Warby Parker, co-founded by Neil Blumenthal, Dave Gilboa, Andy Hunt, and Jeff Raider, emerged as a revolutionary player in the eyewear industry with a direct-to-consumer model that significantly undercut traditional retail prices. From its inception, the brand has been deeply committed to social responsibility, distributing over 15 million pairs of glasses through its “Buy a Pair, Give a Pair” program in collaboration with the nonprofit organization VisionSpring. This commitment extends to environmental efforts, with Warby Parker maintaining a 100% carbon-neutral footprint.

The founders, who met at Wharton, were driven to address the high cost and inaccessibility of quality eyewear. Leveraging their combined experiences, including Blumenthal’s time at VisionSpring, they launched Warby Parker to offer designer eyewear at affordable prices, ensuring a blend of fashion, function, and philanthropy. The brand quickly gained traction, meeting its first-year sales targets within weeks thanks to a feature in Vogue and a unique home try-on program. This rapid success was supported by a series of funding rounds, reflecting confidence in their business model and growth prospects.

Warby Parker’s expansion included the establishment of an optical lab in Rockland County, New York, enabling in-house production and further innovation in eyewear manufacturing and design. As of 2020, the company operates 125 stores across the US and Canada, with plans for continued growth and innovation in eyewear.

Inspired by two characters from Jack Kerouac’s journals, the brand’s name reflects its founders’ appreciation for literature and their ambition to lead an impactful business grounded in solid cultural values. Warby Parker’s commitment to customer satisfaction, employee well-being, and community service is central to its mission, creating an environment that encourages creativity and social engagement.