Core Insights - LiberLive, a brand of stringless guitars, gained popularity after being featured in a reality show, showcasing its innovative design and ease of use [1][3] - The product's sales skyrocketed, making it a top seller in the musical instrument category on platforms like Tmall and JD, achieving over 1 billion yuan in revenue in 2024 [5][6] - Despite its success, the company faced challenges in securing initial funding, with multiple investors expressing skepticism about the product's viability [6][13] Product Overview - LiberLive's C1 product, launched in April 2023, utilizes a unique design with silicone pads instead of strings, allowing users to play by following illuminated notes [3][5] - The product quickly became a bestseller, with global sales ranking first in the stringless guitar market from June 2023 to June 2024 [5][6] Market Reception - The product's minimalist design and user-friendly approach appealed to a younger demographic, with 18-30-year-olds making up nearly half of its customer base [12] - The success of LiberLive contrasts with traditional smart guitars, which primarily attract a middle-aged audience [12] Company Background - Founded by Tang Wenxuan, who has a background in automation and engineering, the company initially struggled with product acceptance and funding [8][9] - The company took four years to develop the LiberLive product, focusing on refining the concept despite financial constraints [8][10] Investment Insights - The company experienced two critical funding rejections in 2019 and 2023, with investors often unable to grasp the product's potential [6][13] - The case of LiberLive highlights a broader trend where innovative consumer products can be overlooked by investors focused on conventional metrics [14][15]