PopSockets

About PopSockets

PopSockets LLC operates in the consumer electronics accessory market, producing extendable grips for smartphones and other mobile devices. The company was established in 2012 by David Barnett, who at the time was a philosophy professor. The idea originated from Barnett's personal frustration with tangled earbud cords, leading him to glue two buttons to the back of his phone. This rudimentary solution evolved through more than 100 prototypes into the accordion-style, collapsible grip known today. Barnett's academic background is in philosophy and physics, having earned a Ph.D. in philosophy from New York University and taught at several universities. He launched a Kickstarter campaign in January 2012, not just to raise funds but also to validate the concept, which ultimately led to the creation of the individual PopGrip that adheres to devices via a repositionable gel pad.

The company's business model is centered on direct-to-consumer sales through its website, as well as retail partnerships with major stores like T-Mobile, Target, and Walmart. PopSockets generates revenue through the sale of its physical products. A significant aspect of its strategy involves customization, allowing both individual consumers and corporate clients to design their own PopGrips, turning the accessory into a tool for self-expression and brand promotion. The primary product, the PopGrip, is a multi-functional accessory that serves as a grip for easier one-handed phone use and selfies, a stand for hands-free viewing, and a system for cord management. The product line has since expanded to include swappable tops (PopTops), wallets that attach to the grip base (PopWallets), car mounts, and versions compatible with MagSafe technology. The company also collaborates on designs with major brands like Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars.

The company targets a broad consumer market, with a significant demographic being female, particularly those aged 25-34. PopSockets has experienced substantial growth, reportedly selling 35 million units in 2017 and growing to over 100 million total units sold by 2018, a year in which revenue exceeded $200 million. This growth was achieved without taking on institutional venture capital. A key corporate initiative is its focus on social and environmental impact. The company launched a philanthropic program called "Poptivism," donating 50% of the sales from specific designs to non-profits. Furthermore, PopSockets has committed to environmental sustainability by achieving carbon neutrality certifications, using plant-based and recycled materials in its PlantCore™ product line, and offering a recycling program for its products.