CIO launches SmartCoby Ultra Slim SS5K on Kickstarter

CIO has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the SmartCoby Ultra Slim SS5K, a 5,000mAh wireless power bank with a 6.83mm stainless steel body and up to 20W wired charging. The launch follows the breakout crowdfunding performance of the earlier SmartCoby Ultra Slim 3K and signals continued demand for ultra-thin portable chargers.

Why it matters: - CIO is extending a proven crowdfunding playbook with a thinner, higher-capacity power bank aimed at commuters, travelers and anyone carrying a phone charger every day. - The SmartCoby Ultra Slim SS5K combines wireless charging, USB-C fast charging and a slim stainless steel design in a category where size and portability drive purchase decisions. - The campaign builds on the SmartCoby Ultra Slim 3K’s strong traction on Makuake and Kickstarter, which suggests CIO has an established audience for premium charging accessories.

What happened: - CIO launched its Kickstarter campaign for the SmartCoby Ultra Slim SS5K on September 28, 2026. - The new power bank is a 5,000mAh wireless charger with a 6.83mm stainless steel body. - Super Early Bird pledges start at $45.74. - The campaign runs on Kickstarter through October 28. - Estimated shipping is December 2026.

The details: - The SmartCoby Ultra Slim SS5K uses a semi-solid battery cell and a stainless steel shell. - CIO says the design makes the device one of the thinnest 5,000mAh wireless power banks in its category. - NovaCore C3 tracks battery health and cycle count, and the power bank has a rated life of about 300 charge cycles. - Wireless charging goes up to 15W for EPP-compatible Android phones and 7.5W for iPhone 12 through the newest models. - The USB-C port delivers up to 20W wired charging. - Wireless and wired charging do not work at the same time. - Full pass-through charging lets the power bank charge itself and a connected phone overnight. - The five-LED display shows battery health and cycle count. - CIO says the semi-solid battery cell was chosen in part to reduce fire or swelling risk compared with standard lithium-ion cells. - Final specifications, weight and pricing remain preliminary and may change before fulfillment. - More information is available at the company’s announcement.

Between the lines: - CIO is leaning into a premium positioning strategy: very slim hardware, visible battery-health tracking and a materials story that emphasizes durability and safety. - The company is also using crowdfunding as both a sales channel and a proof point, since the Ultra Slim 3K already demonstrated that backers will pay for compact, design-forward charging gear. - The focus on battery-health visibility may appeal to buyers who want more than raw capacity and are looking for a power bank they can use over a longer period.

What happened before: - SmartCoby Ultra Slim 3K, CIO’s MagSafe-compatible power bank, funded on Makuake at 10,192% of its 300,000 yen goal and raised more than 30.5 million yen, about $200,000, from 3,856 backers. - The Ultra Slim 3K later funded a Kickstarter campaign at 2,550% of goal, bringing in about $16,000 more from 267 backers. - The Ultra Slim 3K later became available on Amazon in the US for $73.99 and on CIO’s Shopify store. - The Makuake campaign generated 281 backer comments and 41 progress updates over five weeks. - Backers crossed milestones of 10 million yen raised and 1,000 backers during the Makuake run. - Early Makuake pledges started at 6,980 yen, a 22% discount from the 8,980 yen retail price, and included a battery recycling tier. - The Kickstarter campaign for Ultra Slim 3K added 64 comments and 7 updates over 39 days.

The bottom line: - CIO is trying to turn prior crowdfunding momentum into a broader product line built around ultra-thin, safety-focused mobile charging accessories.