Participated · Equity · Jan 2016

BRCK makes a physically robust mobile WiFi hotspot that connects to multiple networks and is described as a back-up generator for the internet. The device was designed by the same Nairobi team behind Ushahidi, Crowdmap and the iHub. The company plans to use new funding to expand operations, increase manufacturing of inventory, develop new device designs and broaden distribution across the African continent and globally. BRCK previously raised over US$172,000 on Kickstarter in 2013 and followed with an additional US$1.2 million investment. Most recently BRCK raised US$3 million from a group of international investors. Named investors include former AOL executives Jean and Steve Case, TED, Swiss-based MKS Alternative Investments, Synergy Energy and Jim Sorenson. BRCK builds a versatile mobile router that functions as a backup internet generator, intelligently hopping between Ethernet, Wi‑Fi and available 3G/4G networks. The device includes an internal battery that can run for about eight hours when AC power fails. BRCK’s product is positioned to address unreliable connectivity across Africa and other developing regions, with a stated mission to bring internet access to billions in emerging markets. The company gained early traction with a successful Kickstarter campaign and remains independent of Ushahidi. BRCK currently employs 11 people. The team says the recent funding will help the company scale its hardware and deployment efforts across target markets. BRCK is a hardware project from the Ushahidi team that builds a battery-backed mobile router designed to connect users to the internet anywhere, even without mains electricity. The device intelligently hops between Ethernet, WiFi and available 3G/4G networks to maintain connectivity. The team describes it as a backup generator for the internet and positions it as the easiest, most reliable way to connect in low‑infrastructure environments. The project was prototyped and built in Nairobi, Kenya, and the effort has required developing local hardware expertise and tools. Financially, BRCK ran a Kickstarter campaign that surpassed its US$125,000 goal and has rewarded hundreds of backers; the campaign reported more than US$127,000 raised with around 834 backers and over 430 BRCKs already promised.