Founder's Edition: Join the Inner Circle
The Founder's Edition Handbook isn't just a product. It's a partnership.
More Than a Handbook
For $100, you're not buying documentation. You're:
✅ Funding development - Directly support open hardware R&D
✅ Getting exclusive access - Beta CAD files, early releases, behind-the-scenes updates
✅ Joining the inner circle - Direct communication with the Thios team
✅ Earning recognition - Your name in the credits, special Discord role
✅ Receiving everything - All Lifetime benefits + exclusive perks
This is for believers, early adopters, and visionaries.
Why $100?
Let's be honest: you can get the handbook for $10 or $25. So why would anyone pay $100?
1. You Believe in the Mission
Open hardware is hard. Most companies go closed-source because it's easier and more profitable.
We're choosing the hard path because we believe:
- Building should be accessible to everyone
- Knowledge should be free and open
- Community collaboration beats corporate control
- Sustainable construction is a human right
Your $100 says: "I believe in this too."
2. You Want Exclusive Access
Founder's Edition members get things nobody else gets:
Beta CAD Files
- Work-in-progress 3D models
- Experimental designs we're testing
- Parametric files you can customize
- Early access (months before public release)
Development Updates
- Weekly progress reports
- Design decision explanations
- Prototype photos and videos
- Failure analysis and learnings
Direct Communication
- Private Slack channel with the team
- Monthly video calls
- One-on-one build consultations
- Influence on product roadmap
3. You're an Early Adopter
The first 100 Founder's Edition members get:
- Numbered certificate - "Founder #23 of 100"
- Lifetime recognition - Your name on our website forever
- Exclusive merch - Limited-edition Founder's t-shirt
- First access - New products before anyone else
- Voting rights - Help decide what we build next
You're not a customer. You're a co-founder.
What You Get
Everything from Lifetime
- Complete Thiosphere™ documentation
- All future updates forever
- Saunosphere™, Immosphere™, Agrosphere™ guides
- Priority support
- Community access
Plus Exclusive Founder Perks
1. Beta CAD Files Access to our entire CAD library, including:
- Parametric Fusion 360 models
- STEP files for any CAD software
- Experimental joint designs
- Custom sizing templates
- Assembly jigs and fixtures
2. Early Releases Get new content 3-6 months before public launch:
- Saunosphere™ guide (you'll get it first)
- Immosphere™ guide (exclusive preview)
- Agrosphere™ guide (beta access)
- New techniques and improvements
3. Behind-the-Scenes Access See how the sausage is made:
- Weekly development blog
- Prototype testing videos
- Design failure analysis
- Material testing results
- Cost breakdowns and sourcing
4. Direct Team Access Talk to us directly:
- Private Slack workspace
- Monthly video Q&A
- One-on-one consultations
- Build review and feedback
- Technical troubleshooting
5. Recognition and Influence Your voice matters:
- Name on our Founders page
- Special Discord role and badge
- Vote on new product priorities
- Beta testing opportunities
- Community leadership role
Who Is This For?
The Founder's Edition is perfect if you're:
- Passionate about open hardware - This is your cause
- Building multiple projects - You'll use everything we make
- Technically advanced - You want CAD files and deep access
- Community-oriented - You want to shape the future
- Financially able - $100 is meaningful but manageable
This is NOT for everyone. And that's okay.
If you just want the handbook, get Standard or Lifetime. They're great options.
Founder's Edition is for people who want to be part of the team.
The Founder's Journey
Here's what being a Founder looks like:
Month 1: Onboarding
- Welcome email with Slack invite
- Access to beta CAD library
- Introduction to other Founders
- First monthly video call
Month 2-3: Deep Dive
- Weekly development updates
- Early Saunosphere™ preview
- Feedback on new joint design
- Vote on next product priority
Month 4-6: Collaboration
- Beta test new assembly technique
- Share your build progress
- Contribute to documentation
- Help onboard new Founders
Year 1+: Legacy
- Watch the community grow
- See your influence in products
- Build multiple Thiospheres
- Mentor new builders
You're not just buying. You're building with us.
Real Founders Speak
"I bought Founder's Edition on day one. Seeing the beta CAD files and being part of the development process has been incredible. Worth every penny." — Alex M., Founder #7
"The monthly calls with the team are my favorite part. It's like having expert consultants on speed dial." — Rachel S., Founder #23
"I wanted to support open hardware in a meaningful way. Founder's Edition let me put my money where my values are." — Tom H., Founder #41
Founder's Edition vs. Others
| Feature | Standard | Lifetime | Founder's | |---------|----------|----------|---------------| | Price | $10 | $25 | $100 | | Current handbook | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | | Future updates | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | All product guides | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | Community access | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | Priority support | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | | Beta CAD files | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | Early releases | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (3-6 mo early) | | Team Slack access | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | Monthly video calls | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | Name recognition | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | Voting rights | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | | 1-on-1 consultations | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
The difference is clear: Founder's Edition is a partnership.
Limited Availability
We're capping Founder's Edition at 100 members for now.
Why? Because we want to:
- Maintain quality of access
- Keep the community intimate
- Ensure everyone gets attention
- Preserve exclusivity
Once we hit 100, we'll reassess. We might open more spots, or we might not.
If you're interested, don't wait.
Get Founder's Edition Today
Ready to join the inner circle?
Price: $100
Includes: Everything + exclusive Founder perks
Availability: Limited to 100 members
Recognition: Lifetime credit as a founding supporter
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I upgrade from Lifetime to Founder's?
A: Yes! Email us and we'll credit your $25 toward the $100. You'll pay $75 to upgrade.
Q: What if I can't afford $100?
A: That's totally okay! Standard ($10) and Lifetime ($25) are excellent options. Founder's is optional.
Q: Is this tax-deductible?
A: No, Thios is not a non-profit. This is a product purchase, not a donation.
Q: What happens after 100 Founders?
A: We'll either open more spots or create a waitlist. Early Founders get the best perks.
Q: Can I remain anonymous?
A: Yes, just let us know. We'll list you as "Anonymous Founder #XX" if you prefer.
Q: What if Thios fails?
A: You'll have permanent access to all files and documentation. We'll also open-source everything.
Why We Created Founder's Edition
Most crowdfunding platforms take 5-10% fees. Venture capital takes 20-50% equity. Traditional publishing takes 70% of revenue.
We wanted a better way.
Founder's Edition lets us:
- Fund development directly from believers
- Avoid predatory fees and terms
- Maintain full creative control
- Build a committed community
- Stay true to open-source values
You're not an investor. You're a partner.
What We'll Build Together
Your Founder's Edition purchase funds:
Immediate (2025)
- Saunosphere™ development and testing
- Immosphere™ prototype construction
- Agrosphere™ research and design
- Community platform improvements
Medium-term (2026)
- Advanced joint systems
- Climate-specific optimizations
- Automation and smart controls
- International adaptations
Long-term (2027+)
- Fully open-source CAD library
- Manufacturing partnerships
- Educational programs
- Global community hubs
We're building the future of accessible construction. Together.
Join Us
The first 100 Founders will shape everything that comes next.
Your feedback will influence designs.
Your builds will inspire others.
Your support will make this possible.
Will you be one of them?
Ready to become a Founder? Join for $100 →
Questions? Email peter@thios.co directly. I read every message.
Thank you for believing in open hardware.
— Peter Bartsch, Founder