Pixelfed has been around for a couple of years. I created an account in the summer of 2022. But it didn’t become popular until there was an app. A web app that does the same isn’t enough. If it isn’t in App Store/Play it doesn’t exist for most people (which is something all Fediverse devs must think about).

Anyway, plenty of information about the development pace was available for anyone who wants to make an informed decision before they send their money somewhere. Apparently >2000 people thought it was worth it.