Screen Skinz is a company that specializes in producing custom phone screen protectors with personalized logos or slogans. The idea for the business came to Clay Canning while he was still in high school, and he later partnered with Rashaun Brown, who had experience in sports and licensing. Together, they saw the opportunity to create a unique product in the phone accessories market.
In December 2022, Brown decided to leave his job and dedicate himself full-time to building Screen Skinz. With their complementary skills and shared vision, they were determined to make the company a success. And now, they have announced the closing of a $1.5 million seed round led by South Loop Ventures and Abo Ventures.
One of the key features of Screen Skinz’s screen protectors is that the personalized logos or slogans are only visible when the phone screen is black. When the phone is in use, these designs disappear, allowing for a seamless user experience. Customers can either create their own designs or choose from Screen Skinz’s existing catalog.
The global screen protector market is already massive, estimated to be worth $51 billion as of 2023. Screen Skinz aims to tap into this market by offering a unique and personalized product. The company has already secured creative licenses with well-known brands such as the NFL, NBA, Marvel, and the WWE, which further enhances its credibility and appeal to customers.
With the recent seed round funding, Screen Skinz has been able to move its manufacturing operations from Asia to the United States. This move allows the company to have better control over its supply chain and ensures higher quality standards for its products.
While Screen Skinz currently focuses on smartphone screen protectors, there are plans to expand into making protectors for tablets in the future. Brown stated that their intellectual property allows them to develop screen protection for any mobile device with a backlit display, opening up even more opportunities for growth.
The fundraising process for Screen Skinz was described as “different” by Brown. The founders intentionally took their time, spending about a year to close the seed round. They wanted to refine their supply chain and ensure they had enough inventory to support a successful go-to-market strategy. This approach allowed them to sell a realistic vision to investors and demonstrate their commitment to delivering a high-quality product.
Screen Skinz’s co-lead investor, Abo Ventures, was introduced to the company through Brown’s network from his time at Texas A&M. Another investor, South Loop Ventures, was met during their participation in the DivInc Sports Tech Accelerator in Houston. These partnerships not only provide financial support but also bring valuable expertise and industry connections to help Screen Skinz thrive.
Michelle Micone, the former SVP of consumer products at NFL and Hasbro, expressed her support for Screen Skinz. She appreciated that the team had a unique concept and had successfully figured out the manufacturing and logistics aspects of producing personalized screen protectors. Micone recognized the demand for highly personalized products but acknowledged the challenges of delivering them on time and at a reasonable price. She believed that Screen Skinz had found the formula to meet these demands, which motivated her to become part of the company.
Other notable investors in the seed round include Brent Montgomery, the CEO of Wheelhouse CEO, as well as Wayne Pfeffer and Brendan O’Donnel, former directors of worldwide mobile accessory products at Apple. Pfeffer, in particular, was drawn to the idea of making screen protectors more personalizable. He shared his enthusiasm, stating that personalizing devices used to be limited to cases, but when he saw the evolution of personalization on the front through a screen protector, he was sold on the concept.
Looking ahead, Screen Skinz plans to continue raising funds in the future. The company has several partnerships lined up and is focused on customer acquisition and strengthening its licensing relationships. By staying committed to innovation and personalization, Screen Skinz aims to carve out a significant share in the screen protector market and become a trusted brand for consumers seeking unique phone accessories.