Lema21 sells designer prescription frames with anti-reflective organic lenses at one standard price through an online storefront. The company offers a virtual mirror for webcam try-ons and ships sample frames so customers can test fit before purchase. It operates a buy-one, donate-one model, donating the cost of a simple pair to local nonprofits serving the visually impaired. Founded by Jon Assayag and Naomi Arruda, Lema21 plans to officially launch its business in January 2013 and has ambitions to sell across the wider Latin American market. The article frames Lema21 as a Brazilian alternative to Warby Parker and highlights the $9 billion size of Brazil’s eyewear industry as the market opportunity. The startup’s model includes offering prescription lenses and bypassing traditional optical shop markups.

Total raised

$2M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Dec 2012