PopSockets sets up regional HQ in Singapore as it expands into Asia-Pacific

The hit mobile phone grip-and-stand which started off as an indie Kickstarter project in 2012 sold over 35 million units last year is now available here and in the region

Singapore, 26 March 2018 – In 2010, a philosophy professor in USA was frustrated with his earbuds getting tangled all the time. After tinkering around with different solutions, David Barnett created his first idea – an iPhone case with two knobs to wind his earbuds around them – and launched it on Kickstarter in 2012. Two years later, he turned that prototype into commercial reality – a collapsible knob that users can stick on the back of their phones was created. David called it the PopSocket Grip.

The multi-functional PopSocket Grip can be used to stabilise selfie shots, act as a kickstand for watching YouTube and can even be mounted on walls and cars for easy viewing. Double PopSocket Grips are great for competitive mobile gamers who want a solid grip on the base of their phone to put their twin thumbs into action. They are also a great tool to store untangled earphones by simply winding them over the two knobs.

It may have started out of David’s garage but PopSockets soon became a commercial success. The company sold over 35 million PopSocket Grips and Mounts in 2017 and is on track to double that number to 70 million this year. It is a huge hit with many fans including celebrities such as Kendall & Kylie Jenner, Fifth Harmony, Serena Williams, Gigi Hadid, Jared Leto and Michael Phelps.

Following its success in North America and Europe, PopSockets is expanding to Asia and has set up its regional office in Singapore to spearhead its push into Asia-Pacific.

Mr David Barnett, founder and chief executive of PopSockets said: “Reaching out to new customers in Asia-Pacific is a key strategy in our goal to double our global sales numbers this year. We chose Singapore to be our regional HQ for its pro-business and highly connected environment as well as for its central geographical location to be our nexus in the Asia-Pacific.”

With the launch here, over 100 different designs of the PopSocket Grip will now be available at leading retailers here including BHG, Harvey Norman Millenia Walk, iSTUDIO, Kinokuniya, Popular and TANG’S Vivocity. In addition to various original designs, there are also licensed designs from well-known franchises such as the Justice League, Harry Potter and Marvel. The new Car-Vent Mount lets users mount their phone to the air-conditioner vents of their vehicles.

Also available is the recently launched Crystals From Swarovski® collection, with PopSockets producing only 3,000 pieces worldwide. Already sold out in the States, this limited-edition collection comes with unique serial numbers and will be available in limited quantities here.

In May 2018, consumers here can also look forward to new PopSocket Grips with premium material including the Vegan Leather, Metallic Saffiano and Iridescent Snakeskin.

PopSockets LLC is a Boulder-based company started by David Barnett that designs and manufactures mobile accessories. Its central product, the PopSocket Grip, is a phone grip and stand that is collapsible, customizable, and re-positionable. PopSocket Grips also serve as an earbud-management system.

What started as a DIY project for David to manage his tangled headphone wires eventually gave birth to a Kickstarter campaign in 2012, and he went on to win WIRED Magazine’s Mercedes-Benz sponsored “Fueling Innovation” award. Today, the brand has sold over 35 million PopSockets in 2017 and has over 140 employees in the Boulder foothills, while rapidly expanding their footprint in Asia Pacific, making Singapore its Asia Pacific headquarters.