What is Studs?
Studs operates at the intersection of health-conscious service and fashion-forward retail. By replacing outdated piercing guns with professional needle-based techniques and utilizing implant-grade metals, the company has effectively modernized a stagnant industry. Its 'earscaping' concept allows consumers to curate personalized jewelry arrangements, moving beyond simple utility to a form of self-expression. With a robust digital presence and a growing physical footprint, Studs addresses the market demand for a safe, accessible, and aesthetically driven alternative to legacy mall-based providers and intimidating tattoo parlors.
How much funding has Studs raised?
Studs has raised a total of $23M across 2 funding rounds:
Unspecified
$3M
Series B
$20M
Unspecified (2019): $3M with participation from First Round Capital
Series B (2021): $20M led by Kevin Thau and Thrive Capital
Key Investors in Studs
First Round Capital
A prominent early-stage venture capital firm known for providing foundational support and resources to high-growth startups during their initial development phases.
Thrive Capital
A New York-based venture capital firm that focuses on internet and software investments, providing strategic guidance to companies scaling their digital and physical operations.
Kevin Thau
An individual investor participating in the funding round, contributing strategic capital to support the company's growth trajectory.
What's next for Studs?
With the infusion of $20M, Studs is well-positioned to accelerate its market penetration and scale its retail operations. The company is expected to focus on expanding its physical studio footprint while enhancing its digital platform to support a more personalized customer journey. As it matures, the strategic focus will likely shift toward deepening brand loyalty through aftercare innovation and expanding its proprietary jewelry collections. By maintaining its commitment to safety and style, Studs is poised to capture a larger share of the growing personal expression market, potentially setting new industry standards for the intersection of service-based retail and consumer goods.
See full Studs company page