Daan Tech Launches Crowdfunding Initiative Amid Bankruptcy Challenges
The Vendée-based manufacturer seeks to raise €5 million by June to continue operations and support French manufacturing.
Daan Tech, a French household appliance manufacturer known for its retro-designed dishwashers, has been placed under judicial administration as of March 11, 2025. The company is facing a significant financial crisis and is aiming to raise €5 million through a crowdfunding campaign titled "En France, on fabrique" by the end of June.
So far, it has garnered over €1.1 million in contributions.
Founded with the goal of miniaturizing household appliances and bolstering local manufacturing, Daan Tech gained attention at the 2021 "fabriqué en France" exhibition at the Élysée with its flagship product, the 34-centimeter-wide "Bob" dishwasher.
However, the company has struggled to secure necessary funding despite having created over 200 direct and indirect jobs while successfully launching more than 100,000 appliances.
Antoine Fichet, one of the co-founders, stated in a video message that 2024 saw more factory closures than openings in France, indicating a troubling trend for French manufacturing.
He emphasized the difficulty of securing financing for the industry, with banks and institutional investors often skeptical, particularly in the current economic climate.
The company's financial difficulties have impeded progress on new products, including "Joe," a multifunction oven introduced in 2023.
As part of the crowdfunding efforts, consumers are invited to help by purchasing refurbished "Bob" dishwashers at €299 or by preordering the "Joe" oven, which is marketed as energy-efficient.
Daan Tech aims to sell 6,000 dishwashers and 5,000 ovens through this initiative.
Recent data indicated a slight decline in business startups in France, with a 0.5% drop in February compared to January, attributed mainly to a decrease in micro-entrepreneur registrations.
This economic backdrop, marked by challenges in factory operation and job creation, complicates Daan Tech's pursuit of financial stability.
The backdrop of industrial decline has raised concerns among stakeholders regarding the future of "made in France" initiatives and the overall health of the national manufacturing sector.
So far, it has garnered over €1.1 million in contributions.
Founded with the goal of miniaturizing household appliances and bolstering local manufacturing, Daan Tech gained attention at the 2021 "fabriqué en France" exhibition at the Élysée with its flagship product, the 34-centimeter-wide "Bob" dishwasher.
However, the company has struggled to secure necessary funding despite having created over 200 direct and indirect jobs while successfully launching more than 100,000 appliances.
Antoine Fichet, one of the co-founders, stated in a video message that 2024 saw more factory closures than openings in France, indicating a troubling trend for French manufacturing.
He emphasized the difficulty of securing financing for the industry, with banks and institutional investors often skeptical, particularly in the current economic climate.
The company's financial difficulties have impeded progress on new products, including "Joe," a multifunction oven introduced in 2023.
As part of the crowdfunding efforts, consumers are invited to help by purchasing refurbished "Bob" dishwashers at €299 or by preordering the "Joe" oven, which is marketed as energy-efficient.
Daan Tech aims to sell 6,000 dishwashers and 5,000 ovens through this initiative.
Recent data indicated a slight decline in business startups in France, with a 0.5% drop in February compared to January, attributed mainly to a decrease in micro-entrepreneur registrations.
This economic backdrop, marked by challenges in factory operation and job creation, complicates Daan Tech's pursuit of financial stability.
The backdrop of industrial decline has raised concerns among stakeholders regarding the future of "made in France" initiatives and the overall health of the national manufacturing sector.
