Eyewear startups Side Eye and Pair Eyewear target niche markets

New eyewear startups Side Eye and Pair Eyewear are carving out niches in the optical market through specialized designs and unique business models.

Side Eye, founded by two German entrepreneurs who met at Columbia Business School, focuses on small-batch production. The brand aims to bridge the gap between mass-produced frames and high-end luxury eyewear by offering stylish, well-crafted frames at more accessible prices. Their collections are named after New York City streets, reflecting the founders' personal connection to the city.

Pair Eyewear, founded by Nathan Kondamuri and Sophia Edelstein after meeting at Stanford University, specializes in magnetic frames that can be easily swapped. This design is intended to make wearing glasses more engaging, particularly for children. The company has secured licensing deals with brands like Marvel and Coca-Cola and utilizes social media platforms like TikTok for marketing. Pair Eyewear previously appeared on Shark Tank and raised $12 million in 2021.