TalentLAB – Product crowdfunding with MADE.COM


TalentLAB is MADE.COM’s crowdfunding platform. It’s a place to promote new talent and unique products that aren’t found anywhere else.

TalentLAB was born out of the MADE Emerging Talent Award – an annual competition for up-and-coming designers to break into the industry, and get their product made and sold. Each year, we received thousands of incredible entries – but only one piece could win. Our winner for 2016’s, the Cairn side table by KIMXGENSAPA, was such a hit with our customers, it’s now in our top three best-selling products. That’s why we launched TalentLAB – so more new designers could be discovered and get their products MADE.
We know that there are many adventurous, innovative ideas in the world that never get brought to life. TalentLAB will shine a spotlight on creativity, helping designers get a foothold in the industry.

Every two months, MADE shortlist between 15 to 30 of the designs that have been submitted. The selected pieces are then prototyped, photographed and added to the TalentLAB website. If you see one you want, pay a small, refundable deposit starting from £5 to £30 (depending on the price of the piece) to show your interest. If a design reaches 100% of its funding goal, it’ll be manufactured and sold by MADE.  If your chosen piece gets manufactured, you’ll get a 30% early-bird discount on the final MADE price. Changed your mind? No problem – we’ll refund your deposit.


Designers can submit ideas here.  Please let us know if you decide to get involved, so that the College community can support your journey if selected!