Grouphug

Grouphug operates in the consumer renewable energy market, targeting environmentally conscious individuals, particularly apartment dwellers who lack access to traditional solar solutions. The company was founded in 2018 by industrial designer Krystal Persaud. Persaud's background as a senior product designer at littleBits and her studies at Georgia Institute of Technology, where she focused on the intersection of design and sustainability, directly informed the company's direction. Frustrated by the unattractive and impractical solar options available for those without a roof, she created the first prototype in her apartment.

The company's business model is direct-to-consumer via its e-commerce website, supplemented by a B2B channel for custom solar panel installations. Revenue is generated through the sale of its flagship product, the Window Solar Charger, and custom-designed panels for businesses. A key milestone for Grouphug was its appearance on "Shark Tank," where Persaud secured a $150,000 investment from Mark Cuban in exchange for a 25% equity stake in the company. This event provided significant national exposure and mentorship, though the company later faced and overcame production delays exacerbated by the global pandemic.

Grouphug's primary offering is the Window Solar Charger, a panel designed to be hung in a window. It features a bamboo frame and a built-in rechargeable 3,400 mAh battery with a USB port for charging small personal devices like smartphones and bike lights. A full charge, which takes approximately 8-10 hours of direct sunlight, can power an iPhone one to two times. The product's design is a key differentiator; it is intended to be both functional and an aesthetic addition to home decor, making solar energy more accessible and less intimidating for beginners. Beyond its consumer product, Grouphug has demonstrated its capability for larger, custom installations, such as the "Solar Cat," a 140-watt, cat-shaped solar panel created for the New York Hall of Science.

Keywords: solar charger, window solar panel, renewable energy, consumer electronics, sustainable products, Krystal Persaud, Mark Cuban, Shark Tank, personal solar panel, apartment solar, eco-friendly gadgets, bamboo solar charger, USB solar charger, direct-to-consumer, cleantech, custom solar panels, sustainable design, home decor, off-grid charging, mobile device charger, green technology