Tomorrow, a Fridge Startup, Shuts Down Due to Funding Challenges
Tomorrow, a consumer hardware startup that aimed to revolutionize fridge technology, has announced its shutdown. The decision comes as no surprise given the challenging environment for hardware startups and the uncertainties surrounding tariffs. Founder Andrew Kinzer cited these reasons in a LinkedIn post last week, explaining that the difficult funding landscape and fluctuating tariffs made it impossible to continue operations.
The company’s website now features a going-out-of-business message, thanking supporters and acknowledging the ambitious nature of their project. Tomorrow had set out to create a next-generation fridge that could extend the life of fresh produce, reduce waste, and make healthier eating easier. However, the current climate for consumer hardware, especially for capital-intensive and science-forward products, proved too challenging.
When Tomorrow was first covered last year, there was excitement around the potential for innovation in a category that has seen relatively little change. The company’s approach, leveraging AI and other technologies to keep fresh food fresher longer, was seen as a positive step. However, the lack of transparency around the product’s key technology differentiation made it difficult to assess its potential for success.
The shutdown highlights the difficulties faced by hardware startups, particularly in times of economic uncertainty and trade policy fluctuations. Tariffs can significantly complicate supply chains and manufacturing strategies, raising the final price of products like refrigerators. In this environment, creating an entirely new product becomes a daunting task, making it hard for startups like Tomorrow to secure funding and succeed.
