Let’s admit it: even the hardest-working among us likes to kick back occasionally, enjoy the outdoors – yes, even water sports – and listen to music. What better way to relax? Except that our smartphones and various other devices just don’t play well when there’s water around, which kind of takes some of the relaxation element out of the day.
Freedom Audio makes fun, durable and waterproof wireless audio products to solve that problem. Their next rugged speaker product will be fully connected to your favorite music providers via built-in cellular + wifi connectivity, and a touch screen interface.
They’ve joined the latest class of R/GA Connected Devices Accelerator, powered by Techstars, to make it all happen that much sooner. Music to your ears, eh?
Founder Adam Schwartz tells us about his plans to ensure that you don’t miss a beat.
Tell us about the decision to apply for R/GA Accelerator and how has the experience been thus far?
I applied to join TechStars and two MDs suggested that R/GA is the perfect place, since it focuses on IoT and wearables! We have been designing and selling products in our company for two years but joining TechStars (and R/GA specifically) has opened our eyes to much more in depth customer discovery and product testing.
Tell us about your product.
We are designing the first portable outdoor speaker that can play music while you are paddleboarding, surfing, kayaking, fishing and or doing anything else outdoors, without the need to use your smartphone. Our new speaker has a built-in touchscreen and operating system.
How is it different?
Currently, most speaker companies are making Bluetooth the main point of their speakers. We are designing ours with an operating system and touchscreen in the speakers.
What market are you attacking and how big is it?
We are attacking the speaker business and the outdoor enthusiast business! Both are multi-billion dollar industries.
What is the business model?
We produce the products and sell through Direct-To-Consumer, Wholesale ecommerce and ultimately big-box retailers.
Where is the product being sold?
Our current speaker is being sold at Fancy.com, Fab.com, TouchOfModern, and dozens of other ecommerce outlets.
What are the milestones that you plan to achieve within six months?
We hope to launch our new speaker with the built-in touch screen in the next six months.
If you could be put in touch with one investor, who would it be and why?
We would love to be in touch with angels with experience in the speaker/electronic consumer product markets, but we’d specifically like to be put in touch with Mark Suster.
What is your take on the current scene in New York today?
I am just getting used to it, but there are a lot more resources than Orlando!
What are you looking forward to doing most in NYC during this upcoming winter?
I am looking forward to working with R/GA’s team to refine my company’s brand and image.
