WakaWaka Selects Revolution House Media, Kompass Solutions to Launch its Social-Driven Solar Brand in the US

[SAN FRANCISCO, CA, MARCH 13, 2018]— WakaWaka, a social-driven B-Corp from The Netherlands, distributed in over 40 countries worldwide, has selected Revolution House Media as its public relations partner and Kompass Solutions as its distributor for North America. Founded in 2012, WakaWaka has distributed its award-winning solar powered chargers, lights, power banks and panels to over 250 humanitarian projects in more than 60 countries, providing safe and sustainable light and energy sources to over 1 million people. From Africa to Syrian refugee camps, to Haiti and Puerto Rico, the contributions of WakaWaka have helped boost family and community health while providing longer productive hours.

Translating to “shine bright” in Swahili, WakaWaka was founded by Maurits Groen, climate and sustainability expert and Netherland’s Most Sustainable Person 2015 according to Dutch newspaper Trouw, and Camille van Gestel, product development specialist, to fight climate disruption. Kerosene lamps and stoves are pollutive and impose health risks. One-third of the world’s population does not have access to electricity or reliable electricity. As part of WakaWaka’s mission to increase access to sustainable energy worldwide, the brand uses a percentage of sales to donate at least 10,000 products (lights or power) each year to people living in humanitarian crisis. Consumers have the ability to choose the project where their purchase will have the greatest impact, including areas hit by natural disasters. Most recently, WakaWaka teamed up with the Sierra Club to send over $2000 worth of light and power to Puerto Rico. Learn more by visiting www.waka-waka.com/sharethesun.

Included in the 2017 Global Cleantech 100 list of the most innovative and promising ideas in clean technology, WakaWaka’s product line includes solar panels, power banks, lights and chargers for outdoor adventurers, travelers and those looking for sustainable personal power options. The brand’s patented Intivation Sunboost Chip, combined with 22% solar panel efficiency, provide the industry’s most efficient solar chargers.

“Having heard nothing but positive feedback and great stories about Revolution House Media from current partners and industry relations, we didn’t hesitate to start working with Kate,” said WakaWaka Global Sales Manager Retail, Alexander de Gaay Fortman. “Her track record speaks for itself, and for a small but strong upcoming brand like WakaWaka, we needed to work with someone who knows the outdoor space in North America through and through. Kate showed us at Outdoor Retailer that she has a creative approach to her work, immediately inviting us to her impactful and fun Roller Derby Media event.”

“A strong distribution partner is equally important to WakaWaka’s success in North America and we are thrilled to be partnering with Kompass Solutions. The team at Kompass brings a high level of leadership experience delivering growth for both new and established consumer-driven brands,” said de Gaay Fortman. “WakaWaka has its mind set on becoming the go-to power & light brand for the active outdoor consumer anywhere in the world! Seeing that some of the best outdoor experiences can be found in the US and Canada, it is of extreme importance for WakaWaka to find its way to these consumers through outdoor retail. Luckily, the team at Kompass knows this trade inside out and thus are best placed to help make WakaWaka a success in North America.”

About WakaWaka

WakaWaka (translating to “shine bright” in Swahili) is an award-winning social enterprise on a

mission to end energy poverty for the more than 2 billion people living without reliable energy access. Founded in 2012 by Maurits Groen and Camille van Gestel, the company develops, manufactures and markets premium, top-performing solar-powered flashlights and chargers. For every purchase, WakaWaka brings light to a person living off-grid, particularly in remote regions, disaster-struck or war-torn areas through its Share the Sun program. Through Share the Sun, WakaWaka has provided solar solutions to the survivors of hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the Nepal earthquake, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Ebola victims in Liberia, people living in shelters in Haiti, fleeing Rohinya’s, as well as many Syrian refugees. The brand is distributed in the United States, Canada, UK, Germany, Netherlands, France, Spain, Belgium, Nordics, Australia, Japan and Chile. For distribution in North America, please contact Rick Olson at Kompass at rick@waka-waka.com. For product information, please visit https://us.waka-waka.com.

About Revolution House Media

Revolution House Media enjoys the challenge of building recognition and increasing market share for innovative brands in the outdoor, tactical and lifestyle markets. Founded by Kate Ketschek in 2013, the firm delivers quantifiable results through media relations, editorial coverage and strategic partnerships. Located in Big Sky, Montana, Revolution House Media is an active member of The Conservation Alliance.

About Kompass

Kompass Solutions’ mission is to seek out and partner with progressive, thoughtful, impactful and high-growth brands primarily within the outdoor, sports and lifestyle markets. They bring over 60 years of global leadership with diverse channel and geographic relationships. Kompass are positive and productive change agents at your service from one year to indefinitely. The team offers outsourced leadership to drive brand impact and growth effectively, efficiently and at lower overhead, assisting brands with addressing business opportunities and challenges. Key areas of accountability include GTM strategy and planning, global e-commerce, domestic sales, and international sales.