Suvechha Sarkar
Staying connected in a world that thrives on shared experiences has never been more critical, yet it often becomes the most significant challenge when one needs it most. From packed music festivals to remote camping trips far from cell towers, communication can frequently be hindered. Crowd Compass aims to solve that precise problem with its device, which reimagines connection as something fun and simple through its innovative design. Their concept came under the spotlight during their appearance on season 17 episode 10 of ABC’s ‘Shark Tank.’ The opportunity provided the founder with a national platform to prove that their vision is about redefining how individuals stay together when it matters most.
Crowd Compass: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
Before turning his vision of Crowd Compass into a reality, the founder, Christopher Dimoff, AKA Chris, was quietly building a career of his own, one step at a time. His academic journey began in 2011 as he enrolled at the University of Victoria to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce. Along the way, he broadened his global and business perspective by pursuing a degree in International Exchange and Business/Commerce from the Vienna University of Economics and Business in 2015. Chris ultimately graduated with both degrees in 2015. The following year, he sharpened his Web Development Skills at CodeCore College. Chris entered the professional world in January 2015 as a Computer Help Desk Analyst at the University of Victoria and left the position in April 2016.
From January to April 2017, Chris worked as an Instructor for the Programming Fundamentals Course at the CodeCore Developer Bootcamp. In February of that same year, he also took on the role of Full Stack Developer at Rad Nine Software, where he remained until February 2018. By January 2019, he joined Urbandoor as a Full Stack Software Engineer, before taking a significant leap in December 2019. Chris ultimately became a Senior Full-Stack Software Engineer and Architect at Airbnb and continues to work in that position. He came up with the idea for Crowd Compass unexpectedly in July 2022, while visiting the Shambhala Music Festival.
At that event, Chris was surrounded by the crowd and unable to contact his friends due to poor cell service and network interruptions. When he tried to search for a reliable solution to the problem, he was shocked to find none. Moreover, he noticed that the phone screens often distract individuals from fully immersing themselves in those live events. Chris wanted to create something different, so he reached out to his friends and Reddit users who attend such festivals for further ideas. From his home office, he designed the very first prototype of Crowd Compass. In 2023, Chris already made 10 of those devices for initial testing, which proved to be successful.
It marked the formal launch of Crowd Compass to the public in 2024. The device requires no network and offers customers secure connections and precise GPS tracking, with a range of up to 3 miles after its redesign. Additionally, you can get around 24 hours of battery life, with the option to use replaceable batteries, eliminating shutdowns without a power supply. The brand has improved its distance tracking and has also created a mobile application that allows users to customize their settings and send offline messages through their network. Crowd Compass’ protective cases and retractable lanyards also serve as solutions born of practical problems.
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Crowd Compass: Where Are They Now?
Since its launch, Crowd Compass has slowly but steadily built momentum, finding its way into the hands of the users who need it most. Today, customers can easily purchase their device from their website for just $199.99. To make it more accessible, the brand also offers interest-free installment plans, allowing buyers to pay in monthly payments starting at $18.05. Crowd Compass also offers a 30-day hassle-free return policy and a money-back guarantee. For groups and friends, they also provide two-pack, three-pack, and four-pack options at $179.99, $169.99, and $149.99, respectively. As of writing, the product is FCC-certified, adding another layer of credibility.
Beyond the core device, Crowd Compass continues to enhance the customer experience with thoughtful features like distance indicators and adjustable zoom levels. Moreover, they sell a range of accessories, including a Protective Case priced at $22.99. The case is designed to be slip-resistant, rain- and splash-proof, and features reinforced, shock-absorbing materials and a durable anti-theft anchor. You can get their extended warranty for $9.99, while their Retractable Lanyard can be purchased for $22.99. The users can even pick up Crowd Compass Kandi for $3.99. They also offer you a free case and access to their newest product updates and exclusive sales if you subscribe to their newsletter.
Crowd Compass’ presence has also flourished on social media, where it actively promotes the product and connects with its growing community. Since the beginning, the device has made its way to several festivals, such as Burning Man, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and several others. They have further collaborated with several creators, including Festival Britt (unicorn.raver) and the Lucid Fairy, among others. In May 2025, Crowd Compass did a tech collaboration with the Woodland Festivals. In that very same month, they announced their new features, Radio Modes, and Waypoints for a better connection during the festivals.
Additionally, Crowd Compass has hosted several notable giveaways, offering winners items such as lunchboxes, hydration pack bundles, and Crowd Compasses. In May 2025, the brand announced The Great Bonnaroo Sticker Hunt, an event with live music. In October, they earned significant recognition by becoming one of TIME’s Best Inventions of that year. In that same month, Crowd Compass collaborated with EDM Maniac, a media company, to host a giveaway. In 2025, they also became a finalist for the SXSW Innovation Award. With glowing reviews, Crowd Compass continues to prove its real-world value.
