With enough creativity Kickstarter can almost be seen as a marketing channel in addition to an early stage funding platform. Sounds to me like an ideal way to cajole friends and family into funding one's project/venture without having to formally raise a 'friends and family round', and without having to approach angel investors.

For no upfront marketing dollars you get free exposure, and the opportunity to reach prospects who - gasp - might even FUND your development efforts.

What a great way to reach, excite, delight and validate a market!