MPOWERD Profile

“In 2012 MPOWERD created Luci, the first inflatable solar light with the goal of making an affordable clean energy product that people could use in any situation. Since then, our vision hasn’t changed too much; we create sustainable, affordable, and thoughtfully designed products that suit the needs of the many.

Luci lights are fully waterproof and shatterproof, with a built-in rechargeable battery. All-in-one Luci lanterns hold a charge for up to 12 hours and stay bright all night. Perfect for camping, boating, hiking, emergency breakdowns, power outages or hurricanes, home décor, weddings, or celebrations. Our mission doesn’t stop there — we’ve expanded our catalog of sustainable products with mobile charging units, string lights, a bike light, a portable speaker, and color lights, from home and lifestyle to emergency preparedness.” — Seungah Jeong

“We’re on a mission to transform lives with thoughtfully designed clean technology. From concept to creation, every detail of our business is deliberate. As a Certified B Corporation and a benefit corporation, we set strict standards for ourselves, ensuring that our work enhances both society and the environment. Our innovative products give people the power of self-reliance as well as moments of wonder — because we believe everyone deserves to be empowered and inspired regardless of where or how they live.

With over 700 NGO and nonprofit relationships in over 90 countries, we’ve brought reliable, clean light to some extraordinary places: from the towns of Nepal to the villages of Uganda to the mountains of Peru and beyond.

We believe that everyone deserves access to clean, reliable, and affordable energy, no matter how or where they live. We also believe that the Earth deserves a little more love too and have averted over 2.5 million tons of CO2. For over 3 billion people, everyday tasks are made more difficult (and dangerous) than they should be. Access to clean energy can improve health, and create education equality, and economic empowerment, all the while combating climate change.” — Seungah Jeong

“Private equity. A mixture of various shareholders from impact private equity in venture to angel investors. As a private company, that’s all we are willing to disseminate.”

“Under 20 people. One operational founder for 10 years. Barely any outside vendors. CEO came from environment and development education and P&G background.” — Seungah Jeong

“MPOWERD Inc. was founded in 2012. John Salzinger was in a consulting group looking at several tech and impact-oriented technologies. After traveling to Haiti, shortly after the devastating earthquake of 2010, as part of a disaster relief mission trip, John realized a clear need for this underserved population — access to clean, reliable light and power. However, not just any light. There was a specific need for a portable, lightweight solar-powered light that people could use without access to the grid. Thus, through dedicated work and a mission-focused mindset, the MPOWERDⓇ Luci Light™ was invented.” — Seungah Jeong

“After a progressive upbringing and seeing people without the simple tools we take for granted, John Saliznger developed a consumer-subsidized business model to deliver clean, affordable, portable light and power to those in emerging markets and emergency response.” — Seungah Jeong

“Not John Salzinger’s first business. He has been a small business owner; however, this was his first foray into the impact space.” — Seungah Jeong

“Many, many, many! Knockoffs, theft, death, etc. Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise. As one example: If a retailer was selling a knockoff, we would approach them and let them know we had the IP and they were being duped. Then we would present the real brand with true product quality and a mission behind every purchase and, 10 times out of 10, we would drake on the account.” — Seungah Jeong

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1. “Outdoor as they are in need of fun, reliable, durable, portable, environmentally friendly light and power.
2. Impact and Preparedness sector as our transformative, waterproof solar solutions are made for emergency situations.” 

— Seungah Jeong

“Research the market, aggregate and improve upon technologies and add solar, file for IP, sell in both brick and mortar and online — the exact same products to the developed world as well as emerging markets at localized pricing.” — Seungah Jeong

“Digitally and through an aid organization simultaneously. This was our proof of concept. We were also featured on the front page of Yahoo Finance early on.” — Seungah Jeong

“Developed world retail, D2C, and corporate sales margins are key, so that we can afford to reduce pricing to localize the same products to those who need the tools we sell.

To date we have:

• Impacted 4 million lives without access to clean electricity
• Averted 3 million+ tons of CO2” 

— Seungah Jeong

“‘Striking Thoughts’ by Bruce Lee (Not a startup book — a book of aphorisms)” — John Salzinger

“Anything by Bob Marley” — John Salzinger

“How hard it is, but how many people you can impact positively.” — Seungah Jeong

“Work is life and life is work — passion in whatever you do while working or playing is key.” — Seungah Jeong

“If you do not swim, you sink. Swim very hard!” — Seungah Jeong

“It takes a village to accomplish anything material, so openness to working with others and partnerships are essential.” — Seungah Jeong

“Delivery boy. Humility, hard work.” — John Salzinger