What LuminAID does

LuminAID Lab, LLC is a U.S.-based private company that designs, manufactures, and sells solar-powered inflatable lanterns and integrated phone chargers under the LuminAID brand. Founded in 2010 by architecture students Anna Stork and Andrea Sreshta in the wake of the Haiti earthquake, the company built its core technology around a patented inflatable form factor that combines waterproof, pack-flat construction with integrated photovoltaic charging. Its product portfolio spans the PackLite series (Titan, Survivor, Max, Nova), the modular Trio Magnetic Light System, a Solar String Light, and the Bloomio Bluetooth Garden Lights sub-brand, with accessories including emergency blankets and first-aid kits.

The business is run as a direct-to-consumer e-commerce operation through luminaid.com and Amazon Marketplace, supplemented by direct sales to humanitarian nonprofits at volume discounts. Product pricing ranges from approximately $10 for entry-level lanterns up to $115 for the flagship PackLite Survivor 3-in-1, with bundles priced between $75 and $267. Revenue is generated entirely through one-time hardware sales with no subscription component.

The company also operates the Give Light Program, a humanitarian distribution platform that has delivered over 50,000 sponsored solar lights across 100+ countries through partnerships with organizations including the American Red Cross, Mercy Corps, World Central Kitchen, ShelterBox, Team Rubicon, and Convoy of Hope. Capital to date consists of roughly $500,000 in cumulative crowdfunding plus an undisclosed angel investment from Mark Cuban via ABC's Shark Tank in February 2015. The company remains founder-controlled with 1–10 employees and operates from Littleton, New Hampshire.

Name

LuminAID

Legal name

LuminAID Lab, LLC

Website

https://luminaid.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

LuminAID designs and sells patented solar-powered inflatable lanterns with integrated phone charging through direct-to-consumer e-commerce and Amazon. Founded in 2010, the company also distributes over 50,000 sponsored units globally via its Give Light humanitarian program in partnership with major disaster-relief NGOs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Portable Solar Lighting

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640)

akta.pro primary industry

Outdoor Lighting & Power (Headlamps, Batteries, Solar) Retail (CRAMAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Outdoor Lighting & Landscape Lighting Retail (CRAIAIAJ)

Keywords

• Solar lanterns
• Portable solar lighting
• Solar phone chargers
• Emergency preparedness lighting
• Outdoor solar lighting

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: LuminAID generates revenue through the sale of solar-powered hardware products including inflatable lanterns, phone chargers, and accessories. Products are sold as one-time purchases with no subscription component. The company sells directly to consumers through their e-commerce platform and through marketplace channels like Amazon.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

LuminAID designs, manufactures (via contract partners), and sells inflatable solar-powered lanterns and multi-function solar lanterns with integrated USB phone charging, targeting outdoor recreation, emergency preparedness, and humanitarian aid markets. The company also operates the Give Light charitable program that distributes solar lights to disaster-affected communities globally.

Product overview

LuminAID is a solar lighting company offering a portfolio of inflatable solar lanterns and smart outdoor lighting products. The core product line consists of the PackLite series (Titan, Survivor, Max, Nova) - inflatable solar lanterns with varying brightness levels and phone charging capabilities. Newer additions include the Solar String Light (32-foot string light with lantern and phone charger functions) and Trio Magnetic Light System (modular 3-piece lantern set). The Bloomio sub-brand provides Bluetooth-enabled smart garden lights with mobile app control. Accessories include emergency blankets and first aid kits. The company also operates the Give Light charitable program for disaster relief and refugee support. Products are available as individual items or in discounted bundle packs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PackLite Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern Inflatable solar lantern with 4000mAh battery capable of charging phones 2-3 times, 300 lumens output, up to 100 hours runtime, red light mode for night vision, twist-to-inflate design, weighing 12.5oz. Sold primarily to outdoor recreation and emergency preparedness consumers.
• PackLite Survivor 3-in-1 Power Lantern First-of-its-kind 3-in-1 solar lantern combining illumination, USB phone charging via a 6000mAh battery with two USB ports, and a built-in 200-lumen flashlight. Delivers 600 lumens, up to 130 hours runtime, and 3 color modes including white, red, and warm white. Positioned for emergency preparedness and outdoor use.
• PackLite Max 2-in-1 Power Lantern Compact solar lantern with USB phone charging, up to 50 hours runtime, 150 lumens output, and a 2000mAh battery in a packable design suitable for camping, emergency kits, and travel.
• PackLite Nova Solar Lantern Compact USB-rechargeable inflatable solar lantern available in multiple light color options including white and multi-color modes, designed for lightweight and packable outdoor use.
• Trio Magnetic Light System Modular 3-piece lantern set with 2 cube lights and 1 rectangle light combining for 400 total lumens. The rectangle light has a 2000mAh battery for phone charging, with magnetic attachment and clip features enabling independent or combined use; recharged through a shared solar docking station. Priced at $77.00 USD.
• Solar String Light 32-foot solar and USB-powered string light with 100 warm white LEDs that also functions as a 300-lumen lantern and 2000mAh phone charger. Features adjustable brightness and red light mode; available in Warm White (32 feet) and Color (23 feet) models.
• Bloomio Bluetooth Garden Lights Smart outdoor garden lighting line with Bluetooth connectivity and companion LuminAID mobile app (iOS and Android). Users pair by holding the power button for 5 seconds and can set schedules, adjust brightness, and control on/off remotely. Targets residential outdoor and garden lighting buyers.
• Emergency Blanket XL Lightweight, packable thermal emergency blanket sold as an emergency preparedness accessory for outdoor kits and go-bags.
• Easy Care Comprehensive First Aid Kit Comprehensive first aid kit containing essential medical supplies for outdoor adventures and emergency situations.
• Emergency Fire Blanket Fire blanket designed to smother small fires or provide personal protection in emergency situations.
• Give Light Program Humanitarian sponsorship program where customers purchase solar lanterns for families in need, supporting disaster relief, refugee relief, and general allocations. Tiered at $10 per solar lantern and $20 per power lantern with phone charger. Partners include World Central Kitchen, Convoy of Hope, Team Rubicon, and Mercy Corps; over 50,000 lights have been delivered across 100+ countries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50,000+ solar lights distributed to humanitarian recipients
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Convoy of HopecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing humanitarian partner distributing LuminAID solar lights in disaster relief and community development operations worldwide. Products support their emergency response and ongoing humanitarian programs.
• ShelterBoxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational disaster relief organization providing emergency shelter solutions. LuminAID products are distributed alongside shelter materials to provide lighting in disaster-affected communities.
• American Red CrosscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor humanitarian organization utilizing LuminAID solar lights in disaster preparedness and emergency response operations across the United States and internationally.
• World Central KitchencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit focused on disaster relief through food operations, using LuminAID lights to support meal preparation and operations in field conditions without reliable electricity.
• Mercy CorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal humanitarian organization engaged in emergency response and community development programs that utilize LuminAID solar lighting in off-grid locations.
• Team RubiconcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeteran-led disaster response organization that deploys LuminAID lights during emergency operations and natural disaster response missions.
• International Medical CorpscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGlobal humanitarian organization providing medical relief and emergency response, using LuminAID products to support field hospitals and medical operations in disaster zones.
• NetHopeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConsortium of nonprofit organizations focused on humanitarian technology. Partnership enables technology-enabled humanitarian programs using LuminAID lighting solutions.
• Off-the-Grid MissionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization focused on bringing sustainable technology and lighting to off-grid communities worldwide.
• Pencils of PromiseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation nonprofit building schools and supporting educational infrastructure in developing countries. LuminAID provides lighting for education facilities and programs.
• buildOnminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization focused on education and community service, distributing LuminAID lights to support educational and community development programs.
• Rainforest TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization protecting threatened tropical forests and biodiversity. Partnership supports community development and ranger safety lighting.
• SCM Medical MissionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMedical mission organization providing healthcare services in underserved areas, utilizing LuminAID lights to support medical operations in off-grid locations.
• Beit el BarakaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHumanitarian organization supporting communities in need, receiving LuminAID solar lighting for distribution to beneficiaries.
• Hope ConnectionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity development organization utilizing LuminAID products to support humanitarian and development programs in underserved regions.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BioLite: BioLite makes portable solar lighting, battery packs, and stoves for outdoor and emerging-market consumers. Directly competes with LuminAID in portable solar lanterns and energy products targeting outdoor and off-grid users.
• Goal Zero: Goal Zero manufactures portable solar panels, lanterns, and power stations for outdoor, camping, and emergency-preparedness use. Closely comparable to LuminAID in product category (solar lanterns, phone charging) and target audience (campers, preppers, humanitarian buyers).
• MPOWERD (Luci Lights): MPOWERD's Luci line of inflatable, solar-powered lanterns is the most direct form-factor competitor to LuminAID's PackLite series. Both target outdoor consumers and humanitarian distribution.
• Black Diamond Equipment: Black Diamond makes premium headlamps, lanterns, and lighting for climbers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Overlaps with LuminAID's outdoor-recreation consumer base on portable lighting.
• Fenix Lighting: Fenix manufactures high-performance flashlights, lanterns, and tactical lighting for outdoor, emergency, and professional users. Comparable to LuminAID's lantern and flashlight products (e.g., Survivor).
• Nitecore: Nitecore makes rechargeable flashlights, lanterns, and lighting accessories for outdoor and emergency use. Competes with LuminAID's premium lantern and portable lighting SKUs.
• d.light: d.light designs and distributes affordable solar lanterns and energy products primarily for off-grid households in emerging markets. Direct comparability to LuminAID's humanitarian Give Light distribution model.

Broad incumbents

• Streamlight: Streamlight is an established flashlight and portable lighting brand serving industrial, first responder, and outdoor markets. Overlaps with LuminAID on high-lumen portable lighting for emergency and professional users.
• Energizer Holdings: Energizer is a broad consumer battery and lighting brand selling lanterns, flashlights, and handheld lighting at mass retail. Comparable to LuminAID on consumer portable lighting SKUs in outdoor/emergency channels.

Emerging players

• Power Practical: Power Practical makes portable solar lighting and power products (e.g., Luminoodle) targeting outdoor and prepper niches. Partial overlap with LuminAID's camping/outdoor consumer segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/luminaid
• TikToktiktok.com/@luminaid
• Xx.com/luminaidlab

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LuminAID