Philly-based wearable tech firm raising $120K for notification bracelet

Technology can be polite.

That’s one of Beacon & Lively‘s taglines. The Indy Hall-based wearable tech company is raising $120,000 to develop software and hardware around a cuff that alerts you when you’re getting a text or a call.

The driving idea behind the company: it’s rude to keep your phone on the table when you’re, say, out at dinner with someone. But you also don’t want to miss an important call, either.

The company has already raised over $14,000 via Kickstarter, where you can pre-order a bracelet. It will retail for $225, but Kickstarter backers can get it for less.

Beacon & Lively is reminiscent of Ringly, the Brooklyn-based, venture-backed wearable tech company that makes rings that alert you to smartphone notifications. Beacon & Lively’s bracelet offers more colors and patterns to choose from, the founders said.

Like other entrepreneurs who launch crowdfunding campaigns, CEO Dave Becker said he chose to go the crowdfunding route to build a loyal following first.

The company will manufacture its cuffs in nearby Southampton, Pa., at a facility that came “highly recommended” by other local entrepreneurs, Becker said. The Beacon & Lively mobile app was made by Indy Hall-based mobile company Rain Everywhere.

And why keep his 10-person team in Philadelphia rather than New York City, the nation’s fashion capital?

Becker wrote:

Philly is a city of artisans, makers and technologists. Where else can you start on N3RD street and walk four blocks to Jeweler’s row? Our team has deep roots in the area. We know what Philly has to offer, and we think it will help us attract talented people join our team as we grow.

Becker’s cofounder is his wife, Veronica Becker, who formerly worked in customer relations in the biotech and medical-device sector. Becker, 41, of Queen Village, used to to be a senior vice president at SunGard Higher Education and also participated in the Philly Startup Leaders Accelerator bootcamp with another startup called CampusESP.