Daniela LaFave
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Who knew you could use a subscription content creation platform like OnlyFans to fund an actual product?
No one, until the co-founders of Flitedeck did it.
Sabrina Fischer, one of the founders, shared how she got the idea recently: “The idea for Flitedeck came to me in 2019 when I bought my first high-end road bike. It featured a beautifully aerodynamic and clean handlebar-stem unit, but I quickly found myself frustrated. Why did I have to attach lights, navigation devices, a bell, and bulky, unsafe mounts to this sleek setup?”
That question led to her reaching out to co-founder, Matthias Huber. The German duo have similar backgrounds. Fisher began her career as an intern at BMW before moving to Porsche where she helped develop the front axle of the Porsche 911 GT3…while also writing a thesis on race car electrification. She also worked at companies like the now-defunct autonomous EV racing arm of Arrival, Automobili Pininfarina, and Roborace, while Huber also worked at BMW, Porsche, Roborace, and Blackwave, a carbon-fiber manufacturing specialist. Their unique backgrounds have them particularly qualified to develop the high-tech handlebars that Fischer envisioned.
Flitedeck is building Fischer’s dream: a carbon-fiber handlebar with a 180 x 70-millimeter IP68 waterproof, hi-res touchscreen and cycling computer with GPS navigation…plus it links with fitness and cycling peripherals, offers security, crash detection, lights, smartphone connectivity, and even training modes. While it may not be as light as some cyclists would like, weighing in at an estimated 28 ounces (800 grams), it weighs less than some current bike computers, like the popular Hammerhead Karoo 2 that weighs 8.5 ounces (241 g).
There was just one problem: they needed funding to make it happen.
Since the pair did not want to let go of any control of their compay to investors, they considered alternative methods like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. They are two fundraising platforms known for helping fledgling companies kick off new products, but there are some drawbacks. The funds only come through when the project gets fully funded — which isn’t guaranteed. And then there are additional fees to consider. It just seemed like there were too many variables.
So they decided to try something never done before: raise funds through the adult subscription site OnlyFans.
When asked why she chose to use the platform Fischer explained: “It was basically because it was quite impossible to get external funding from investors. We are both open-minded people, and I have no problem showing more of myself, including spicy content. So we thought about it and then thought why not, let’s just give it a try. And it was in such high demand from my community that it just went up like that.”
Reportedly their OnlyFans account is in the top 0.19 percent of the platforms creator worldwide. Which translates to approximately $100,000 a month based on what other creators report they make.
Fischer added: “Everybody’s hating on those girls making millions on OnlyFans and asking how on earth are they doing it. But it’s my life, it’s our life and at the end, if it works, why not? I’m doing nothing illegal so why not.”
Why not indeed. Flitedeck is set to start their first run soon, despite not quite hitting the 500 orders they initially wanted. They aren’t worried though, as co-founder Huber shared: “Even if we don’t achieve the 500 direct-to-consumer sales, we will be able to finalize Flitedeck development thanks to our B2B orders.” We don’t yet know what “well-known” bike brand they have found to invest but we’ll find out soon. In the meantime, you can pre-order your own handlebars right now.