Poplight, a brand that has quickly become a favorite on TikTok, is transforming the way we think about home lighting. The viral wall light can be installed in a mere 20 seconds, offering a blend of convenience and style. Founders Caroline Matthes and Rose Fierman recently showcased their product on Shark Tank and got with deal with Kevin O’Leary. After Shark Tank, Poplight is worth an estimated $2 million.
Caroline and Rose
Poplight is designed to be convenient for small spaces, rental homes, and old buildings. Installing it only involves peeling the base sticker, using the built-in level, and putting the base and light into place.
Caroline Matthes and Rose Fierman came up with this bright idea after settling into their first place, a house in Santa Fe built in the 1800s. The electrical work was ancient, so it was hard to install new light bulbs. Thus, the dynamic duo tried searching for an alternative way with no hard-wiring but found nothing.
Launching Poplight
In 2020, the ladies started working on dimmable, USB-C rechargeable scones that almost anyone can install. It has simple manual controls but also comes with an app for additional settings.
The final design came out three years later, and the inventors decided to make it available for pre-orders via Kickstarter. Their goal was to raise $9,100, and that was achieved after just 22 minutes of going live. By the end of the campaign, they received $162,498 from 1,481 backers.
The entrepreneurs used it to boost their manufacturing efforts and pre-orders will arrive in early 2024. Caroline and Rose’s entrepreneurial story became a hit on TikTok. A Shark Tank producer reached out to them but they ignored it, thinking it was a scammer. Once they got a call, the two finally believed it was the real deal.
After Shark Tank
The Poplight team is expecting a huge boost in sales after the exposure. The product’s aesthetic appeal and functionality should help drive at least $100,000 in sales. $95 seems expensive but as the business scales they will be able to lower the price. At least you won’t need to hire an electrician! Given the royalty aspect of Kevin’s offer, the deal might not close after the show. It will take too much capital out of the buisness.
The main issue the founders will experience is trying to fulfill orders and finding a reliable manufacturer. In January 2023, the pair flew to China to meet their manufacturers to ensure prototypes meet quality standards.
They won’t be able to ship products to their backers on Kickstarter until early May 2024. Also, overseas shipping times will be delayed due to low water levels in the Panama Canal and unrest in the Middle East. You can purchase the contemporary light fixtures for $95 and get it shipped to the US, UK, and Canada. During the pre-launch stretch, all orders are 100% refundable. Hopefully it won’t take months to get your order!
Caroline and Rose plan to expand their collection of designs and only sell one model with six customizable colors. They aim to introduce new styles and textures for future production runs.
