Screen Skinz, a startup founded on the idea of personalized smartphone screen protectors, has successfully closed a $1.5 million seed round led by South Loop Ventures and Abo Ventures.
The concept originated from Clay Canning’s vision during high school, where he envisioned screen protectors featuring personalized logos directly on the screen. Teaming up with Rashaun Brown, who brought expertise in sports and licensing, Screen Skinz was born.
The company’s innovative product features custom, patent-pending phone screen protectors that display personalized logos or slogans when the screen is inactive, disappearing when the phone is in use. Customers have the option to create their own designs or choose from Screen Skinz’s existing catalog.
With the global screen protector market valued at approximately $51 billion as of 2023, Screen Skinz aims to capitalize on the immense opportunity in phone accessories. Already holding creative licenses with prominent brands like the NFL, NBA, Marvel, and WWE, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of personalized screen protection.
The recent funding round has enabled Screen Skinz to relocate manufacturing operations from Asia to the U.S., granting greater control over its supply chain. While the company currently focuses on smartphones, there are plans for future expansion into tablet screen protectors.
Screen Skinz’s fundraising journey, spanning about a year, emphasized refining its supply chain and preparing inventory for market launch. Co-lead investors Abo Ventures and South Loop Ventures were introduced through Brown’s network from his time at Texas A&M and participation in the DivInc Sports Tech Accelerator in Houston.
Notable investors in the round include Michelle Micone, former SVP of consumer products at NFL and Hasbro, Brent Montgomery, CEO of Wheelhouse, and former directors of worldwide mobile accessory products at Apple, Wayne Pfeffer, and Brendan O’Donnel.
With plans for future fundraising and partnerships already in motion, Screen Skinz remains focused on customer acquisition and strengthening licensing relationships, poised to revolutionize the screen protection industry with its innovative approach to personalization.
