Ampere Technologies Inc is a startup which offers the coolest sunglasses with instant electronic automated tint control. This can occur on its own to adjust to the sun, and can also be controlled manually via the app, whenever you want. They also have built in speakers and microphone to be able to listen to music and take phone calls hands free. This is available for sunglasses and prescription glasses. They are currently raising money on republic:
This patent pending InstaOptic technology to automatically adjust the tint of your eyewear is game changing. When I’m driving, I am constantly taking on and off my sunglasses due to the sun and road conditions changing. Now, I can keep the sunglasses on and not worry about taking them on and off. I’ll have better vision for the roads, and less of a distraction from having to fidget with shades. If I can increase the odds of avoiding a car accident by even 1%, it is worth it. They are useful in many other applications too; anytime you need shades, these should replace the regular sunglasses or prescription glasses for the outdoor types. Being able to listen to music and take phone calls hands free is more icing on the cake. Imagine being able to use the dusk sport sunglasses on the beach, spiking the ball while listening to your favorite music and having the tint exactly where you want it depending on how high you jump.
With an investment of $995 USD, you get a free pair of your choice of: Dusk, Dusk RX, or Dusk Sport. A dusk indoor one is coming with blue light blocking technology for people who stare at screens all day, and dusk googles for those who like to ski or snowboard. Future generations of the dusk glasses will be even more sophisticated, with smart displays showing up that can track your data, speed navigation, notifications, and even integrate with AI. But I’m getting ahead of myself. They are currently selling live at their website:
Ampere.shop
The retail price on the ampere direct to consumer website lists the price for them at $399 USD. Getting one gifted via an investment is pretty good. Buying them outright is on the higher end for price, but the technology is far too amazing. If you’re into cool tech products where they won 4 innovation awards in 4 years from 2021-2024, then it’s right in your wheelhouse.
Founders
Serial entrepreneur. Built multiple 7 figure eCommerce businesses, raised over $70m lifetime via crowdfunding and is officially recognized as a Kickstarter expert, two-time appearance on CBS’s Innovation Nation.
It is interesting that he is living in Hong Kong and thus fluent in Chinese; this tells me he is open to change and adaptable, skills needed in an increasingly fast changing world. Having a stubborn closed mind not open to new possibilities is not the sign of an innovative CEO. Reid from this piece alone appears to be what I would want to see in a CEO; survival is not won by the fittest but by the most adaptable. He seems like a down to earth go getter founder.
Previous investors
$3.74m was raised previously, with top institutional investors and angel investors on board, including:
Pleasant Bay Capital Partners, Scobie Ward, Founder of Ward Ferry, Robert Lloyd George, the founder of Lloyd George Management, and Ron Zwanziger, who has had three $1 billion+ exits.
Future growth
Good revenue growth. In 2021, sales were $340,000. Then in 2022, that jumped to $2.7 million. That’s nearly 700% in one year. That resulted in them being one of the fastest growing D2C companies in 2022 with over 100,000 customers in 100+ countries. I don’t expect them to continue to have this kind of growth in the future but having a product that could redefine the entire product market of glasses and sunglasses is a unique proposition.
6 issued patents, 4 patents pending, 7 licensed patents, and 32 registered trademarks. Patents can last up to 20 years so it gives Ampere quite a while to make money.
Market
The market is absolutely massive, with a TAM of $323 billion. Even if that number is grossly higher than the real figure, it is one that makes sense. Everyone could potentially use sunglasses, and more and more people are wearing glasses than ever, with some countries in Asia reporting over 80% of students graduating in high school with near sightedness.
Conclusion
A lot of DTC, direct to consumer brands have been failing in recent years. When I look at why, they primarily offer the same product that is already on the market and don’t even offer at a cheaper price. Ampere’s dusk auto tint glasses are clearly superior to what’s already available, with a unique differentiator.
Disclaimer
This is not Financial Advice. This article is meant only for educational and perhaps entertainment purposes.
Disclosure
I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of Ampere Technologies either through SAFEs, convertible notes, stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it from Ampere Technologies Inc. I have no business relationship with any company who is mentioned in this article.
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