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Helping consumers find the perfect glasses is a booming global business, spawning giants like Warby Parker in the U.S. and Lenskart in India. In the Middle East, this market is producing its own rising powerhouse: Eyewa.
Eyewa, based in Dubai and Riyadh, sells a wide range of eyewear products, including prescription glasses, sunglasses, blue light glasses, and contact lenses, through a direct-to-consumer (DTC) e-commerce and retail platform across five Middle East markets.
Funding and Growth
Now the company has raised a $100 million Series C round. The round, led by global growth investor General Atlantic, brings Eyewa’s total funding to $130 million since its 2017 launch.
Founded by former Bain & Company consultants, Eyewa initially started as an e-commerce retailer for third-party brands but later launched its own brands to cater to unmet needs in the Middle East.
From delivering food to selling eyeglasses
The founders transitioned from the food delivery industry to the eyewear market by identifying the growing demand for eyewear products in the region. With data on customer behavior, they designed and launched their own in-house brands to offer affordable and diverse options for customers.
Scaling its omnichannel experience
Eyewa expanded its reach by opening retail stores to cater to a broader customer base. This move allowed the company to provide eye examinations and enhance the customer journey. With a $21 million Series B funding, Eyewa has grown to 150 stores and aims to add 100 more across six countries.
Conclusion
With General Atlantic leading the latest funding round, Eyewa is set to expand its presence in the Middle East and continue its rapid growth in the eyewear retail market.
