Boulder phone-case company launches crowdfunding campaign

BOULDER — Phone-case manufacturer Cradl launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $20,000 to create cases for the iPhone 7.

Boulder-based Cradl cases are designed to be both stylish and durable, with a design that shows off the back of the case and a rigid inner skeleton co-molded with a flexible outer shell.

The Indiegogo campaign Cradl — a mother-daughter duo of Elizabeth and Erin Dining — has raised $4,783, 24 percent of its goal. The campaign has had 34 backers and has a month left.

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Elizabeth Dining said the group is raising $20,000, which is needed to cover the price of the molds for the new cases.

Backers get various prizes depending on the amount they pledge: $6 gets an earbud cord holder, $21 gets 35 percent off existing cases, $24 allows a pre-order for the iPhone 7 cases, scheduled to ship in April. The company’s cases — so far, they offer three different styles for the iPhone 6 and 6s cases — retail for $32, according to its website.

Dining said Cradl is gaining attention for its product, which aims to prioritize durability and style.

“The phones coming out now are dust proof, water resistant and smudge resistant,” she said. “They’re built so you don’t need to cover them with a vault. I believe those cases are going to become a dinosaur and cases like ours are going to become more popular. Plus, phones are becoming more beautiful and something people want to show off.”

Dining said after Cradl raises funds for the iPhone 7 case, it plans to crowdfund again to create a case for the Galaxy 8, which Samsung is slated to release in April.

Cradl cases have two utility patents and three design patents issued.

The Boulder-based company has teamed up with several local companies, including Loveland-based Xtrude2Fill for its manufacturing, a Longmont company for the molds and two companies in Denver for packaging and fulfillment.

“It’s extraordinarily important,” Dining said of making her product in Colorado. “To be in the U.S. and to bring it to my state is exciting.”