected places, too, including Finnair, Finland’s national airline. “Finnair showed immediate interest in the idea,” Kyllönen recalls. “They loved the technology but also pushed us to think about how it looked. That feedback was invaluable—it pushed us to make the product not just functional but something people would want to use.” 

Armed with early enthusiasm, the team took the next step: forming the company and securing funding. A combination of seed investments and a product development grant enabled them to refine the device further. They moved beyond the hot glue phase, creating 3D-printed proto-series earbuds that were tested in airline trials. The response? Overwhelmingly positive. It was clear they were onto something big, but the question remained: would consumers actually buy it? 

Testing the Market with Crowdfunding 

For Kyllönen, crowdfunding wasn’t just a way to raise money—it was a test of the market’s appetite for QuietOn. Indiegogo offered the perfect platform, providing access to an international audience and the chance to gauge real demand. “We didn’t want to guess whether people would pay for the product,” Kyllönen says. “Crowdfunding gave us direct insight into what the market wanted and what they were willing to pay for.” 

The team poured energy into preparing for the campaign. They created a professional video to showcase the earbuds and leaned heavily on their personal networks to build early momentum. “We collected emails, built mailing lists, and reached out to everyone we knew,” Kyllönen explains. On launch day, their hard work paid off: QuietOn hit $10,000 in sales within hours. By the second day, that figure had jumped to $50,000, thanks in part to Indiegogo’s algorithms, which favored campaigns that showed strong early traction. 

In total, the campaign brought in $1.3 million—a milestone that did more than just fund production. It validated QuietOn’s place in the market and taught the team invaluable lessons about consumer behavior. “We learned that preparation is everything,” Kyllönen says. “The video, the pre-marketing, the email lists—it all had to work together. Without that early traction, we wouldn’t have reached the same level of success.” 

Evolving Through Feedback 

Even as QuietOn celebrated its crowdfunding triumph, the work of improving the product was far from over. Feedback from the first generation of earbuds revealed an unexpected gap. “The noise cancellation was excellent,” Kyllönen says, “but the fit wasn’t quite right for sleeping. That was a wake-up call—no pun intended. We needed to rethink who we were designing for.” 

This led the team to shift focus temporarily. Rather than targeting sleepers, they zeroed in on airline travelers and those in need of hearing protection. This pivot opened the door to partnerships with major airlines like Finnair and Lufthansa, where the earbuds gained traction through inflight trials and retail sales. “The feedback from these collaborations was essential,” Kyllönen notes. “It allowed us to refine the product while building credibility in a very visible market.” 

As QuietOn grew, so did the sophistication of its earbuds. By the third generation, the company had honed its focus on comfort, usability, and sleep-specific performance. The payoff was clear: TechRadar gave QuietOn 3 a glowing 4.5-star review, calling it the best sleep earbuds on the market. Customers, too, responded with enthusiasm, citing improved sleep quality and life-changing results. 

Leveraging Media and Influencers 

QuietOn’s ability to solve a universal problem quickly caught the attention of the media. The company partnered with a PR agency to tell its story, landing features in Forbes, TechRadar, and Women’s Health. These write-ups didn’t just showcase the earbuds—they added credibility, helping to build trust among potential customers. “Media coverage was huge for us,” Kyllönen acknowledges. “It amplified our message and gave us the kind of exposure that money alone can’t buy.” 

The team also leaned into influencer marketing, targeting creators in health and wellness niches. Offering earbuds for testing, QuietOn connected with influencers whose audiences were actively searching for better sleep solutions. From YouTubers like Just Me Studying to wellness figures like Health Coach Kait, these partnerships introduced the product to new demographics in an authentic, relatable way. “It’s one thing for us to say the product works,” Kyllönen says, “but when influencers share their experiences, it resonates on a completely different level.” 

Through a combination of relentless iteration, strategic marketing, and an unwavering focus on user needs, QuietOn has cemented itself as more than just a product—it’s become a lifeline for people seeking peace in a noisy world. 

The Challenge of Scaling Without Compromise 

As QuietOn’s reputation grows, so does the demand for its sleep earbuds—a surge that has outpaced supply at times. It’s a problem any entrepreneur would welcome, but for Kyllönen, it’s also an opportunity to refine the company’s operations and customer experience. Today, the company’s global webshop at quieton.com serves as the hub for direct-to-consumer sales, integrated seamlessly with the factory and delivery center to ensure efficient order processing and worldwide shipping. “We wanted to create a system that’s as smooth as possible,” Kyllönen explains. “When someone orders our product, it should be quick, reliable, and effortless for them.” 

Yet, operational efficiency is just one piece of the puzzle. Unlike many companies that outsource customer service to cut costs, QuietOn has made the deliberate choice to keep this function in-house. “Customer care is more than answering questions,” Kyllönen says. “It’s about understanding what our users need and using that insight to improve—not just the product but the entire experience of owning it.” By staying connected to their customer base, the team gathers invaluable feedback that continues to shape their offerings. 

This customer-first approach has also supported profitability, allowing QuietOn to reinvest in scaling its production capabilities. With higher production volumes on the horizon, Kyllönen is already eyeing the next phase of growth: opening additional sales channels to reach even more customers. His vision is straightforward yet ambitious. “We want QuietOn to be the first thing people think of when they hear ‘sleep earbuds,’” he says. “And we’re getting closer to that every day.” 

From Prototype to Production Line 

Scaling up to meet global demand hasn’t been without its challenges, particularly when it comes to mass production. For Kyllönen, designing a world-class product was only the beginning. “What most people don’t realize is that taking a prototype and turning it into something you can produce at scale is almost like creating a new product entirely,” he explains. “Every detail needs to be optimized—not just the product itself but how it’s assembled, tested, and delivered.” 

Establishing an efficient assembly process required trial and error, and implementing rigorous quality controls was non-negotiable. Each earbud is a precise piece of technology, meaning even minor inconsistencies during production could affect performance. “Our focus has always been on quality,” Kyllönen says. “If it’s not perfect, it doesn’t leave the factory.” 

The company’s small but dedicated team has worked tirelessly to address these complexities, ensuring the earbuds remain reliable as production scales. Their commitment has positioned QuietOn to handle its growing customer base while maintaining the product standards that have earned it global recognition. “It’s about more than meeting demand,” Kyllönen explains. “It’s about sustaining the trust our customers place in us and the product.” 

With mass production in full swing, QuietOn is prepared to take the next steps toward scaling its operations further. The company’s ability to tackle the often-overlooked hurdles of manufacturing has created a solid foundation for long-term growth. As Kyllönen puts it, “Scaling isn’t just about producing more. It’s about producing better—and doing it consistently.” 

The Power of Listening Early 

Building something new often requires setting aside the desire for perfection in favor of practicality, and that’s a lesson Kyllönen credits with shaping QuietOn’s success. For him, the early days of development weren’t about sleek designs or polished prototypes—they were about proving the concept and learning from real people. “If you wait until everything is perfect, you’ve already waited too long,” Kyllönen says. “We started with prototypes made of hot glue and nail polish. They weren’t pretty, but they worked. And that was enough to start learning.” 

Those rough prototypes became the foundation of QuietOn’s development process. Getting the earbuds into users’ hands as early as possible was a priority, even if the devices didn’t yet look like a finished product. “Early feedback is invaluable,” Kyllönen explains. “You don’t just learn what’s working—you also learn what’s not, and that’s where the biggest opportunities are.” 

For QuietOn, this approach meant more than just confirming that noise cancellation was effective. Usability testing revealed insights about comfort, fit, and how customers interacted with the earbuds in real-world scenarios. These lessons shaped everything from the design to the target audience, allowing Kyllönen and his team to refine their vision before scaling production. “People will tell you what they need if you’re willing to listen,” he says. “Sometimes it’s not what you expected, but that’s the point—it’s their experience, not yours.” 

Kyllönen’s experience underscores the value of iteration. Those early, unpolished versions of QuietOn’s earbuds might not have wowed anyone with their aesthetics, but they showed proof of concept, revealed critical flaws, and demonstrated that the product could solve a real problem. From there, it was a process of constant refinement, driven by customer feedback. 

This philosophy—progress over perfection—has been instrumental in turning QuietOn from a scrappy idea into a global success. Kyllönen believes it’s a lesson every entrepreneur should embrace. “Don’t be afraid to share your product when it’s not ready,” he advises. “The sooner you get it into real hands, the sooner you’ll know how to make it better. That’s how you move forward—by listening, learning, and improving.” 

At its core, QuietOn’s journey is a testament to the power of focus, resilience, and iteration. For Kyllönen, the goal was never to chase perfection from the outset. It was about creating a product that mattered—one that addressed a genuine need and made people’s lives better. The result is a solution that has helped thousands of people sleep soundly, all thanks to a willingness to learn and adapt from day one. 

Success Factors: Why Did QuietOn Succeed? 

• Identifying a Real and Universal Problem: QuietOn’s success began with the identification of a tangible issue: noise disrupting sleep. By focusing on a problem that impacts millions—snoring, traffic noise, and general urban clamor—the product immediately addressed a widespread need. As Kyllönen put it, “Sleep is something we all take for granted until it’s disrupted.” This clarity of purpose kept the company’s focus razor-sharp and aligned their product development efforts. 

• User-Centric Design and Feedback: A cornerstone of QuietOn’s development was involving users early in the process. Even when the prototypes were rudimentary—built with hot glue and nail polish—the team prioritized usability testing to gather real-world feedback. This feedback not only validated the concept but also uncovered insights about comfort, fit, and customer expectations. By constantly iterating based on these findings, QuietOn was able to deliver a product that truly solved user needs. 

• Technical Innovation and Attention to Detail: QuietOn’s earbuds were designed to tackle low-frequency sounds, a specific gap in the market that traditional noise-canceling devices couldn’t address. Their focus on shrinking the technology without compromising functionality or comfort was a critical factor. “Silence is the real luxury,” Kyllönen remarked, and delivering it in a compact, ergonomic form became a defining feature of the product. This precision-driven approach elevated QuietOn above competitors. 

• Scrappy Resourcefulness in Early Development: Operating on a shoestring budget didn’t deter the team—it pushed them to innovate. The early prototypes were far from polished but functional, proving that QuietOn could deliver on its promise. Their resourceful mindset helped the team overcome financial constraints and build momentum early in the journey. 

• Strategic Partnerships and Market Positioning: QuietOn strategically partnered with airlines like Finnair and Lufthansa during its early stages. These collaborations not only validated the product in high-visibility environments but also helped QuietOn secure inflight retail partnerships. This positioning as a premium solution for travelers laid the groundwork for the company’s expansion into other markets, including sleep-specific use cases. 

• Crowdfunding as a Market Test: Rather than assuming demand, QuietOn used crowdfunding on Indiegogo to gauge market interest. The $1.3 million raised during the campaign not only funded production but also demonstrated strong global demand for the product. The team’s pre-marketing efforts—like creating a professional video and building email lists—ensured early momentum, which contributed to the campaign’s runaway success. 

• Focus on Scalability and Quality Control: As demand grew, QuietOn was meticulous about scaling production without sacrificing quality. Kyllönen and his team invested heavily in refining assembly processes and implementing strict quality controls to ensure consistent performance. Their ability to balance growth with high standards cemented the product’s reputation. 

• Effective Marketing and Media Strategy: QuietOn leveraged earned media and influencer partnerships to amplify its reach. Reviews in Forbes, TechRadar, and Women’s Health not only built credibility but also expanded visibility among potential customers. Additionally, collaborations with health and wellness influencers helped QuietOn target niche audiences, increasing organic interest in the product. 

• Customer-Centric Approach to Care: Even as the company scaled, QuietOn kept customer service in-house to maintain a direct connection with its users. This decision ensured the team could gather ongoing feedback and stay attuned to customer needs, further reinforcing loyalty and improving the product experience. 

• Resilience and Long-Term Vision: Throughout the journey, Kyllönen and his team demonstrated resilience, tackling challenges head-on and remaining committed to their goal of redefining sleep technology. The long-term vision of becoming synonymous with sleep earbuds kept the team motivated and focused on strategic growth. 

Key Lessons to Learn 

1. Solve a Real Problem That Matters: QuietOn’s success started with a clear understanding of a universal pain point: noise disrupting sleep. By addressing a challenge that impacts millions, the product immediately resonated with a wide audience. The lesson here is to focus on problems that are tangible, relatable, and meaningful to people’s lives. As Kyllönen put it, “We’re solving a very human problem—the kind that technology should be addressing, not causing.” 

2. Don’t Wait for Perfection: One of the most valuable lessons from QuietOn is the importance of starting before the product is perfect. Early prototypes of the earbuds were crude—held together with hot glue and nail polish—but they worked. This allowed the team to gather feedback and iterate quickly. Waiting too long to launch can mean missed opportunities to learn, adapt, and refine. As Kyllönen emphasized, “If you wait until everything is perfect, you’ve already waited too long.” 

3. Listen to Feedback and Iterate Relentlessly: QuietOn’s product evolved significantly thanks to continuous user feedback. Early testers provided insights on comfort, usability, and functionality that shaped the final product. For entrepreneurs, this underscores the importance of not just collecting feedback but acting on it. The iterative process isn’t just about validating ideas; it’s about making improvements based on real-world use. 

4. Resourcefulness Can Outweigh Resources: QuietOn’s early development was driven by ingenuity rather than financial resources. Despite a limited budget, the team created functional prototypes and gathered critical feedback. This resourcefulness helped them demonstrate proof of concept and gain traction without relying on significant funding. Entrepreneurs can take inspiration from QuietOn’s ability to “do more with less” and focus on progress over perfection.  

5. Test the Market Early: Crowdfunding on Indiegogo wasn’t just a way for QuietOn to raise money—it was a litmus test for market demand. By putting the product in front of a global audience, the team could gauge whether consumers were willing to pay for it. The $1.3 million campaign not only validated the concept but also provided critical funding for scaling production. For startups, this illustrates the value of testing your product in the market as early as possible to confirm its appeal.  

6. Prioritize Quality at Scale: Scaling a product isn’t just about increasing production volume—it’s about maintaining quality as you grow. QuietOn invested heavily in refining its assembly processes and implementing strict quality controls to ensure every earbud performed flawlessly. This focus on consistency helped the brand earn trust and credibility, a crucial factor for long-term success. The takeaway? Growth is only sustainable if you maintain the standards that earned you customers in the first place. 

7. Leverage Partnerships for Early Traction: Strategic partnerships with companies like Finnair and Lufthansa gave QuietOn early visibility and credibility in the travel market. These collaborations allowed the company to showcase its product in real-world environments while gaining feedback from airline travelers. Entrepreneurs can learn from this approach by seeking out partnerships that align with their target audience and provide opportunities for validation and growth.  

8. Effective Marketing Can Make or Break You: QuietOn’s success was bolstered by a smart media and influencer strategy. Coverage in publications like Forbes and Women’s Health helped build credibility, while partnerships with wellness influencers expanded reach. The lesson here is to prioritize storytelling and visibility. A great product needs a great narrative to reach its audience effectively.  

9. Customer Connection is a Competitive Advantage: Unlike many companies that outsource customer service, QuietOn kept customer care in-house to maintain a direct line of communication with its users. This decision allowed the team to gather ongoing feedback, understand customer needs, and make continuous improvements. The takeaway? Building a direct connection with your customers can lead to stronger loyalty and better products.  

10. Resilience and Vision Drive Long-Term Success: Kyllönen’s journey was defined by persistence and an unwavering focus on the ultimate goal: becoming synonymous with sleep earbuds. From rough prototypes to global recognition, QuietOn’s story shows the importance of staying resilient through challenges, learning from failures, and maintaining a clear vision for the future. Success rarely happens overnight—it’s the result of consistent effort and adaptability.  

11. Don’t Be Afraid to Pivot: When QuietOn realized its first-generation earbuds weren’t ideal for sleeping, the team pivoted temporarily to target airline travelers and hearing protection users. This shift not only allowed them to fine-tune the product but also opened doors to new markets. Entrepreneurs should embrace flexibility and be willing to adjust their strategies based on customer feedback and market opportunities.  

12. Preparation is Crucial for Crowdfunding: QuietOn’s Indiegogo campaign succeeded because of careful pre-launch preparation. From building email lists to creating a compelling video, the team ensured they had early momentum to attract backers. The takeaway? Crowdfunding isn’t just about launching a campaign—it’s about laying the groundwork to ensure a strong start. 

Opportunity Matrix 

Founder Background  

Janne Kyllönen, former Nokia project and product manager, with expertise in user experience and advanced technology. He brought a deep understanding of design and practical innovation to QuietOn. 

Problem Identification 

Disruptive low-frequency noises (e.g., snoring, urban noise, travel sounds) interfere with sleep. Existing noise-masking devices failed to address this specific issue effectively or comfortably. 

Market Opportunity  

A massive global demand for sleep solutions driven by rising awareness of sleep’s impact on health and increasing noise pollution in urban areas. Also tapped into niche markets like frequent travelers and those needing hearing protection. 

Competitive Landscape 

Competes with traditional earplugs, white noise machines, and noise-canceling headphones. QuietOn differentiated itself with compact, active noise-canceling technology specifically designed for sleeping, targeting a niche yet underserved segment. 

Market Research 

Early prototypes tested with friends and users, along with feedback from Finnair and airline trials, validated the product’s functionality and user need. Customer feedback was continuously gathered post-launch to refine product design. 

Business Model 

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales through a global webshop (quieton.com) and inflight retail partnerships with airlines like Finnair and Lufthansa. Planned expansion into additional sales channels to scale reach. 

Initial Capital 

Started with a limited budget of a few hundred euros. Secured additional funding through a combination of seed investments, a product development grant, and a successful Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign ($1.3 million raised). 

Product/Service Development 

Created early prototypes using hot glue and nail polish to validate the concept. Iteratively refined the product based on feedback, with a strong focus on comfort, usability, and advanced noise-canceling functionality. Released multiple iterations, including QuietOn 3 for sleep optimization. 

Marketing Strategy 

Leveraged crowdfunding (Indiegogo) as a market test and funding source. Partnered with media outlets like Forbes and TechRadar for earned coverage and collaborated with wellness influencers for authentic endorsements. Focused on building early momentum and trust through storytelling. 

Milestones 

• Early airline partnerships (Finnair, Lufthansa) for inflight retail and feedback. 

• Successful Indiegogo campaign, raising $1.3M. 

• Expansion to direct sales via quieton.com. 

• Product accolades, including a 4.5-star rating from TechRadar for QuietOn 3 earbuds. 

Scalability 

Mass production capabilities established with streamlined assembly processes and rigorous quality control. Planned to scale by expanding production volumes and diversifying sales channels to reach more customers globally. 

Potential Risks and Challenges 

• Scaling production while maintaining quality. 

• Managing customer expectations as demand increases. 

• Staying ahead of potential competitors entering the sleep-tech space. 

• Sustaining profitability as marketing and operational costs rise with scaling efforts. 

Key Performance Indicators/Metrics 

• Monthly revenue exceeding $500,000. 

• Over 80,000 units sold globally. 

• Customer satisfaction and reviews (e.g., TechRadar rating and user feedback). 

• Production efficiency metrics. 

• Growth in webshop traffic and conversion rates.