VIU designs stylish, high-quality glasses in Switzerland and has its frames produced by traditional manufacturers in Italy and Japan, with production processes comprising up to 80 manual steps. The company controls the full value chain—from design through production to sales—and distributes exclusively through digital channels and its own branch network, enabling lower prices by avoiding intermediaries. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Zurich, VIU has established itself as a leading player in the Swiss market and already operates in various European countries. Management intends to further strengthen the company’s international presence. The company recently attracted external capital as part of a financing round aimed at supporting growth. Credit Suisse Entrepreneur Capital Ltd. described VIU as having an impressive track record and cited potential for continued success across digital and physical channels. VIU produces affordable, handmade designer spectacles designed in Switzerland and manufactured in Italy and Japan. Founded in 2013 and based in Zurich, the company operates more than 40 flagship stores, 40 partner stores and a strong online channel. VIU reports a growing customer base across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands and Spain, and employs more than 300 people. The brand positions itself as a pioneer in the eyewear market through innovative techniques and broad retail distribution. VIU has joined the investment portfolio of Swiss Startup Capital and will gain not only funding but access to the investor group’s expertise and network to support its next development steps. Management noted the investment process was efficient due to long-standing relationships with the Swiss Startup Group and its Investors Club. The SSUC Investors Club targets later-stage, mature opportunities and today counts 20 ultra-high-net-worth individuals and one private bank among its members. VIU is a Swiss premium eyewear brand founded in 2013 by Kilian Wagner, Fabrice Aeberhard and Peter Kaeser. The company focuses on high-end design and product quality, using materials such as Italian acetate and Japanese titanium, and has launched a customizable 3D-printed eyewear collection. VIU sells through multiple channels and operates over 30 flagship stores across Austria, Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland, and employs more than 250 people. The brand plans further international expansion with upcoming London and Paris flagship openings later this year and intends to invest in product design and customer experience. Until now VIU was financed by private investors; it has recently brought on Eight Roads Ventures as a growth investor. VIU and Eight Roads did not publish financial figures for the round.

Total raised

$3M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Equity

Latest activity

Nov 2020