SnapRays Guidelight Rockets into Orbit During First Days on Kickstarter

Crowdfunding Campaign Generates Incredible Trajectory.

The objective was to raise $12,000 to help finance a simple guide light incorporated into a standard electrical outlet cover.  Crowdfunding on Kickstarter was launched on March 4th and as people discovered the project – the campaign rocketed past the $12K goal to well over $160,000 today.

Crowdfunding campaigns like this are emblematic of the potential of creative ideas in need of funding.  Jeremy Smith became an electrician in the 90′s and has installed many guide lights in his time.  Realizing conventional night lights are bulky and inconvenient, he came up with a simple solution that is inexpensive, installs in seconds and very stylish in presentation.

Certainly the crowd agrees as already over 3200 backers have contributed to this campaign that just started and completes on April 3rd.

The SnapRays Guidelight looks just like a standard outlet cover but ingeniously is equipped with light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide area lighting while leaving the outlet available for use. The cover incorporates a light sensor that automatically turns on the LEDs in the dark.  It is estimated to cost less than $0.10 per year in electricity and can be yours for only $12 ($36 for three).  The device is already in production and shipping for backers is scheduled for this coming May.

No word on stretch goals yet, but the many supporters have been requesting numerous options.  Such as accommodating GFCI outlets (the ones in your kitchen that have circuit breakers), different colors and metal / high end materials.  Most certainly Jeremy had absolutely no idea these questions would be some of the challenges surrounding his Kickstarter campaign.

SnapPower, based in Provo, Utah, was incorporated in February 2012.  During that year Jeremy and his team worked on prototyping his product.  They received UL approval in the Spring of 2013 and selected their manufacturer this past December.  Their first run is manufacturing now with rewards shipping soon.  I expect that after this type of success Jeremy’s product will be in home improvement centers everywhere soon.