Startup Feasibility Check – Next-Gen Mesh Communication Device for Outdoor Use - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: WAYV
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 06:47:36 pm
content: Hi everyone,I just graduated as a business student and recently started a company called WAYV. We’re developing a wearable communication device for outdoor enthusiasts (starting with skiing/snowboarding) that combines low-latency mesh audio, Bluetooth, and RF for off-grid group communication.I have the business and product vision nailed down, but I need help on the engineering side — specifically:• Understanding the feasibility of combining mesh, Bluetooth, and RF into a compact, cold-weather wearable device• What hardware/components are essential to make this possible• Potential pitfalls or design challenges you’d anticipate• Recommendations for PCB design, firmware development, and optimizing audio quality in noisy, windy, sub-zero environments• Anyone here who might be interested in collaborating (part-time, equity-based role)The goal right now is to build a functional MVP for field testing this winter. If it works, there’s a big market beyond just skiing — motorsports, construction, and other industries that need reliable, off-grid communication.Any advice, feedback, or leads would be hugely appreciated. Even if you can just point me toward the right tech or protocols to explore, it’ll help me move this forward.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 06:59:49 pm
content: I think this already exists for motor cyclists.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 07:05:55 pm
content: Regulatory Compliance?Custom IC or stock codecs?Funding needed?NOTE: 95% of ALL startups/small biz ventures FAIL in first 5 yrs.Bon ChanceJon

author: jc101
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 08:37:25 pm
content: Something like Meshtastic, but for audio?https://meshtastic.org/docs/introduction/The audio is the fun bit.

author: edavid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 09:05:19 pm
content: Quote from: WAYV on August 11, 2025, 06:47:36 pmObviously mesh and BluetoothareRF, so what are you trying to say?

author: aeg
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 09:56:44 pm
content: Forget everything you learned in business schoolScrap the idea of tangible physical products, go into SaaS insteadIf you absolutely must go into tangible physical products, bootstrap by reselling a similar/adjacent product into your target market firstEdited to add: As a startup, don't make a mass market consumer product. The big boys will eat your lunch.

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 10:14:35 pm
content: goTenna and Meshtastic strike me as two competitors. How does your product differ?There are also military products that do the same for off grid use. Is your market consumer, prosumer, military/defence/security, or something else? You will need to determine how price sensitive it is, that may rule in/out certain solutions.

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 10:42:53 pm
content: Why are you creating multiple threads for the same thing?Your description lacks a lot of important details.