PopSockets founder David Barnett talks about building a viral business

March 8, 2026 - 02:16

David Barnett, the innovative mind behind the ubiquitous PopSockets grip, recently shared the remarkable story of his company's evolution from a simple dorm-room frustration to a global accessory empire. The founder detailed the unpredictable path of scaling a business that initially went viral almost by accident.

Barnett explained that the product's first explosion in popularity was overwhelming, driven by organic social media sharing rather than a calculated marketing plan. This forced a rapid, often stressful, scaling process to meet unexpected demand. He credits the company's survival and success to a relentless focus on product quality and building a resilient supply chain from the ground up.

Reflecting on his personal growth, Barnett discussed the transition from inventor to CEO. He emphasized the critical lessons learned in leadership, particularly the importance of building a strong team and delegating responsibilities as a company grows beyond its startup phase. His insights provide a candid look at the realities behind building a viral hardware business, where sustaining momentum requires far more than just a clever initial idea. The PopSockets story remains a compelling case study in modern entrepreneurship.