If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy coffee, Tigere Chiriga (M.B.A. ’06) has an idea to float your way.

In December 2008, he came up with an idea for a new type of mug based on the design of a banana holder. The end result was the “Floating Mug,” a porcelain cup that uses a patented design to help reduce the heat and moisture from hot drinks that often damage furniture and cause ring stains.

Chiriga, an avid tea drinker, sketched out his design and worked with a company in China to create prototypes. Unfortunately, he knew little about raising money to support his idea and even less about marketing the Floating Mug to stores.

“I didn’t get any traction at first,” says Chiriga, who is originally from Zimbabwe. “And I didn’t have the resources.”

That changed when he learned about Kickstarter, a crowd-funding website that allows the public to help finance projects and product ideas.

“It seemed like a good opportunity to see if there was any interest in my idea,” says Chiriga. “And I could generate capital with minimal risk on my part.” The Kickstarter campaign launched on June 21. By July 3, Chiriga had reached his goal of $15,000. By July 31, he was 200 percent over that.

“It’s gone from zero to 100 miles an hour,” Chiriga says of his new business venture. “All the wheels are now turning.”

Chiriga is getting more and more calls from distributors and retailers interested in his unique design. He has created a Facebook page with product shots and details (and more than 700 “likes” at presstime), and is in the process of launching Floating Mug LLC’s website so that consumers can purchase the products directly.

As for future designs, Chiriga is tight-lipped but says he has some ideas brewing. His only hint: “It’s in the glassware industry.” 

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Vol. 10 No. 3 Table of Contents