Framebridge

Founded: 2014
Founder: Susan Tynan
Headquarters: 1351 Wisconsin Ave NW 2A, Washington, DC 20005 USA
Number of employees: 250
Website: www.framebridge.com

Overview

Framebridge is a custom framing company headquartered in Washington, D.C. that specializes in making high-quality custom framing affordable and accessible. Founded by Susan Tynan in 2014, Framebridge democratized the traditionally expensive and confusing process of custom framing. Tynan’s innovative idea sprang from her personal experience of overpaying for framing a set of maps, which led her to realize a gap in the market for a customer-centric, budget-friendly framing service.

The startup quickly gained traction for its convenience, affordability, and style, allowing customers to upload digital photos or ship physical pieces directly to the company. The customer then selects from a variety of frame styles and mat designs online. Framebridge’s expert team handles everything from printing and framing to delivering the finished product. The company’s meticulous process ensures high quality while cutting out the middleman and reducing costs.

Framebridge offers a wide array of products beyond standard frames. They provide innovative offerings like gallery walls, where they help design a collection of framed pieces that aesthetically work together on a wall, and designer’s choice, where their experts guide customers on the best frame style for their piece. They also offer custom gifts, an especially popular offering during holidays. Framebridge’s collaboration with various artists and their ‘Artist’s Collections’ also bring exclusive art pieces to customers.

Funding Rounds

Framebridge had conducted several funding rounds to help grow and develop its business. The details are as follows:

Seed Funding Round (November 2014): Framebridge’s first significant infusion of capital came during a seed funding round where they raised $1.25 million from investors such as New Enterprise Associates, Revolution, and Rise of the Rest.

Series A Funding Round (July 2015): After successfully utilizing its seed funding to establish and grow the business, Framebridge attracted additional investment during a Series A funding round. During this round, they raised $7.7 million, with Revolution and New Enterprise Associates again contributing.

Series B Funding Round (August 2016): As Framebridge continued to expand its operations, the company managed to secure further investment in a Series B funding round. In this round, Framebridge raised $9 million, with the round led by SWaN & Legend Venture Partners.

Series C Funding Round (May 2017): Framebridge’s most substantial funding round came in May 2017 when the company secured $15 million during a Series C round. Prominent investors for this round included T. Rowe Price, New Enterprise Associates, SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, and Revolution.

It’s important to note that the successful completion of these funding rounds indicates confidence in Framebridge’s business model from prominent investors. The capital raised in these rounds has been instrumental in allowing Framebridge to scale its operations, develop new product offerings, and extend its market reach.

Acquisitions

In terms of acquisitions, Framebridge acquired the photo gift company, Keepsake, in 2021. This strategic move allowed Framebridge to expand its service offerings to include Keepsake’s digital photo framing capabilities, increasing the customization options for customers.

Partnerships

Framebridge had developed several key partnerships to extend its product offerings and reach. Here are some notable ones:

CB2: Framebridge formed a partnership with CB2, a retailer specializing in modern home decor. As part of this collaboration, Framebridge created an exclusive line of frames and art, available both in CB2’s physical stores and on their online platform. This partnership allowed Framebridge to reach a wider audience interested in modern decor, while offering CB2’s customers access to Framebridge’s custom framing services.

Penguin Random House: Framebridge teamed up with one of the biggest global trade book publishers, Penguin Random House. The result was the ‘Readymade’ collection, a curated selection of Penguin Random House’s book cover art, framed by Framebridge. This collaboration allowed Framebridge to bring unique art pieces to its customers, while Penguin Random House could present its book cover art in a novel, artistic way.

Artist Collaborations: Framebridge has also partnered with various artists for their ‘Artist’s Collections’. These partnerships bring exclusive art pieces to Framebridge customers, offering them unique prints that they can custom frame to their liking. These collaborations not only provide Framebridge customers with access to unique art pieces but also support and highlight the work of various artists.

Keepsake: While more of an acquisition than a partnership, Framebridge’s integration with Keepsake, a digital photo framing company, in 2021 was a strategic move that extended their service offerings. It allowed Framebridge to provide even more customization options to its customers and increased its digital footprint.

These partnerships exemplify Framebridge’s proactive approach to expansion and diversification, enabling it to offer unique products and reach a wider audience.

Awards and Recognition

Framebridge had received a few significant awards and recognitions for its innovative business model and contributions to the custom framing industry. Here are the key ones:

Inc.’s Female Founders 100 List: Framebridge’s CEO and founder, Susan Tynan, was included in Inc.’s Female Founders 100 list in 2019. This prestigious list recognizes the top 100 women entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. Being included on this list was a testament to Susan’s leadership and innovation in leading Framebridge.

Adweek’s “Best Home Tech” Award: In 2017, Framebridge was the recipient of Adweek’s “Best Home Tech” award. This award recognized Framebridge’s innovative application of technology in the traditionally high-cost and complex process of custom framing. By making custom framing more accessible and affordable, Framebridge was recognized for its significant contribution to the industry.

These recognitions illustrate Framebridge’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. They also highlight the company’s effectiveness in disrupting a traditional industry with a customer-centric and technologically advanced approach.

Throughout its journey, Framebridge has stayed true to its mission of simplifying the framing process and making it affordable for all. It has revolutionized a traditionally high-cost and complex industry with technology and customer-centric services. By offering an easy-to-use platform and a broad range of framing services, Framebridge continues to play a significant role in the custom framing industry.

Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.