Hardware startup: from idea to first prototype without hiring an engineering office
Hardware founders: validate your POC, build an investor-ready prototype and prepare pre-series with an integrated workshop in Antibes / Sophia-Antipolis — without an in-house R&D team.
A hardware startup cannot always hire mechanical engineers, CAD designers and production leads on day one. Yet investors, beta users and first customers want a working object, not just a pitch deck.
From Antibes and Sophia-Antipolis, NC Factory supports early-stage founders on idea → POC → demo prototype → pre-series, outsourcing physical product R&D to a workshop that designs and builds under one roof.
Four phases of an early-stage hardware project
- Phase 1 — Scoping (1–2 weeks)
- Phase 2 — Technical POC (2–4 weeks)
- Phase 3 — Investor / beta prototype (4–8 weeks)
- Phase 4 — Pre-series (variable)
See B2B startup hardware offer and B2B quote.
FAQ
Yes, with clear scoping and defined prototype budget. Free 30-minute initial call.
We cover mechanics, enclosures, mounts and assembly. Electronics is often coordinated with your partner — we manage interfaces.
Typically 4–8 weeks after validated scoping, depending on complexity and component availability.
Yes — pre-series and small mold-free production, then tooling support if volume justifies it.
