SKULLY Helmets, a crowd-funded enterprise (via Indiegogo), has announced it has ceased operations with plans to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy case. The press release is below. SKULLY was funded, at least in part, by motorcycle enthusiasts paying for the privilege of owning one of its first AR-1 helmets, which were to contain several high-tech features summarized as follows:
- Lightweight, aerodynamic polycarbonate shell
- Ultra wide angle rearview camera
- DOT/ECE safety certification
- SKULLY anti-fog, anti-scratch, anti-glare visor
- SKULLY Synapse(TM) Vision Enhancement – shows true-to-life imaging of rearview panorama
- Audio/Visual GPS Navigation
- SKULLY Synapse(TM) Smart Heads up Display System with infinite focus
- SKULLY quick release chin strap and visor
- 3D laser-cut foam for a perfect fit
- Bluetooth connectivity to smartphone
- Internet connectivity via smartphone
- Over-the-air updates – download new features as they are released
Some of the features of the AR-1 are demonstrated in the video below. Here is the statement from SKULLY regarding their circumstances:
It is with great regret we must announce that SKULLY will formally cease operations, effective immediately. Over the past several weeks our management team has worked feverishly to raise additional capital but unforeseen challenges and circumstances, beyond our control, made this effort impossible. What this means now is that SKULLY will no longer be able to ship AR-1 Units or process refunds directly.
Substantially all of the assets of SKULLY are now subject to liens held by a secured creditor. The management team does not know if there will be any value above the amount of the secured debt. In addition, at this time, we are not aware whether there will be any distribution amounts available to unsecured creditors. SKULLY now plans to file a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy case within the next several weeks. You will receive notice from the Bankruptcy Court and instructions on how to file a claim.
Our team is devastated and deeply saddened that our valued partners, vendors, employees and customers have been negatively affected by what has transpired. We realize there are many unanswered questions and that this is a very upsetting situation. We are truly sorry.
See more of MD’s great photography:
I see they are now being sued by an insider who alleges a lot of specific outrageous behavior by the companies founder.
Quote- “Not lost is the fact that DOT would not approve any type of quick-disconnect chinstrap, all helmets must have Double-D rings for US market ”
B.S.- my Nolan has a quick release- and DOT sticker.
I too have a Nolan. Not sure if that counts as a quick release or not, but it’s certainly not a double D ring.
Not lost is the fact that DOT would not approve any type of quick-disconnect chinstrap, all helmets must have Double-D rings for US market 🙂
So many kickstarter campaigns promise to deliver *everything* and then fail when they can’t deliver. This always seemed like it was trying too hard, promising too much, and requiring too much new innovation all at once, by a very small company.
Perhaps a great idea just taken too far. All the tech and whistles would never justify the asking price. Just like the rear view helmet that has been floating around for 20 years.
Who had $20K to drop on a helmet?
I smell The Shark Tank.”
15 mil buys alotta coke-n-whores, ya know?
Exactly. The lawsuit filed by a former employee seems to indicate a lot of embezzlement by the founders.
Bingo.
Those weren’t “whores.” They were professional helmet polishers.