Biography of Justin Wang: Founder and CEO of LARQ -Entrepreneur
Biography of Justin Wang:
The Vision Behind LARQ
Justin Wang, an entrepreneur with a background in economics
and political economy from UC Berkeley, co-founded LARQ in 2017. His vision was
simple yet transformative—combine innovative technology with beautiful design
to provide easy access to clean drinking water without chemicals or tedious
maintenance.
The Birth of a Revolutionary Product
LARQ introduced a self-cleaning water bottle that uses UV-C
LED technology to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold, ensuring safe
hydration anytime, anywhere. With sustainability at its core, the company aims
to replace single-use plastic bottles with a more convenient and eco-friendly
alternative.
Expanding the Product Line
Building on the success of the LARQ Bottle, Wang and his
team developed the LARQ Pitcher. This home-use water filtration system not only
removes contaminants like lead and chlorine but also prevents mold and algae
growth using the same proprietary UV-C LED technology.
The Shark Tank Breakthrough
In April 2021, Wang pitched LARQ on Shark Tank Season 12,
seeking $500,000 for a 1% equity stake. The episode marked a significant
milestone, as LARQ achieved the highest valuation in the show’s history,
attracting significant investor interest.
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The Impact of Shark Tank
The Shark Tank appearance catapulted LARQ into the
spotlight, increasing brand awareness and boosting sales. It also allowed Wang
to share his company’s mission with a broader audience—eliminating plastic
waste while ensuring access to clean water.
Sustainability at the Core
LARQ's commitment to sustainability extends beyond its
products. By reducing reliance on disposable plastic bottles, the company
contributes to global environmental efforts while offering consumers a more
hygienic and stylish way to stay hydrated.
A Leader in Premium Hydration
Under Wang’s leadership, LARQ positioned itself as a premium
hydration brand, focusing on aesthetics and cutting-edge purification
technology. The sleek design and self-cleaning functionality set LARQ apart
from conventional water bottles.
Previous Leadership Roles
Before launching LARQ, Wang held leadership positions at
LELO and FOREO, two companies known for their innovative consumer products. His
experience in brand development and strategic expansion played a crucial role
in shaping LARQ’s growth trajectory.
Bridging Innovation and Design
LARQ’s success is rooted in the fusion of advanced water
purification technology with high-end design. Unlike traditional filtration
systems, LARQ’s products prioritize both functionality and aesthetics, making
them desirable lifestyle accessories.
A Strategic Acquisition by Brita
In a landmark move, Brita GmbH, a global leader in water
filtration, acquired LARQ. The deal aligned with Brita’s efforts to enhance its
digital presence and expand its premium product offerings, leveraging LARQ’s
innovation-driven approach.
Strengthening Global Market Presence
While LARQ had a strong online presence, Brita’s extensive
retail distribution helped extend the brand’s reach into brick-and-mortar
stores worldwide. The acquisition enabled both companies to complement each
other’s strengths in the hydration market.
The Role of Digital Transformation
LARQ’s business model, which was primarily online, offered
Brita an opportunity to modernize its traditionally offline operations. This
digital transformation allowed the combined brands to tap into new consumer
segments and drive growth.
Industry Recognition and Thought Leadership
Wang’s strategic insights have earned him invitations to
major business conferences, including BigCommerce’s Make it Big Conference,
where he shared LARQ’s journey, growth strategies, and commitment to
sustainable innovation.
A Future Focused on Sustainability
With the Brita acquisition and increasing consumer demand
for eco-friendly solutions, LARQ continues to push the boundaries of
sustainable hydration. Wang’s mission remains unchanged—to provide clean water
access effortlessly while reducing plastic waste for a healthier planet.
Timeline for story
2017 – Justin Wang co-founds LARQ.
2018 – LARQ launches its self-cleaning water bottle.
2020 – Introduces the LARQ Pitcher for home water
filtration.
April 2021 – Appears on Shark Tank Season 12, achieving the
highest valuation in the show’s history.
2022 – LARQ expands its product line and global market
presence.
2023 – Brita GmbH acquires LARQ to enhance its premium and
digital offerings.
2024 – LARQ continues focusing on sustainability and
innovation under Brita.
