What The Light Source does

The Light Source is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based manufacturer of professional lighting rigging hardware and LED fixtures, founded in 1984 and operating as a private for-profit business with 51-100 employees. The company designs and produces clamps (Mega-Clamp, Mini-Clamp, Micro-Clamp, Safety-Clamp, Monstro-Clamp), claws, couplers (Mega-Coupler and Monstro-Coupler families in multiple sizes), truss accessories, grid and track systems, beam clamps, video wall hangers, plasma hangers, tent and airwall accessories, and an LED fixture line (HL Series pendants, SM Series surface mounts, RL Series recessed, WL Series, MEGABATTEN linear LED system, and the Gym Light Cage). Products are engineered in-house and manufactured in the USA using CNC machining, drop forging, and machine rolling from 6061-T6 aluminum and zinc-plated steel, with load ratings spanning 100 to 3,000+ pounds and proprietary design elements such as Belleville washers, spirol-pin locking couplers, and a Mega-Quick Disconnect system rated to 250 pounds. Differentiated features include 1/4" hex-key installation on the M140 Track Splice (tested to 600+ lbs without flex), a Center Point Genie Fork Adapter (1,000-lb capacity, CNC-machined from 1"x4" aluminum billet), and interchangeability with competitor track systems (H&H 300, ADC 140).

The company sells exclusively through an authorized dealer network supported by a dedicated 'Dealers' section and 'Dealer Zone' portal; product pricing is not publicly disclosed and customers are routed to dealers for quotes. A separately priced Custom Laser Marking service ($200 artwork setup, $15 setup plus $1.25 per part under 96 units, per-part fee waived at 96+ identical items, prepayment required) provides a professional-services revenue stream alongside hardware. End customers span entertainment and theater production, commercial and institutional facilities (gyms, schools, churches), AV rental and installation firms, professional display installers, and healthcare (Mini-Clamp IV). Distribution channels are regional via independent dealers; no direct-to-customer sales, e-commerce storefront, or digital product surfaces are evidenced. The company holds no disclosed patents, certifications, or third-party AI/ML capabilities in the source material.

Name

The Light Source

Legal name

The Light Source

Website

https://thelightsource.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Light Source, founded 1984 and headquartered in Charlotte, NC, manufactures professional lighting rigging hardware—including clamps, couplers, beam clamps, truss accessories, and LED fixtures—sold through authorized dealers to entertainment venues, theaters, AV rental firms, and commercial facilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Charlotte

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Hardware Product Sales: Sale of lighting rigging equipment including clamps, couplers, truss accessories, LED fixtures, track systems, and mounting hardware. Products are sold through dealer network to entertainment venues, studios, theaters, and industrial customers. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales with various finish options (silver, black anodized, white powder coat).
2. Custom Laser Marking Services: Custom laser marking service with $200 initial artwork setup fee. Additional charges apply for orders under 96 units ($15 setup + $1.25 per part). Orders for 96+ units of same product have no per-part laser fee after initial setup.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

The Light Source manufactures and sells professional lighting rigging, mounting, and suspension hardware for entertainment, studio, and event production industries. The catalog spans LED fixtures, clamps, couplers, truss accessories, track systems, beam clamps, video wall hangers, plasma mounts, and custom laser marking services, with working load ratings from 100 to over 3000 pounds. Products are sold in the USA through an authorized dealer network.

Product overview

The Light Source is a manufacturer of professional lighting rigging, mounting, and suspension equipment for the entertainment, studio, and event industries. Their product portfolio consists of multiple distinct product lines including LED Fixtures (HL Series, SM Series, pendants, recessed fixtures, WL Series), Clamps (Mega-Clamp, Mini-Clamp, Micro-Clamp, Safety-Clamp, Monstro-Clamp), Claws (Mega-Claw, Slim Claw, Mini-Claw, TC Clamp, Barco Projector Clamp), Mega-Couplers and Monstro-Couplers in various sizes, Grid and Track Systems (Mega-Track Hangers, Mega-Gridlock, M-140 Cyc Track), Floor Stands, Side Arms, Motion Picture/Studio equipment (Mini-Baby, Mega-Baby, pin adapters), Tools, Truss Accessories (Mega-Truss Dolly, Truss Picks, Mega-Turnbuckle), Video Wall Hangers, Mega-Beam Clamps, Plasma Hangers, Tent Accessories, Airwall Hangers, Spare Parts, Accessories, MEGABATTEN LED lighting system, Gym Light Cage, and Specialized Products. The company also offers Custom Laser Marking services for branding. Products are available in silver, black anodized, and white powder coat finishes, with working load limits ranging from 100 to 2500+ pounds depending on the product.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LED Fixtures Comprehensive range of LED lighting fixtures including HL Series Pendant (White Light and RGBW), SM Series LED Surface Mount/Pendant, Mini-Pendant, Micro-Pendant, 2' x 2' Drop-In Fixture, 2x2 Micro-Recessed, 2x2 Mini-Recessed, RL Series LED Recessed Fixtures, WL Series, Glare Shields, DivCon, LED Fixture with Remote Driver, LED Gallery, and CL Light, for commercial, institutional, and entertainment facilities.
• Clamps Heavy-duty clamping solutions including Mega-Clamp, Mega-Swivel, Mini-Clamp, Micro-Clamp, Safety-Clamp, Monstro-Clamp, and Uni-Bolt for Strut Channels, designed for professional lighting and rigging installations.
• Claws Claw-style mounting hardware including Mega-Claw, Slim Claw, Mini-Claw, TC Clamp, TC Swivel Clamp, Barco Projector Clamp, and Versi-Clamp, used for gripping pipes, truss, and projector mounting surfaces.
• Mega-Couplers Large-format coupler products including Mega-Coupler with Flat Head Bolt, Mega-Coupler, Coupler with Eye Nut, Mega-Swivel Coupler, Mega-Swivel Coupler-XL, 90 Degree Fixed Coupler, Mega-Slim Coupler variants, Mega-Coupler with Clevis Attachment, and Mini-Coupler. Features spirol pins for locking swivel couplers and metric conversion capabilities.
• Monstro-Couplers Oversized coupler line including Monstro-Couplers in sizes 2.5 inch, 3 inch, 3.5 inch, 4 inch, 5.56 inch, and 6 inch, plus Monstro Swivel Coupler 3 to 2 and Monstro 90 Degree Coupler 3 to 2, for heavy-duty large pipe rigging applications.
• Grid and Track Systems Complete track and grid mounting solutions including Mega-Track Hangers (Short, Long, Diagonal, XL variants), Mega-Gridlock, Purlin Clamp, Threaded Rod Track Hangers, Spacer Plates, M140 Wall Mount, Mega-Cable Runner, Aluminum Grid Pipe, Mega-Quick Pipe Splice, Mega-Pipe Strap, M-140 Cyc Track Walk-Along System, M140 Track Splice, M140 End Stop, Track Punch, Curtain Carriers, Master Carrier, Offset Carrier, Scenery Carrier, Batten Clamps, Wall Mounts, and Pipe Wall Mount for theatrical and studio rigging.
• Floor Stands Freestanding support equipment including Mega-Folding Floor Stand, Mega-Slim Floor Stand, and 8 x 8 Light Mount for portable lighting setups.
• MEGABATTEN Linear LED lighting system with DMX Splitter Pipe Mounted accessory and MEGABATTEN Connector Strip, designed for entertainment and stage lighting applications.
• Gym Light Cage Protective enclosure for gymnasium lighting fixtures designed to shield lights from impact in high-abuse environments such as school and institutional gyms.
• Mega-Coupler Grounder Electrical grounding accessory designed for use with Mega-Coupler systems to provide grounding for rigging installations.
• Mini-Clamp IV Specialized clamp designed for IV pole mounting in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
• Center Point Genie Fork Adapter Adapter CNC machined from 1 inch x 4 inch aluminum billet that slides over Genie forks to provide a secure center hang point for rigging speakers or truss. Features locking square head oval point set screws and a 1000 pound capacity.
• Truss Accessories Truss integration hardware including Mega-Truss Dolly (Inside/Outside Couplers, XL variants), Truss Stackers, E-Strap, Mega-Truss Picks (12 inch to 30 inch lengths), Christie Lites Mega-Truss Pick, Mega-Truss Picks for Diagonal Web, Mega-Grapple, Universal Truss Pick, Mega-Truss Tee Clamp, Mega-Turnbuckle, Mega-Turnbuckle 3-5 with Jaw, and 5/8 inch Bolted Truss to Pipe Adapter.
• Mega-Beam Clamps Structural beam attachment hardware including 8 inch, 10 inch, 16 inch, and 24 inch Mega-Beam Clamps, all rated 2 Ton, plus Jaw Set for 2 inch thick beam flanges and Angled Jaw Set for structural mounting.
• Video Wall Hangers Display mounting solutions including Mega-Video Wall Hanger (25 inch, 16 inch, 16 inch with QC1.5 Couplers), XYZ Channel, and XYZ Mount for hanging LED video walls and large displays.
• Tent Accessories Temporary event rigging hardware including 4 inch and 8 inch Mega-Tent Beam Clamps, Chain Pole Clamp, CPC Chain Extension, CPC Chandelier Chain Mount, CPC Coupler Chain Mount, CPC Chandelier Mount, CPC Coupler Mount, CPC Light Mount Bracket, CPC Chain Hoist Adapter, and Tent Beam Clamp.
• Airwall Hangers Airwall system mounting hardware including 4 Inch and 7 Inch Mega-Airwall Hangers, and Micro Airwall Hanger for operable partition wall installations.
• Custom Laser Marking Custom laser marking service that adds logos or names to products. Initial $200 artwork setup fee with no additional per-part fee for orders of 96 or more identical items; $15 setup plus $1.25 per part for smaller orders. All laser marked orders require prepayment.
• Motion Picture / Studio Equipment Studio and motion picture rigging hardware including Mini-Baby, Mega-Baby, USA Adapter, USA Adapter Short, Mega-Coupler with USA Adapter, Mega-Coupler with Baby Pin, Maffer Pin Adapter, Mega-Junior Pin Receiver, and Mega-Junior Pin Receiver with Slim Claw, for film and studio equipment mounting.
• Tools Installation and maintenance tools including Mega-Handle Square, Mega-Combo Wrench, and Mongo-Wrench for rigging hardware assembly.
• Spare Parts Replacement components including Mega-Claw Parts, Mega-Coupler Parts, Slim Claw Parts, Mini-Claw Parts, Mega-Clamp Parts, Mini-Clamp Parts, Mega-Gridlock Parts, Mega-Track Hanger Parts, TC Clamp Hardware, Belleville Washers, and Mega-Truss Dolly Parts.

Quantifiable outcome

• M140 Track Splice withstood 600+ pounds load without flexing
• +1 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC): ETC manufactures theatrical and architectural lighting fixtures, controls, and rigging accessories for entertainment venues, schools, and houses of worship — a closely comparable customer base and overlapping LED-fixture and rigging product categories.
• Tomcat USA: Tomcat is one of the most established manufacturers of entertainment rigging hardware, truss, clamps, and stage equipment — directly overlapping The Light Source's clamps, couplers, truss accessories, and grid/track product lines for the same theater, concert, and event customers.
• Total Structures: Total Structures manufactures truss, rigging hardware, and custom structural solutions for the entertainment industry. Its clamp, coupler, and truss pick product lines compete head-to-head with The Light Source's Mega-Coupler and Mega-Truss Pick families.
• Altman Lighting: Altman manufactures professional lighting fixtures and accessories for theatrical, film/TV, and architectural applications, with comparable dealer distribution and overlapping LED pendant, recessed, and stage fixture categories.
• Chauvet Professional: Chauvet Professional manufactures LED entertainment and theatrical lighting fixtures — including pendants, recessed units, and stage fixtures — sold through a comparable dealer network to the same theater, concert, and event-production end users.
• Lex Products: Lex Products designs and manufactures portable power distribution, cable management, and rigging accessories for entertainment, events, and industrial markets — directly comparable to The Light Source's clamps, truss picks, and cable/rigging accessories.

Broad incumbents

• Acuity Brands: Acuity Brands is a major commercial and industrial LED lighting manufacturer with broad portfolios of recessed, pendant, and surface-mount fixtures that overlap with The Light Source's commercial and institutional LED lines, though with a much wider product range and global reach.
• Hubbell Lighting: Hubbell Lighting is a broad commercial and industrial lighting manufacturer offering recessed, pendant, and architectural LED fixtures that compete with The Light Source's HL, SM, and RL Series in the same institutional and commercial facility channels.
• Columbus McKinnon (CM Lodestar): Columbus McKinnon is a publicly traded industrial manufacturer whose CM Lodestar and entertainment rigging division supplies hoists, clamps, and rigging accessories to the same theater and touring customers as The Light Source, with a much broader portfolio.

Emerging players

• Mountain Productions: Mountain Productions supplies staging, rigging, and truss solutions for the live event industry and increasingly manufactures proprietary hardware, partially overlapping The Light Source's truss, beam-clamp, and rigging product families.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/thelightsource
• Facebookfacebook.com/thelightsourceinc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-light-source-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

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 The Light Source