Local team's USB-charging outlet quickly smashes Kickstarter goal

Local team's USB-charging outlet quickly smashes Kickstarter goal

(Courtesy of Snap Power)


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OREM — A convenient alternative to charging USB devices with adapters at home is taking Kickstarter by storm.

SnapPower’s USB charger is built into a cover plate that can easily be attached to any existing outlet, according to SnapPower CEO Jesse Leishman. It is based on the same technology behind the company’s previous Kickstarter hit, the SnapRays Guidelight.

“What we have is a patented piece of technology that sits on back of the plate,” Leishman said. “Nobody else can do this and it’s amazing. Everyone in their home has this existing power source.”

The USB charger’s Kickstarter campaign garnered $280,000 within nine hours of its launch Tuesday, quickly surpassing its $35,000 goal. Early-bird specials, some of which have already sold out, start at $12 for those who want to order the device.

SnapPower’s founder, Jeremy Smith, is a local electrician who invented a way to draw power from an outlet’s electrical box, eliminating the need for additional hard wiring. Leishman said installing SnapPower’s USB-charging cover plate takes about “15 seconds.”

“Because we have built the charger into the cover plate, all you have to do it take off the old cover plate in the house and install ours around the existing electrical outlet,” he said. “You now have a really sleek USB charger that is a great design. It’s thin; it lies flush against the wall. There is no bulky block that you need to plug in and the beauty is that you are no longer taking up one of the outlets for the USB charger.”

Courtesy of SnapPower
Courtesy of SnapPower

The cover plate charges any USB device and can easily be transferred from one outlet to another if homeowners rearrange their furniture or move, according to Leishman.

SnapPower is planning to launch another seven to 10 products in the next few years. Leishman said the company aims to release a couple more products towards the end of 2015.

“We’re a really young startup, but we believe we’re creating a nice simple brand for people to simplify the things in their home,” he said.

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