At The Grommet, we truly believe that every purchase is an act of citizenship. That's why we launch undiscovered products and help them succeed. Our Grommets aren't just things. Grommets are products with a purpose invented by people with stories. Browse our Citizens Gallery to learn about these ideas or post your own. Buy differently.
Many members of the Daily Grommet team would say that Shark Tank on ABC is one of their favorite shows. You may not know this, but several of our Grommets Partners were on the show and faced the sharks in the flesh! They were brave enough to go on national television and face some of the toughest investors out there in the name of their companies. We’re so proud they were able to become Grommets!
Daily Grommet teamed up with Indiegogo, Google Apps and Boston.com to power a 10-team product competition at Fenway Park on March 19, 2013. You met the Players, learned about the expert Coaches and have likely even read some of the great press coverage about the big event, but have you met the winner?
A quick recap: Ten finalists competed in a series of creative business challenges to prove their product concept to a panel of business, design, media and VC executives. Each team used Google Apps to collaborate with the panel throughout the day. The finalists were all driven, each with an innovative product and compelling story. But alas, only one could win.
Antonia Dunbar, co-founder of the winning team, THINX
Happy Spring Grommeteers! We're starting the season off right by investing is some majorly kick-ass crowdfunding projects this month. We can't wait to see these new products come to market and hope you are just as excited. Do you support projects on Kickstarter and Indiegogo that you think might make it big? Follow along with our series here to see which projects we invest in monthly.
Keyport Slide 2.0
Keyport Slide 2.0: The keychain reinvented
$141,618 raised of $75,000 goal
Days to go: 3
The Keyport Slide 2.0 is a modern version of the traditional, bulky keychain. This hi-tech keychain consolidates keys and other everyday-carry items such as USB drive into one sleek, indispensable device. Just pop out the keys you want to use and let the others stay safely inside the device.
$13,023 raised of $12, 750 goal
Days to go: 0
MARIWEAR is superior loungewear that allows women to feel comfortable, yet stylish and supported at the same time. When you come home and want to slip into cozy clothing, yet aren't quite ready for pajamas yet, what do you wear? MARIWEAR is the perfect solution and includes built-in shape and support so you can be assured you'll still look your best.
Almond+
$855,625 raised of $ $250,000 goal
Days to go: 0
First came the Almond, the world's first wireless router with a touch screen. It's smashing success has now allowed the creators to tackle the Almond+, a wireless router with touchscreen AND Smarthome hub. Faster than a typical router, it can power a 5,000 sq ft home. The Smarthome hub also allows you to manage your home electronically while you're there or away. Did you turn the lights out when you left? Now your Almond+ will tell you, all while providing superior wifi as well. We think this is pretty impressive.
THINX: New York, New York
What is it?
Fashion + Technology intersect to solve a global problem.
Read more about this product straight from the founders below!
Product Description:
THINX (www.shethinx.com) solves two problems. One, THINX is a patent-pending, leak-resistant, stain-resistant, anti-microbial and moisture-wicking pair of underwear. It thinks of women and girls every day of the month, every month of the year, and this underwear is also beautiful, breathable and comfortable.
Two, THINX has a partnership with AFRIpads to help address a worldwide problem of women and girls in the developing world missing 3-7 days of school or work per month because she doesn't have the right resources. They are also resorting to unimaginable solutions such as using things like twigs, leaves, dirty rags. Many girls drop out or get pregnant early, causing a substantially disempowered female population with fewer choices to better themselves and their communities.
To provide a solution, THINX has partnered with an organization based in Uganda called AFRIpads to create 7 washable, reusable pads for every pair of THINX sold in the developed world (Buy 1 Fund 7). Unlike other One for One models, THINX has an empowering business model as it helps to create jobs and drive income for the local economy: The pads are not simply given away but are made locally and more affordably available for purchase by those who need them the most.
Twitter: @SheTHINX
Team Bio:
THINX was created and co-founded by three entrepreneurial friends (two of whom happen to be identical twin sisters which makes their co-founding friend Antonia's head spin!). Miki is the founder of WILD (currently known as Slice Perfectwww.sliceperfect.com), a farm-to-table pizza franchise based in NYC, and Radha is the founder of Super Sprowtz (www.supersprowtz.com), a children's media company that inspires kids to lead a healthier and happier life, also based in NYC. Antonia is a PR/Marketing Executive and classically trained cellist who has been overseeing the production and design of THINX for the last two years.
Outlet Anywhere: Sherborn, MA
What is it?
Updated baseboard moulding.
Read more about this product straight from the founders below!
Product Description:
The Problem:
Traditional electric outlets are fixed, immovable fixtures that dictate where people place their furniture, electronics and décor. Outlets can be hard to reach if they are placed behind furniture and an eyesore if they are out in the open with messy cords draping across the wall or trailing across the floor. If you have an outlet on a switch, you are stuck. Those outlets are determined at the time of construction and can’t be changed later…so that table lamp always has to be in the same spot in the room unless you want to rely on an ugly extension cord or rip apart your wall and call an electrician. There has to be a better way.
The Solution:
Outlet Anywhere integrates a power management system into the baseboard mouldings of your
home. Our modular outlets are hidden away inside of your baseboard mouldings and can easily
slide anywhere along the length of your wall.
With Outlet Anywhere you can:
1. Choose exactly how many outlets you want in any room.
2. Place those outlets exactly where you want them
3. Decide which outlets should be standard or switchable outlets
4. Hide away unsightly cords
5. And most importantly, you can change your mind at any time with very little effort or
cost.
Outlet Anywhere provides convenience, aesthetics, and cost savings. Outlet Anywhere works by disguising an access channel as the face of baseboard moulding. Within the channel, the moulding accepts a recepticle which can be secured safely with a turn. Turning to the left connects as a standard outlet, while turning to the right engages the switchable circuit. Electricity is delivered via a track which is completely out of harm’s way within the moulding. The system is further protected by GFCI. Outlet Anywhere allows you to add (or remove) power outlets to your room easily and far more inexpensively then using an electrician. Outlet Anywhere saves money in installation costs for renovations and new builds. Typical installation requires roughing in dozens of outlet boxes, drilling holes through studs for wiring, making sure the boxes are flush with the builder's specs for drywall, choosing a single outlet to be on a switch and wiring that correctly, etc. With Outlet Anywhere, an electrician just needs to provide one power access point (and an optional wall switch) per room. Outlet Anywhere can be installed by a carpenter when they are doing finishing carpentry.
Twitter handle: @outletanywhere
Team Bio:
George Conlow and Tim Blacquier spend their days working together as online product managers within a Fortune 500 company with a focus on new products and services that help moving consumers. By night, they spend their time collaborating on concepts and products that improve everyday life. George has a B.A in both economics and international relations from the University of California, Davis and an M.B.A. from the F.W. Olin School of Business at Babson College. He loves spending time with his kids playing his guitar and singing. George enjoys discovering the world through the internet and watches far too much YouTube. Tim graduated with a B.S. in management and a minor in computer information systems from Quinnipiac University in 2002. His first job was in the puzzle industry which fueled his career-long interest in problem solving. He lives in Natick with his wife and two children.
88 Acres: Allston, MA
What is it?
Nut-free, gluten free granola bars
Read more about this product straight from the founders below!
Product Description:
88 Acres is a snack food products company that manufactures all-natural, simple and delicious foods in a nut and gluten free environment. We aim to enhance the quality of life for the millions of people who suffer from nut and other food allergies by providing great-tasting, healthy snack foods that are safe for all to enjoy. We are a YouthTrade certified company (www.youthtrade.com) and plan to launch our first products, a line of granola bars, in June 2013.
Granola bars are supposed to be healthy and delicious. But somewhere along the way, they became overly processed, often cardboard-tasting, and potentially dangerous landmines for people who suffer from common food allergies. 88 Acres has taken a back-to-basics approach in crafting our first product line, 3 flavors of healthy, delicious granola bars made with simple, pure ingredients, manufactured in a dedicated allergen-free facility so everyone can enjoy them. Our bars are free of nuts, GMOs, gluten, and animal products and full of healthy delicious flavor. We love that you can pretty much identify all ten of the ingredients we use just by looking at the bars; there’s no artificial or hidden junk there, just carefully sourced all-natural and organic ingredients.
Seeds are the new nuts. We use a base of sunflower, pumpkin and flax seeds to deliver a powerful punch of protein, vitamins and minerals. Our flagship flavor, Triple Berry, is packed with blueberries, cranberries, and Zante currants, while our Apple and Spice flavor, full of apples, golden raisins and ginger, reminds us of the tastes and smells of Autumn. We currently have a third flavor in development, dark chocolate and Sunbutter, which is our take on the classic chocolate/peanut butter combination.
Twitter Handle: @88acresfoods
The 88 Acres Team
Nicole Ledoux is the CEO/Co-founder of 88 Acres. Nicole graduated with an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2008, and received her Bachelors degree from UMass Amherst. Prior to 88 Acres, Nicole spent ten years in finance in portfolio management and trading roles, and has extensive experience in financial markets, quantitative analysis & modeling, and business development. Nicole grew up on an 88-acre organic farm in central MA and started her first food-related business at 10 years old.Rob Dalton is the Co-founder of 88 Acres. Rob is currently pursuing his MBA from the FW Olin School of Business at Babson College, and received his Bachelors degree from Northeastern University. Rob has extensive experience in the start-up world; he currently works at BigBelly Solar where he runs account management, and has led sales and business development groups during his four-year tenure at the company. Prior to BigBelly Solar, Rob worked at Zipcar and Marathon Sports. He is deathly allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. Rob and Nicole are engaged to be married this July. They love triathlons and road races, can frequently be found on the slopes skiing and snowboarding, and have a ten year old Chocolate Lab named Bear.
DrinkSavvy: Boston, MA
What is it?
Drug detecting drinkware
Read more about this product straight from the founders below!
Product Description: Prevention of Drug-facilitated sexual assault. DrinkSavvy cups, glasses, straws, and stirrers look and function normally, except they will immediately change color to warn you if a date rape drug has been slipped into your drink (check out a video demonstration of our cup proof of concept here. That means 100% continuous, effortless, and discrete monitoring of your drink - all night, because the same drinkware that you're drinking from, is also the color changing indicator that warns you if your drink has been drugged.
Twitter Handle: @DrinkSavvyInc
Team Members/Bio:
Mike Abramson (Team Leader): BS Electrical and Computer Engineering, WPI '05; Juris Doctor, University of New Hampshire School of Law '08, Mike is a patent attorney with experiences including but not limted to patentability searches, patent preparation and prosecution, and patent litigation.Brendan Walker: USMA '99; MBA, Tuck School of Business '07; Brendan is an entrepreneur with prior experience taking consumer products from concept to a successful business. John MacDonald (adviser): Professor of Chemistry and material science at WPI.
Blu2Green: Medford, MA
What is it?
Repurposed hospital fabrics
Read more about this product straight from the founders below!
Product Description:
Our products are all about functionality. With the help of our creative engine Marissa Lenti, we are setting out to create multiple products with an innovative twist! We make easy wash placemats with silverware pouches, shopping bags with specific compartments for eggs, milk, etc., and are in the process of designing a sand-draining beach bag! We create all of our products using recycled hospital blue wrap that is 100% sterile as it never sees the operating room. We hire special needs individuals to sew our products to provide gainful employment for those in need.
Twitter Handle: @Blu2GreenLLC
Team Bio:
Blu2Green is a business that recycles sanitary surgical blue wrap from hospitals that employs special needs individuals to sew it into sustainable products. The business was started by Christopher Bodkin (11’) and Gavin Bodkin (09’), two brothers from New Hampshire that became aware of the massive amount of surgical blue wrap that was being burned or displaced into landfills. Being recent college graduates in the fields of environmental policy and environmental science the Bodkin brothers wanted to create a business that is not only environmentally aware but socially responsible. That is why they are dedicated to giving jobs to people whom it is hard to get gainful employment. Through the collaboration with the Central Massachusetts Employment Collaborative and the Seven Hills Foundation, Blu2Green has the opportunity to employ developmentally disabled and physically disabled individuals to re-purpose blue wrap into products such as tote bags, ties, wine bags, coin purses, placemats and more.
There are some other integral parts of the Blu2Green team. Our marketing intern Lauren Kroll has helped Blu2Green immensely; she is a senior at Emerson College and is a rising talent in the field of digital marketing. Our head seamstress Marissa Lenti is our creative guru when it comes to the products we are designing. She comes up with all of the prototypes and creates detailed production instructions for our employees. She is an extremely talented seamstress with a vivid imagination and the skills to put her imagination into sustainable prototypes. Jonathan Bodkin is our business advisor who has helped us begin to create a business plan that allows us to hash out the fiscal future of Blu2Green.
The whole Blu2Green team is dedicated to creating a business that is environmentally aware and socially responsible. We believe in the ideal of the triple bottom line: People, Planet, and Profit. Blu2Green is trying to create products that do not negatively impact the environment and influence the social atmosphere of America positively.
Pansy Maiden: Medford, MA
What is it?
Handcrafted fabrics and soft goods made in a socially responsible manner.
Read more about this product straight from the founders below!
Product Description:
Pansy Maiden was founded with an activist spirit and one heady goal: To create and provide the world with handcrafted, fashion-forward, cruelty-free bags in a socially responsible way. While there are many cruelty-free handbag companies, the founder believes that none of them truly address the environmental and human-health concerns that make a truly “cruelty-free” company. The founder, Laura Collins designs and builds every single bag by hand in her Massachusetts studio. Her hope is that she can move production to a non-profit sewing studio where refugees receive training and jobs. With Daily Grommet’s help, she knows she can achieve her goals.
Twitter handle: @PansyMaiden
Team Members
Laura Collins, Founder, Pansy Maiden
Eric Collins, CTO, Pansy Maiden
Lauren Turner, Brand and Marketing Advisor, Pansy Maiden
Veronica Chapman, Co-Founder, CEO, My Crowning Jewel
Jen Gubicza, Founder, Zooguu
Frogglez: Prospect, Kentucky
What is it?
Comfortable swim goggles for kids.
Read more about this product straight from the founders below!
Product Description:
Swim goggles are a pain and can rub, itch or be uncomfortable. This father of 3 created swim goggles for his kids (ages 5, 7, 9) that are comfortable and a complete redesign of what one thinks of traditional swim goggles. They are made out of neoprene - you can print any pattern on them and they float. Even better is one size fits almost all kids. He's hoping Daily Grommet's assistance can help him take this product to market and make a real splash.
Twitter: @Frogglez
Team Bio:
Leader: Dr. Christian W. Hahn entrepreneur, inventor, dentist. Raised in Germany where he picked up his passion for discovering new ways to do just about everything. Christian Hahn lives by the mantra "Those who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those doing it". When Dr. Hahn is not creating beautiful smiles in his dental office he probably is working on a new product or playing polo with his horses.
Olivia Hahn: 9 year old daughter of Christian Hahn that loves horses and gymnastics. Olivia has tested new inventions for her dad since she was born in beautiful Laguna Beach, California.Now, almost 10 years later Olivia gives her dad the all important thumbs up or down when he comes up with yet another crazy idea.
