5 most bizarre startups you’ll ever come across

Are you thinking of having your own business? Are you worried your idea is simply not viable? Maybe the big question for you is who’s really going to buy your product or services.

Don’t underestimate the power of the human brain. We’ve been known to turn even the strangest idea into a startup. If you have any doubts, check out this list of weird startups based on some crazy ideas:

Sarcasm Alert!

Intellitar
In 2010, a startup called Intellitar came under the media spotlight for promising humans virtual eternity. What that means is that for a small fee, you’ll be able to live forever, but digitally.

The company was charging $25 a month to anyone willing to create a digital avatar. All they had to do was upload a photo and voice sample, and take a personality test. Once your avatar is ready, you have to train it with stories, memories and photos.

The company claims this would lead to a digital footprint your family, friends and great grandchildren can talk to. Unfortunately the company shutdown, not because there were no takers! 10,000 people reportedly signed up, but the firm got itself into an expensive IP law suit.

Junk Mail
In 2013, a startup based in Austin, Texas wanted to act as a mail agent for customers.

It offered ‘postal mail like email’ through professionals called ‘unpostmen’. These people will go to a person’s mailbox, collect their mail, scan everything, even junk mail, and send it to the person’s email inbox.

All of this came at a mere $4.99 a month. That’s a deal!

Blippy
Do you like to show off everything you lavish your cash on? Blippy links your credit card to Twitter. That way, every purchase you make is broadcast to the world.

The company raised some $13 million, and gained serious users! Sadly, in April 2010 it leaked some credit card numbers on Google, and the company were shut next year.

Agester
Have you had wine thrown on your face, or have a date walk out becase you guessed the person’s age wrong?

If you raised your hand, Agester will rock your world. It guesses a person’s age based on a photo, and charges money for it.

Washboard
In 2014, a startup called washboard was letting you pay $26 for $20 in quarters.

What that means is you pay over 35%, just to be offered the luxury to pay in coins, and not bank-notes. Wow!

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