What is Studs?
Studs is redefining the ear-piercing industry by offering a modern, safe, and trend-driven alternative to legacy providers. The company addresses a long-standing market void by moving away from the antiquated mall-based piercing model and the intimidating atmosphere of traditional tattoo parlors. By utilizing professional needle-piercing techniques with implant-grade metals, Studs ensures a superior customer journey that prioritizes health and safety.
Beyond the service aspect, Studs functions as a lifestyle brand, offering accessibly-priced, curated jewelry collections that allow consumers to engage in earscaping. This omnichannel approach, which integrates seamless online shopping with physical retail locations, enables the company to capture a significant share of the fashion-forward demographic. By combining expert consultations with a high-touch retail environment, Studs has established itself as the new authority in the ear-piercing space.
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 Thrive Capital and Kevin Thau
Key Investors in Studs
First Round Capital
First Round is an early-stage venture capital firm that helps startups tackle company building firsts through tailored programs and a vibrant community.
Thrive Capital
Thrive Capital is a New York-based venture capital firm that primarily focuses on internet and software investments.
Kevin Thau
An individual investor participating in the strategic financing round to support the company's growth initiatives.
What's next for Studs?
With the recent infusion of capital, Studs is well-positioned to accelerate its national expansion and enhance its digital infrastructure. The company is expected to focus on scaling its physical retail presence, bringing its signature earscaping experience to new markets while simultaneously investing in its e-commerce platform to drive customer retention. Strategic priorities likely include deepening its product pipeline, optimizing supply chain logistics for its jewelry lines, and leveraging data-driven insights to personalize the consumer experience further.
As Studs matures, the focus will shift toward solidifying its brand equity and maintaining its competitive edge against both traditional retailers and emerging boutique competitors. The backing from prominent venture capital firms suggests a long-term vision centered on sustainable growth and the potential for further market penetration in the broader personal accessories industry.
