Just back from Shenzhen — a quick update on Exobrew
I've visited our factory twice — before Chinese New Year and again this week. I want to give you a real update — not a polished press release, but an honest account of where we are, what's been hard, and what happens next.
The plan is locked
The factory visit confirmed everything. We're sourcing the remaining materials over the next 6 weeks. Discussed every item on the component level. Assembly happens the first week of May. Testing the second week. Units ship to the US for arrival by the end of May.
This is real. The hardware is coming along. The factory is ready.
What's been hard
I won't sugarcoat it. The last few months have been tough. A wave of refunds— from people whose circumstances changed, don't want to wait, new babies, life happening — hit our reserves harder than we anticipated. Building a hardware company is expensive, and when cash moves in the wrong direction, it creates pressure everywhere.
I've been managing that pressure while still trying to deliver on the promise we made to you. It hasn't been easy.
Why I'm still going
Because the product is good. Because the people who've stayed with us deserve to have their machine in their hands. And because walking through that factory floor in Shenzhen and seeing your unit taking shape is a reminder of why we started this.
What I need from you
I've sent 12 outstanding invoices totaling $12K today. If you have an outstanding balance, please pay by April 15. It directly funds your unit — materials, assembly, and testing. You'll find your payment link in an email that went out today.
If your situation has changed, reply to this email. I'd rather have an honest conversation now than let it drag on for both of us.
Taking care of existing customers
While I was at the factory, we also worked on something for our current Exobrew owners. We've completed a jig to improve cooling on existing units — and we're now CNC machining the parts so we can put together a complete DIY repair kit for everyone who wants to do it themselves. One jig is done in the factory. More are being made. We'll share details on how to get your kit as soon as they're ready.
What's next
May shipment. That's the focus. Everything else — the next product, the next campaign — comes after we deliver on this one first.
Thank you for sticking with us.
Bart
Founder, Exobrew
