By: Caroline Emerson
When two adventurers with a passion for technology come together, the result is often extraordinary. Such is the case with Lumi Labs, the brainchild of Paul Crandell and Kody Amburgey, who are on a mission to transform the way we experience entertainment. With deep roots in both the consumer electronics and investment sectors, Crandell and Amburgey have combined their unique skill sets to create Lumi, a brand that’s already making waves in the tech world with its innovative, portable smart projectors. And as they gear up for an ambitious roadmap that includes new products and a revolutionary entertainment operating system, it’s clear that Lumi is just getting started.
The Founders: Adventurous Roots and a Vision for Change
Paul Crandell, Lumi’s co-founder and CEO, is no stranger to building massive consumer brands. As the former Chief Marketing Officer of GoPro, he played a pivotal role in scaling the company through its IPO and transforming it into one of the biggest lifestyle consumer electronics brands in the world. Before GoPro, Crandell was instrumental in Red Bull’s early expansion into North America leading events and sports sponsorship as well as content distribution which helped to establish the brand as a household name. Crandell is often on the road in his adventure van, skiing, surfing, mtn biking or fishing, embracing the very lifestyle that Lumi is designed to complement.
Kody Amburgey, Lumi’s co-founder and Chief Growth Officer, brings a different but equally valuable perspective to the table. A former investment banker and venture capital investor, Amburgey has honed his analytical skills in some of the demanding environments. His transition into tech as a startup operator and growth hacker has equipped him with the expertise needed to propel Lumi to new heights. In fact, Amburgey’s passion for adventure led him to live in a Thor ACE RV for a year, an experience that directly influenced the design and functionality of Lumi’s flagship product, the Lumi-1 smart projector.
Lumi-1: The Premier Value Smart Projector on the Market
Launched in spring 2024, the Lumi-1 smart projector is the perfect embodiment of Crandell and Amburgey’s shared vision: to create high-quality, portable entertainment that’s accessible to everyone. The Lumi-1 isn’t just another projector; it’s a powerful device that rivals $1,000+ smart TVs with its full HD 1080P resolution, 4K compatibility, and massive 200-inch screen projection capability. Weighing in at just 2.8 pounds, Lumi-1 is built for portability, making it the ideal companion for both home and on-the-go entertainment.
But what truly sets Lumi-1 apart is its value. Priced at just $249, it offers excellent features—like an HDMI port for gaming consoles or streaming sticks like Roku, and 10W surround sound subwoofers—at a fraction of the cost of traditional smart TVs. This combination of affordability and performance has resonated with consumers, leading to rapid sales growth. Since its launch, Lumi has seen month-over-month sales growth, and its first batch of projectors is nearly sold out, with hundreds of happy customers already singing its praises.
A Roadmap for Innovation
While the Lumi-1 has already set a high bar, Lumi Labs is far from resting on its laurels. The company is gearing up to launch new products in the future, creating even more versatile tools for both home and travel entertainment.
However, Lumi’s ambitions extend beyond hardware. The company is also developing a groundbreaking networked entertainment operating system designed to make entertainment more social, interactive, and fun. This new OS will serve as the foundation for all future Lumi products.
A Grand Vision to Upend Entertainment
At the heart of Lumi Labs’ innovation is a desire to upend traditional entertainment models. Crandell and Amburgey envision a world where entertainment isn’t confined to a single screen in a single room, but is instead portable, social, and accessible to all. With the Lumi-1 and their forthcoming product portfolio expansion, they are already making that vision a reality, offering consumers an unmatched combination of quality, portability, and affordability.
But Lumi Labs’ ambitions don’t stop there. The company’s roadmap includes plans for continuous innovation, with a focus on creating a community-driven ecosystem that makes entertainment more than just passive consumption. As they continue to refine their products and expand their offerings, Crandell and Amburgey are determined to make Lumi a household name in the world of tech, transforming how we experience entertainment in the process.
The Future of Entertainment is Lumi
In an industry where the latest and greatest often comes with a hefty price tag, Lumi Labs is proving that cutting-edge technology can be both accessible and affordable. With a product line that’s already setting new standards for smart projectors and a roadmap filled with ambitious goals, Lumi is poised to lead the charge in a new era of entertainment.
Whether you’re a frequent traveler, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who values high-quality entertainment, Lumi offers a solution that’s as versatile as it is innovative. As Crandell and Amburgey continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, one thing is clear: the future of entertainment is portable, social, and powered by Lumi.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
