No More Silence — Here’s What We’re Doing
about 1 year ago
– Tue, Jun 03, 2025 at 02:44:36 AM
Dear backers,
Some of you think this project is a scam.
We get it.
After months of silence, frustration is completely justified. And yes — we’ve seen the comments.
So here’s the truth: we’re not hiding anymore.
We’re showing up — fully. And we’re rebuilding trust through action, not words.
Transparency, for Real
We’re changing the way we communicate — starting now:
✅ We sent a lock to LockPickingLawyer
It’s terrifying. But we’re confident — and it’s time
Transparency Event – Friday, June 13 in Copenhagen
We’re opening the doors. Backers, investors, and anyone curious — come try the lock, ask questions, and see the product for yourself.
We’re inviting 10 Copenhagen-based backers to help test pre-launch locks.
You’ll install it yourself at the event, take it home, and give us feedback over time
(And yes — you will still receive their final certified lock when shipping begins)
This isn’t a launch party. It’s a transparency party — and a fresh start.
Where We’re At
Our first production order is now locked — delivery is set for mid-August
The only thing that could delay shipping is if certification takes longer than expected
Tin, who was previously our main contact at the factory, is now working directly with LAAS
She’s coordinating production and handling fulfillment from China — and you’ll hear from her soon with a shipping questionnaire
Thank you — sincerely — for sticking with us.
This update doesn’t undo the silence. But it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
We’re delivering.
We’re listening.
And we’re finally communicating.
More soon
Marcus Kjellsson
Founder, LAAS
LAAS Copenhagen – Still Pushing Forward
over 1 year ago
– Sat, Dec 07, 2024 at 12:06:43 AM
Dear Backers,
First of all, I want to thank you—whether you’re still supporting us actively or just holding on in frustration. I just opened Kickstarter to post this update and saw that 76 of you have requested an update. That was a wake-up call. I know it’s been far too long since I last checked in, and I appreciate your patience. Communication should have been more consistent, and for the silence, I apologize.
The reality is, it’s been incredibly challenging to find something positive to write. For months, I’ve been grinding—balancing external work to keep things afloat while pushing LAAS forward. The pressure to deliver good news held me back, but I’ve realized that even staying alive is a victory worth sharing.
Here’s where we are:
1. Progress: We’ve successfully passed a critical insurance testing phase in Denmark. This was a tough but essential milestone, ensuring the quality and safety of our product.
2. Challenges: Like many startups, we’ve faced severe cash flow issues. To keep things moving, I’ve taken on some external work to fund operations. It’s slowed us down, but it’s kept us alive.
3. Commitment: Despite the setbacks, we’re still here, and we’re not giving up. We’re closer than ever to production, and we’re determined to deliver on our promise.
I know the delays and silence have been frustrating. If you’re still with us, it means the world to me. I’m committed to doing better and sharing updates more regularly going forward (you have my word!). I hope to bring you more concrete news soon.
Thank you for sticking with us—or even just reading this far. Your belief in LAAS, even in small doses, keeps us going.
All the best,
Marcus Kjellsson
Founder, LAAS Copenhagen
Back on track!
about 2 years ago
– Sat, Jun 15, 2024 at 05:17:57 AM
Dear Backers,
We hope this update finds you well! We apologize for the recent silence. We've been through some tough times, fighting for survival, but we're resilient and determined to see this through.
Despite the challenges, we're happy to share that things are starting to get back on track. We have some great news: our Chinese manufacturer has successfully finalized the CE and ROHS certifications, bringing us two steps closer to shipping!
On a less positive note, we encountered a slight setback with the Danish insurance certification. The testing involved four tests, and we passed three of them. We missed passing one of the tests by a mere 10 seconds—the lock needs to withstand 3 minutes of attempts to break it, and ours lasted 2 and 50 seconds. It was frustratingly close, but we identified the issue. The hole we drilled in the shackle for easier handle positioning created a weak spot. We'll now weld the handle without the hole, which should resolve this problem.
I'll be heading back to China soon to oversee the necessary adjustments. We produced a preproduction series of 300 locks and'll upgrade the shackle on those before they can be used.
We regret that we still can't provide a specific shipping date, but the good news is that we're back on our feet and making progress. We appreciate your continued patience and support. We'll keep you updated and share shipping news as soon as possible.
Thank you for sticking with us!
Warm regards,
Marcus
Our O-lock journey
over 2 years ago
– Mon, Mar 25, 2024 at 10:19:45 PM
Dear Kickstarter Backers
First, I must express my deep and sincere gratitude for the overwhelming understanding and support so many of you have shown us throughout this journey. Writing this message feels different as the anticipation of bike season grows, yet our locks remain just out of your reach. It’s a shared disappointment, felt deeply on both sides.
Reflecting on Our Path:
The truth, laid bare, is that finding new updates has become a challenge—not for lack of progress, but because the myriad of minor issues we've encountered have compounded, leading to delays that are as frustrating for us as they are for you. Yet, amidst these challenges, our production in the new factory has been a beacon of efficiency and speed, a testament to the extensive redesign and groundwork laid since last November. It’s a clear signal that the major hurdles are behind us.
We recently navigated another step in our commitment to quality—the IP65 test for dust and water resistance. While we haven't shared this before, ensuring our lock stands up to the elements was a crucial milestone. After rigorously refining a part with a new gasket, we passed the factory's preliminary test. Now, we're poised to submit for the official certification, a moment that brings us closer to delivering on our promise.
The Road Ahead in India:
As I pen this, my bags are packed for India, where the task ahead is clear: to collaborate closely with our team, finalizing the firmware, software, and app. The intricacies of breathing life into a new product, especially from the ground up, are daunting. Yet, it’s the prospect of delivering an unparalleled bike lock to you, our cherished backers, that fuels our determination.
Looking Forward with Hope:
The journey of a startup founder is fraught with trials. Each delay, each setback, tests our resolve, yet it also sharpens our focus on the goal. Despite the obstacles, our vision for what we’re creating together remains undimmed and more determined than ever. We stand on the brink of realizing something extraordinary, buoyed by your patience and faith.
The disappointment of delay, especially as biking season unfolds, weighs heavily on us. We are committed to doing everything within our power to accelerate the final stages of our project, ensuring we deliver a bike lock that embodies the quality and integrity you deserve.
In Closing:
Your support, understanding, and feedback have been nothing short of foundational to our efforts. We are on the cusp of crossing the finish line together, even if the road proved longer and more challenging than expected. The destination, however, is unchanged and promises to be worth every extra mile traveled.
We welcome your questions, concerns, or even a word of encouragement—they genuinely make a difference.
Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for standing by us. The final stretch is before us, and the adventures that await beyond it promise to be all the more sweet for our journey together.
Warmest regards,
Marcus and the Entire LAAS Team
The latest from LAAS
over 2 years ago
– Wed, Feb 07, 2024 at 08:19:47 PM
Dear backers,
Kind of another non-update, but that's where we are now; no news means good news, and we are working tirelessly to finalize
We thank you for your continued support and understanding throughout our journey. We apologize for the lack of recent updates. We have been working hard to bring our project to fruition.
Our dedicated team has ensured the highest quality for your locks over the past month. I tested the production locks during my recent visit to the factory last week. Although minor adjustments were needed, the overall quality and performance meet our stringent standards. We have a three-week factory closure as the Chinese New Year celebrations are underway. Following their return, we will make minor adjustments before starting mass production.
We are obtaining the necessary certifications to sell the product and working diligently to finalize this crucial step. At the same time, we are waiting for approval for the tracking integration. Unfortunately, we cannot disclose details about the tracking system until the certification process is complete.
We apologize for the lack of recent news. Our focus has been on delivering a product that surpasses your expectations, and we appreciate your patience, understanding, and trust in us as we navigate this final stretch. We will provide a specific shipping date once everything is in order.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey. We are committed to delivering a product that you will be proud to own and that we will be proud to offer.
