Biography of Kausi Raman: Co-founder and CEO of ChompShop -Entrepreneur
Biography of Kausi Raman:
Vision Behind ChompShop
Kausi Raman, co-founder and CEO of ChompShop, has always had
a passion for design and innovation. A graduate of the University of
Pennsylvania's Integrated Product Design Master's program, Kausi and her
co-founder, Max, wanted to create a product that would empower young minds and
inspire them to explore the world of design and STEM. They focused on providing
kids with the right tools to unleash their creativity in a safe and fun way.
This vision gave birth to ChompShop—a company dedicated to crafting safe,
hands-on learning experiences for children.
A Journey of Innovation
Before launching ChompShop, Kausi attended UC Davis, where
she earned a degree in Economics and Design. During her time there, she was
deeply involved in various student organizations and projects. Her work earned
her numerous accolades, including a Citation for Excellence in Design and a
Special Citation for Outstanding Performance from the UC Davis Department of
Design. These formative years solidified her passion for design and innovation,
preparing her for the entrepreneurial journey she would embark on later.
The Birth of ChompShop
ChompShop was founded in 2022 with the goal of providing
children, particularly those between the ages of 8 to 12, with a safe and
effective tool to bring their creative ideas to life. The company's flagship
product, the ChompSaw, is a kid-friendly power tool designed to cut cardboard,
allowing children to easily create 3D models and projects. The tool is safe to
use and offers children the chance to learn and explore the basics of STEM, all
while having fun and creating hands-on projects.
Biography of Kausi Raman: Co-founder and CEO of ChompShop -Entrepreneur# startup#age#net worth#investor#hands-on learning for kids#ChompShop story
The Power of Cardboard
ChompShop's unique approach revolves around using a material
that is both affordable and accessible—cardboard. Cardboard is not only an
eco-friendly material, but it also allows kids to experiment with different
shapes and designs, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. With the
ChompSaw, children can easily cut through cardboard and build intricate
designs, learning essential skills like spatial awareness, precision, and
planning, all in the process.
Overcoming Obstacles and Growing Fast
While the ChompShop team was excited about their product,
they faced some challenges early on. The original name of their company,
InvenTABLE, was challenged by a cease-and-desist letter from a company with a
similar name. This obstacle forced them to quickly come up with a new name for
their brand, and ChompShop was born. Despite this setback, Kausi and Max
remained focused on their mission, and their product continued to gain
traction.
A Big Break on Shark Tank
One of the defining moments in ChompShop's journey came when
the company appeared on the popular television show "Shark Tank" in
its 16th season. The duo pitched their innovative product to the investors,
despite the last-minute name change. The ChompSaw caught the attention of the
sharks, and they ultimately raised $250,000 in exchange for 15% equity in the
company. This appearance helped ChompShop gain significant visibility, which
contributed to its rapid growth.
Kickstarter Success
Not long after their Shark Tank appearance, Kausi and Max
launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund their venture further. Their goal was
to raise $50,000, but they surpassed this target within just 23 minutes of
launching the campaign. In the end, they raised an astounding $1.18 million,
far exceeding their expectations. This overwhelming support from backers helped
validate their product's potential and propelled the company to new heights.
Building a Community
ChompShop's success isn't just limited to financial growth.
The company has also cultivated a strong online community, with a significant
social media following. Their posts, often showcasing kids using the ChompSaw
to create incredible projects, have gone viral on numerous occasions. The
company's social media presence has played a crucial role in spreading the word
about ChompShop and engaging with customers who share a passion for creativity
and innovation.
Hands-On Learning for Kids
At the heart of ChompShop is the belief that hands-on
learning is one of the most effective ways for children to develop
problem-solving skills and creative thinking. The ChompSaw is designed not only
as a tool but as an educational experience that introduces children to the
world of design and STEM. By using the tool to create 3D models, kids are able
to better understand the principles of design and engineering while having fun
and expressing their creativity.
Kausi and Max's Partnership
Kausi and Max's partnership is a key part of ChompShop's
success. Both are product designers with a shared passion for innovation and
education. Kausi's academic background in economics and design, combined with
Max's experience in product development, allows them to approach challenges
from multiple angles. Their complementary skills have made them a dynamic duo,
and together, they are changing the way kids learn and create.
The Future of ChompShop
As ChompShop continues to grow, Kausi and Max are focused on
expanding their product line and reaching even more young creators. The
company's mission remains clear: to inspire and educate the next generation of
innovators through creative play and hands-on experiences. With their
innovative products, strong community, and continued focus on growth, ChompShop
is well on its way to becoming a leader in the space of children's educational
tools and STEM learning.
Timeline for story
2022 – ChompShop is founded with a focus on hands-on
learning for kids.
2022 – ChompShop's flagship product, ChompSaw, is launched.
2023 – ChompShop appears on Shark Tank, securing $250,000
for 15% equity.
2023 – ChompShop raises $1.18 million on Kickstarter,
surpassing their $50,000 goal.
2025 – ChompShop plans to expand product line and reach more
young creators.