The world of startups is a constantly evolving one, with new and innovative ideas popping up all the time. But sometimes, these ideas can be a little bit…bizarre.
In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 of the most bizarre startups that have ever been launched. From a company that sells pet rocks to a company that offers human pet services, these startups are sure to make you scratch your head.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy a look at some of the most bizarre startups ever created.
1. The Human Pet
In 2007, a man named Michael Oddo launched a business called Human Pet. The company’s website offered people the chance to pay to have Oddo as their personal pet for a day. Oddo would follow his clients around, do whatever they wanted, and even sleep in their bed. The service was met with mixed reactions, with some people finding it amusing and others finding it creepy.
2. The Smell-o-Vision
In the 1950s, a company called Smell-o-Vision tried to revolutionize the movie-going experience by adding scents to the films. The company released a few films that were equipped with Smell-o-Vision, but the technology never really caught on. One of the biggest problems with Smell-o-Vision was that the scents were often overpowering and could be unpleasant.
3. The Pet Rock
In 1975, Gary Dahl created a novelty product called the Pet Rock. The Pet Rock was a small, smooth rock that came in a cardboard box with a care manual. The manual included instructions on how to feed, groom, and train your Pet Rock. The Pet Rock was an instant success, selling over 1.5 million units in its first year.
4. The Chia Pet
In 1977, Joseph Enterprises released the Chia Pet, a terracotta figurine that could be grown into a Chia plant. The Chia Pet was an instant hit, selling over 6 million units in its first year. The Chia Pet’s popularity can be attributed to its low price, its ease of use, and its novelty factor.
5. The Tickle Me Elmo
In 1996, Tyco Toys released the Tickle Me Elmo, a plush toy that would laugh and wiggle when it was tickled. The Tickle Me Elmo was an instant phenomenon, selling over 30 million units in its first year. The toy’s popularity can be attributed to its cuteness, its interactivity, and its limited availability.
6. The Pet Hamster Bank
In the 1970s, a company called The Original Hamster Bank released a novelty bank in the shape of a hamster cage. The bank came with a hamster that would run on a wheel and deposit coins into a piggy bank. The Pet Hamster Bank was a popular toy for children, but it was also criticized for being cruel to animals.
7. The Cabbage Patch Kids
In 1983, Coleco released the Cabbage Patch Kids, a line of plush dolls that were marketed as “adoptions.” The Cabbage Patch Kids were an instant hit, with parents lining up for hours to buy them. The dolls’ popularity can be attributed to their unique appearance, their adoption storyline, and their limited availability.
8. The Furby
In 1998, Tiger Electronics released the Furby, a robotic toy that could talk, sing, and learn new words. The Furby was an instant hit, selling over 100 million units worldwide. The toy’s popularity can be attributed to its cuteness, its interactivity, and its ability to learn and grow.
9. The Pet Rock 2.0
In 2017, Gary Dahl released a new version of the Pet Rock called the Pet Rock 2.0. The new Pet Rock came with a variety of accessories, including a carrying case, a feeding bowl, and a grooming brush. The Pet Rock 2.0 was not as successful as the original Pet Rock, but it did manage to sell a few thousand units.
10. The Squatty Potty
In 2015, Squatty Potty released a toilet stool that was designed to help people poop more easily. The Squatty Potty quickly became a popular product, selling over 1 million units in its first year. The product’s popularity can be attributed to its simple design, its effectiveness, and its viral marketing campaign.
While some of these bizarre startups have been successful, others have failed miserably. But all of them have one thing in common: they are all unique and memorable.
