Boombotix

Boombotix
Company type	Private
Industry	Consumer electronics
Founded	2009
Founder	Lief Storer
Headquarters	San Francisco, California, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Products	Portable audio speakers, mobile sound accessories

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Boombotix, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 26 July 2025

Boombotix is a company headquartered in San Francisco, California, that specializes in the development of portable audio speakers and mobile sound accessories. The brand name is a fusion of the words robotics and boombox. Their product range, known as Boombots, emphasizes wearable audio devices.

The company primarily serves urban and outdoor sports enthusiasts, including cyclists, skateboarders, skiers, and surfers, along with the wider consumer electronics audience. Their products have gained popularity among bike messengers and daily commuters for facilitating hands-free communication.

Boombotix distributes its products through prominent retailers such as Verizon, Radio Shack, Urban Outfitters, Zumiez, as well as specialty outlets, bicycle shops, and via its own e-commerce website.

Company history

Established in 2009 by entrepreneur Lief Storer under the original name SkullyBoom, Boombotix introduced its inaugural product, the SB1, which drew inspiration from the Skully vinyl toy. Storer merged a vinyl figure with an iHome speaker and a Motorola radio clip to develop a wearable speaker prototype. This creation quickly gained viral popularity and was lauded by TechCrunch as an "uncrushable music device." The SB1 incorporated a robust driver within a compact casing that was drop-tested and water-resistant. Initial sales commenced in 2010 at Ken's Bike and Ski located in Davis, CA.

In 2013, the company launched the Boombot REX, designed by Chris McKleroy. This model was among the earliest portable speakers to offer voice control capabilities, equipped with dual drivers and a passive bass radiator to improve audio performance. The Kickstarter campaign for this product surpassed its funding target by fourfold.

At the start of 2015, prominent music industry personality RZA joined Boombotix as "Head Abbot," tasked with overseeing strategic marketing initiatives and broadening the brand’s connections within the music sector.

Later that year, Boombotix unveiled two additional products: the waterproof Boombot PRO and the compact Boombot MINI.

By late 2016, expected leadership transitions did not occur. Customer support operations were discontinued, leaving consumers without assistance or warranty services. Indications suggest the company may have filed for bankruptcy protection.

Following these developments, Boombotix received an F rating from the Better Business Bureau due to numerous unresolved customer complaints and negative feedback linked to its former San Francisco office.

Product Reception

By the close of 2013, Boombotix had sold more than sixty thousand units. Their portable speakers attracted attention within both action sports circles and consumer electronics markets. To further engage urban cyclists, Boombotix introduced a handlebar mounting kit that reinforced their presence in this niche.

Headquarters

While based in San Francisco, Boombotix primarily conducted operations through Delaware. The company has since ceased its business activities.

Investors

In 2014, Boombotix secured $4 million in funding from notable investors including David Dolby, Walden Venture Capital, Social+Capital Partnership, Baseline, Red Hills Ventures, and Grishin Robotics.

Collaborations with Musicians

In 2014, Boombotix joined forces with RZA to launch a co-branded Wu-Tang Clan speaker that included exclusive tracks from the 20th Anniversary album A Better Tomorrow. Among these was the limited-edition track "Big Horn B," which was exclusively available on only 3,000 units. Additionally, the company worked alongside The Grateful Dead, Del from Hieroglyphics, and Achozen.

External links

Official company website