Kluster.com - Putting Social Networks to Work

Kluster is a web-based platform that enables communities to collaborate and decide. Kluster’s philosophy is that development and decision-making is better served by engaging groups.

Kluster’s founder, Ben Kaufman (21), proved the success of this model in his first venture, mophie, an iPod accessory company. Mophie engaged consumers and retailers to participate in product design and development. Designs were chosen by the community, manufactured, and sold in retail outlets in 28 countries. Mophie was successfully acquired in August 2007. The undisclosed proceeds of the sale were invested in Kluster. Kluster participants will work on a variety of initiatives including product development, marketing and advertising, event planning -virtually any decision- making activity better served by asking a group. Community members will contribute based on their experience and interest. Decisions within the site are made algorithmically by assessing the weight of each community member’s vote based on their participation, past successes and risk. Today, Kluster is launching the platform and encouraging everyone to jump in.