d.light monthly newsletter, July 2007

Ultra-Affordable Power & Lighting Solutions
for Families without Electricity

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2 Billion people in the world currently live without access to electricity. They rely primarily on kerosene for their lighting needs; a source of light that is expensive and hazardous. We believe that in an era of unprecedented technological growth, we can bring light, safety and prosperity to millions of hardworking households. We want to make kerosene lanterns a part of history, where they belong.

Highlights

 

d.light raises over $1 million

We did it!  We are pleased to share the great news that the social entrepreneurship market is alive and well and that d.light has surpassed our $1 million fundraising goal!  Last week, Garage Ventures and Gray Matters Capital added their support to round out investments by Draper Fisher Jurvetson and several angel investors, as our lineup for the Series A round. The money is funding the final design process for the Forever-Bright, upcoming market tests in Asia, and operating costs for the next year.

 

Let the ordering begin

Last week we received our first Purchase Order from a major multi-national corporation and we are getting more and more...

 

Evolution of the Forever-Bright

Gabe, Erica, Xian & Nick continue to improve the Forever-Bright, adding brighter LEDs, better circuitry and an even more attractive and functional design.

 

Upcoming Events & Important Dates

 

d.lighthouse Happy Hour

Now that we are fully settled into our new office in Mountain View, we hope you will all consider joining us at our weekly Friday office socials.  Mark your calendars for the next one: Friday, August 3, 5pm at 2231 Mora Drive in Mountain View.  We can promise you good drinks, good company, and lots of product demonstrations.

 

 

Distribution Fever

Sam and Ned will be traveling to India in September to meet with distribution partners. This will be NedŐs first trip to India and SamŐs first visit back since he finished high school in Delhi.  They will be traveling all over the country and if you have recommendations for people they should meet, let them know!

 

Growing Team

We are very excited to have some stellar people joining our team this summer.

       

 

  • Nick Webb (2nd year MME) is working fulltime for us this summer. He is an exceptional engineer and product designer who is helping finalize our product design and start low-volume manufacturing.
  • Melissa Miranda (2nd year GSB) and Lubna Ammar (recovering investment banker J) will be traveling to Asia in August and September to help us coordinate our upcoming market test as well as start exploring new product additions.
  • Alexandra Lemacon (GSB 2007) is coordinating our European carbon offset partners.
  • Anton Lenke (UC Davis) and Haydee Moreno (GSB 2007) are conducting market research to assess our target regions to enter for the launch
  • Jonny Dorsey and Aunuraag Chigurupati are completing an initial social impact assessment survey. 
  • Meanwhile, Brian Foster (EE PhD) has designed our electrical testing station. 

 

We greatly appreciate all their help – they are invaluable and generously giving of their nights and weekends and we feel very fortunate to have such talented and motivated people working with us to make this a reality.

 

     

How you can support us

 

Not your grandmaŐs lighting company

Want to wear the above slogan on your person?  d.light t-shirts are now available for only $15! If youŐre interested in ordering one, please click on the following link and place your order before August 10th:

http://www.dlightdesign.com/tshirts/