Hai: The World's Smartest Shower Head

A Smart Shower Head Secures $6 Million in Funding

If a shower head incorporating a miniature turbine, Bluetooth connectivity, a dedicated application, and a fine-mist spray was on your predictions for 2021, you’ve guessed correctly. This is the reality brought to life by Hai, a company that has recently secured $6 million in funding to revolutionize your showering experience. Expect a splash of shower-themed wordplay along the way.

The Core Concept Behind Hai

The founders of Hai posit that daily showering constitutes a significant portion of residential water usage. Recognizing a growing environmental consciousness among consumers, they address a key question: how can individuals accurately gauge their water consumption during this essential routine? The answer lies in Hai’s innovative $250 shower head, designed for effortless installation and removal – requiring no tools.

Specifically targeting apartment residents seeking a “spa-like shower experience” that is portable, the Hai shower head functions as a versatile platform.

From Personal Experience to Entrepreneurial Vision

“Throughout my twenties, I relocated to a new apartment annually. Each time, the shower was a primary consideration. Being tall, adequate height was crucial, and water pressure was, of course, paramount,” recalls Leah Stigile, co-founder and CEO of Hai. “As a mother of two young children, my daily shower time is vital for my well-being. Conversations with others revealed the importance of the showering ritual for diverse reasons. This inspired me to contribute to a company delivering an exceptional experience while promoting mindful resource utilization.”

Investor Confidence in Hai’s Potential

A diverse group of investors shares the Hai team’s vision. Trousdale Ventures spearheaded the $6 million funding round, joined by Will Smith’s Dreamers VC, A-Rod Corp, The Najafi Companies (owners of the Phoenix Suns and McLaren F1), Amity Supply (Jesse Derris), social media personalities Josh Richards and Griffin Johnson, Noah Beck’s Animal Capital (Marshall Sandman), Howard Draft (a former Peloton board member and early investor), and Local Globe.

Phillip Sarofim, founder of Trousdale Ventures, stated, “Our investment in Hai stems from their creation of an innovative, high-quality showerhead that aligns with consumer demand for sustainable home products. We are confident that Hai will redefine the shower experience as consumers increasingly prioritize personalized and environmentally responsible options.”

A Large Market Ripe for Disruption

Leonard Brody, co-founder of Hai, explains, “We’re looking at a $9 billion market. My assessment indicates space for five to six significant new players. Remarkably, the existing $9 billion market has been dominated by the same five companies for the past 75 years, with brand recognition playing a surprisingly minor role.”

He further notes, “Over 85% of millennials identify showering as their most important self-care ritual at home, yet the majority cannot name the brand of showerhead they use daily. This is unusual in the consumer landscape; I’d wager 60% can readily identify their toilet paper brand.”

Competition and Innovation in the Shower Space

Hai isn’t the first to attempt disruption in this market. Nebia, a Kickstarter success story, pre-sold $3 million worth of fine-misting shower heads in 2015 before being acquired by bathroom fixture giant Moen.

Hai’s Technological Advantages

“A significant source of water waste during showering occurs while waiting for the water to warm up. The shower runs while individuals attend to other tasks. We’ve developed a small hydropower Bluetooth turbine that addresses this issue. It powers the LED light indicating water temperature and sends a push notification to your phone if you’ve stepped away,” explains Brody. “Furthermore, our companion app allows users to set desired water usage limits. The average shower consumes around 20 gallons, but this can be customized. A light alerts you when the limit is reached, prompting you to conclude your shower.”

Data-Driven Customization and Future Plans

The device monitors water consumption, fostering awareness and enabling users to set and achieve conservation goals. Hai also intends to leverage collected data to personalize the showering experience further.

“Our roadmap for early 2022 includes introducing a line of consumables. Initially, we’re launching ‘infusions’ – single-use, no-waste pills contained within a capsule that attaches to the showerhead,” details Stigile. “These infusions deliver aromatherapy or hair and skin treatments directly into the water, enhancing the spa-like experience. Subsequently, we plan to incorporate filtration, utilizing our sensors to analyze water composition and provide tailored recommendations, even considering preferred water temperatures.”

Early Success and Retail Expansion

Having commenced shipping just weeks ago, Hai is experiencing promising sales through its direct channels and a retail partnership with Bed Bath & Beyond, including its New York flagship store.