Contour Closes Shop.
- Thread starter boxedlp
- Start date
http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Contour-Closes-Its-Doors-2013.html
According to a recent article on Geekwire, Contour, the Seattle, Washington, based helmet camera manufacturer has closed their HQ in Seattle. No official announcement has been released yet, but sources say that on Friday, August 2, employees were surprised by the notification that their positions had been terminated.
The news comes as a surprise to those outside of the company as well – by all appearances Contour had been continuing the growth that began in 2004, when it was founded by Marc Barros and Jason Green while the two attended the University of Washington (Barros left the company earlier this year to pursue other endeavors). In 2012, Contour made Inc. magazine's list of fastest growing companies, coming in at the 277th spot with a growth of 1,303% and revenue of $27.3 million. Although impressive, Contour's numbers are dwarfed by those of their competitor, GoPro, who grossed $521 million in 2012, selling over 2 million cameras.
Pinkbike's Take:
According to a recent article on Geekwire, Contour, the Seattle, Washington, based helmet camera manufacturer has closed their HQ in Seattle. No official announcement has been released yet, but sources say that on Friday, August 2, employees were surprised by the notification that their positions had been terminated.
The news comes as a surprise to those outside of the company as well – by all appearances Contour had been continuing the growth that began in 2004, when it was founded by Marc Barros and Jason Green while the two attended the University of Washington (Barros left the company earlier this year to pursue other endeavors). In 2012, Contour made Inc. magazine's list of fastest growing companies, coming in at the 277th spot with a growth of 1,303% and revenue of $27.3 million. Although impressive, Contour's numbers are dwarfed by those of their competitor, GoPro, who grossed $521 million in 2012, selling over 2 million cameras.
Pinkbike's Take:
| Speaking personally with former Contour employees confirmed this story, but details are still sparse. More than likely, Contour over-extended their credit, forcing them to shut down. The helmet camera market continues to show incredible growth, and we wouldn't be surprised if another company steps in to resurrect Contour, and hopefully re-hire their former employees. - Mike Kazimer |
gooseaholic
Active Member
bummer as I support my hometown as Im sure we all do. Even if you have moved away.
I was going to buy one until my wife bought me a GoPro. A guy I ride with regularly bought a Countour; it didn't seem as good quality as the GoPro, the image seemed jumpy and not as crisp. I thought their gps integration thing was neat, but it is still a camera--the image needs to be good.
I was going to buy one too. Previously I just borrowed my friend's. I have always liked their sleek design. I have never liked GoPro's bulky square design. One thing GoPro has going for them (besides brilliant marketing) is their seemingly endless ways to mount them, and mount securely. Contour's bike mount is sh!t. But, the Contour mounts beautifully on a fire helmet. 
Remember, Race Face went under too (albeit briefly). Hopefully Contour will come back better.
Remember, Race Face went under too (albeit briefly). Hopefully Contour will come back better.
Allthatflash
New Member
Damn I own 2...Love them, low profile, great picture and the GPS gives you speed and elevation. Sucks big time they went under.
giantschwinn
Member
Article describing what happened. http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-08-21/three-lessons-in-the-wipeout-of-contour-cameras
I use GoPro and bought Contour for my son because of ease of use.. the big on/off button is easier for a 9 yr old to use on the fly compared to the GoPro. The image quality of his at 1080 is about the same as the GoPro at 720.. I think the quality is good and have no complaints overall, but when I watch a clip shot through his camera side by side with my GoPro, there is no comparison in my opinion.. bummer they closed shop though regardless..
Heyitsdave
Member
All that friggin money. Gone.