Glasses Direct

Swindon, United Kingdom Founded: 2004 • Age: 22 yrs
Prescription glasses and sunglasses are retailed online by Glasses Direct.
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About Glasses Direct

Glasses Direct is a company based in Swindon (United Kingdom) founded in 2004.. Glasses Direct has raised $12.98 million across 1 funding round from investors including Highland Capital Partners, Index Ventures and Acton Capital. The company has 176 employees as of December 31, 2020. Glasses Direct has completed 1 acquisition, including LensOn. Glasses Direct offers products and services including Prescription Glasses, Sunglasses, and Varifocal Lenses. Glasses Direct operates in a competitive market with competitors including SunGod, Bloobloom, Eyejusters, Coral Eyewear and Cambridge Spectacle, among others.

  • Headquarter Swindon, United Kingdom
  • Employees 176 as on 31 Dec, 2020
  • Sectors
    Retail
  • Phone
    *********
  • Website
    *********
  • Social
    *********
  • Legal Name Myoptique Group Ltd
  • Date of Incorporation 27 May, 2004
  • Jurisdiction BRISTOL, ENGLAND
Operational Areas
Retail → Fashion & Retail Innovation
Key Metrics
  • Annual Revenue
  • Net Profit
    $-11.33 M (USD)
    76
    as on Dec 31, 2018
  • EBITDA
  • Total Equity Funding
    $12.98 M (USD)

    in 1 rounds

  • Latest Funding Round
    $12.98 M (USD), Series B

    Apr 21, 2009

  • Investors
  • Employee Count
    176

    as on Dec 31, 2020

  • Investments & Acquisitions
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Products & Services of Glasses Direct

Glasses Direct offers a comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including Prescription Glasses, Sunglasses, and Varifocal Lenses. The company's diverse product and service offerings are designed to meet the evolving needs of its customers, address market demands, and provide comprehensive solutions that drive value creation and customer satisfaction across various segments and use cases.

Primary

Online platform for purchasing customizable prescription lenses and frames.

Selection of prescription and non-prescription sunglasses with UV protection.

Specialized lenses for vision correction available in various coatings.

Funding Insights of Glasses Direct

Glasses Direct has successfully raised a total of $12.98M through 1 strategic funding round. The most recent funding activity was a Series B round of $12.98 million completed in April 2009. This substantial capital infusion reflects strong investor confidence in the company's business model, growth potential, and market opportunities. The funding enables strategic expansion, product development, market penetration, and operational scaling to drive long-term value creation and competitive advantage.

  • Total Funding
  • Total Rounds 1
  • Last Round Series B — $13.0M
  • First Round

    (21 Apr 2009)

  • Investors Count 3
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Apr, 2009 Amount Series B - Glasses Direct Valuation Acton Capital
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Investors in Glasses Direct

Glasses Direct has secured backing from 3 investors, including venture fund investors. Prominent investors backing the company include Highland Capital Partners, Index Ventures and Acton Capital. This diverse investor base provides strategic capital, industry expertise, and valuable network connections that support the company's growth initiatives, market expansion, and long-term value creation.

All
Venture Fund
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital investment and entrepreneur support services.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital investments in technology startups and entrepreneurs.
Founded Year Domain Location
Tech-enabled companies are invested in by Acton Capital venture firm.
Founded Year Domain Location
Investor Description Founded Year Domain Location
Single family office of Amitabh Bachchan, founder of Amitabh Bachchan Corporation or AB CORP
Founded Year Domain Location
Startup ecosystems are ignited through strategic investments by Signite Partners.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is directed toward companies in multiple sectors.
Founded Year Domain Location
Venture capital is invested in cybersecurity, fintech, and AI startups.
Founded Year Domain Location

Investments & Acquisitions by Glasses Direct

Glasses Direct has strategically engaged in corporate development activities, having acquired 1 company. Notable acquisitions include LensOn. These strategic investments and acquisitions demonstrate the company's commitment to growth through portfolio expansion, market consolidation, technology integration, and strategic partnerships that enhance competitive positioning and drive long-term value creation.

Investments
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Fine Asian gourmet food is offered by an internet-first restaurant.
2016
Acquisitions
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
Contact lenses and eyewear are sold online by LensOn.
2004
Company Name Description Domain Location Founded Year Amount
OVO is recognized as a smart digital payment application.
2017
Bionic investment advisor platform
2016
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014
Physical e-commerce kiosks are deployed for rural purchases in Indonesia.
2014

Financial Statements - Glasses Direct

Tata Steel revenue growth over time
Tata Steel profit and loss trends over time
Date Amount Transaction Name Valuation Lead Investors Investors
Jul, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Jan, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Feb, 2021 Amount Post-IPO - Grab Valuation

investors

Glasses Direct Comparisons

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Competitors of Glasses Direct

Glasses Direct operates in a dynamic and competitive business environment, facing competition from various established players and emerging companies in the market. The competitive landscape includes prominent companies such as SunGod, Bloobloom, Eyejusters, Coral Eyewear and Cambridge Spectacle, among others. This competitive environment drives innovation, market differentiation, and strategic positioning as companies strive to capture market share and deliver value to their customers. Understanding the competitive dynamics is crucial for assessing market positioning, identifying growth opportunities, and navigating the challenges inherent in a competitive marketplace.

Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Internet first brand offering eyewear for men & women
domain founded_year HQ Location
Handcrafted eyewear including glasses and sunglasses is offered online.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Private label brand of adjustable focus reading glasses
domain founded_year HQ Location
Internet-first brand specializing in recycled eyewear.
domain founded_year HQ Location
Operates a direct-to-consumer brand offering high-quality eyewear for men and women.
Company Name Domain Founded year HQ Location Description
domain founded_year HQ Location
Multiple services are booked via an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
On-demand services are booked through an app-based platform.
domain founded_year HQ Location
App based platform offering on demand delivery and ride-hailing services
domain founded_year HQ Location
Operates an on-demand hyperlocal delivery app for food and groceries.

Latest news on Glasses Direct

Glasses Direct appoints User Conversion
Prolificnorth7 years ago

Frequently Asked Questions about Glasses Direct

When was Glasses Direct founded?

Glasses Direct was founded in 2004 and raised its 1st funding round 5 years after it was founded.

Where is Glasses Direct located?

Glasses Direct is headquartered in Swindon, United Kingdom. It is registered at Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom.

Is Glasses Direct a funded company?

Glasses Direct is a funded company, having raised a total of $12.98M across 1 funding round to date. The company's 1st funding round was a Series B of $12.98M, raised on Apr 21, 2009.

How many employees does Glasses Direct have?

As of Dec 31, 2020, the latest employee count at Glasses Direct is 176.

What does Glasses Direct do?

Glasses Direct was founded in 2004 and is based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Operations are conducted as an online retailer of prescription eyewear across Europe. Glasses for men and women are supplied, including options for prescription sunglasses, with all frames adaptable to prescription lenses. The company is owned by the Prescription Eyewear group, which also includes myOptique.com, SunglassesShop.com, and LensOn.com.

Who are the top competitors of Glasses Direct?

Glasses Direct's top competitors include SunGod, Bloobloom and Eyejusters.

What products or services does Glasses Direct offer?

Glasses Direct offers Prescription Glasses, Sunglasses, and Varifocal Lenses.

How many acquisitions has Glasses Direct made?

Glasses Direct has made 1 acquisition, including LensOn.

Who are Glasses Direct's investors?

Glasses Direct has 3 investors. Key investors include Highland Capital Partners, Index Ventures, and Acton Capital.

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