Soma (company)
 | This article contains content that is written like an advertisement. (October 2023) |
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| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Water filtration |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California |
| Products | Water filters |
| Website | www.drinksoma.com |
Soma is a company that designs water filtration systems.[1][2] It was founded by Mike Del Ponte, Ido Leffler, Rohan Oza, and Zach Allia in 2012.[3][4]
History[edit]
Del Ponte received inspiration for Soma while hosting a dinner party.[2] He was too embarrassed to display his plastic water filter on the table. To compound his embarrassment, when he attempted to decant the water into a glass carafe, the lid flew off the pitcher, spilling water onto the floor.[2] While cleaning up the mess, aided by a dinner guest, Ido Leffler (the founder of Yes To, Inc), they hit on the idea to create a water filter.[2][5]
The new company, Soma, launched a Kickstarter campaign in December 2012.[6] Within the first nine days they had raised over $100,000, which rose to $147,000 by the end of the campaign.[6]
In July 2013, Soma announced a $3.7 million seed round of funding, from investors that included Baseline Ventures, Forerunner Ventures, Lerer Ventures, Collaborative Fund, Cowboy Ventures, Vast Ventures, Mindful Investors, and Tim Ferriss.[7] Soma opened ordering to the public on September 16, 2013.[8]
In November 2017, Soma was acquired by Full Circle Home, a home goods and cleaning supply company.[9][10]
Description[edit]
The Soma water filtration system consists of a glass carafe and a biodegradable water filter.[2] [3][11] The filters are delivered to customers via a subscription service every two months.[2][11] The filter was designed by David Beeman, who created the water formulas for Starbucks and Peet's Coffee.[11] Soma has also partnered with charity: water to donate clean drinking water to those in need through the sale of every filter.[12]
Reception[edit]
The New York Times called Soma a "welcome change to the status quo" and Inc. Magazine named Soma one of the "most audacious companies of 2013."[1][2][13]
References[edit]
- ^ a b Viladas, Pilar. The Daily Gift: Soma Water Filter. The New York Times. November 10, 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g Fenzi, Francesca Louise. Purer Than Pur, More Elegant Than Brita. Inc. Magazine. April 18, 2013.
- ^ a b Schwartz, Ariel. Forget Brita: Building A Better Water Filter. Fast Company.
- ^ Ferriss, Tim. Hacking Kickstarter: How to Raise $100,000 in 10 Days. Four Hour Workweek.
- ^ Hickman, Matt. Bye bye, Brita: Sleek Soma water filter takes Kickstarter by storm. Mother Nature Network. December 14, 2012.
- ^ a b Soma: Beautifully innovative all-natural water filters. Kickstarter.
- ^ Brooke, Eliza. Charitable Water Filter Maker Soma Raises $3.7M Seed Round. TechCrunch. July 16, 2013.
- ^ Schwartz, Ariel. Buy This Gorgeous Better-Than-Brita Water Filter That Began On Kickstarter. Fast Company. September 16, 2013.
- ^ Steele, Lauren (2019-08-27). "6 everyday products that redefine eco-friendly design". Fast Company. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
- ^ Home, Full Circle. "Full Circle Home Acquires Soma Combining Sustainability And Style". www.prnewswire.com. Retrieved 2020-12-28.
- ^ a b c Product Spotlight: Soma Water. Dwell Magazine.
- ^ WATCH: Clean Drinking Water for All. The Huffington Post. September 16, 2013.
- ^ Clendaniel, Morgan. The Top 14 Design Stories Of 2012. Fast Company.
External links[edit]
- Soma Official Website