Comprehensive Company and Competitor Overview

Level Frames: Company Profile

Company Overview

Level Frames is a distinguished online platform specializing in custom framing solutions for photos, prints, and posters. Since its inception in 2014, the company has revolutionized the framing industry by offering a comprehensive online service that allows customers to create museum-quality frames from home. All products are handcrafted in the USA, adhering to high standards and employing archival methods for optimal picture preservation. Customers can expect delivery within 1-2 weeks, with a promise of a 100% Happiness Guarantee.

Operating from its headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, Level Frames functions with a lean team of about five employees while achieving substantial financial success, generating a revenue of $11 million as of 2024. The company has primarily grown through a bootstrapping approach, gaining investments from notable entities such as Y Combinator and Louis Beryl, and has raised $120,000 in funding from a single investment round.

Leadership Team

Josh Hubball

Position: Co-Founder & CEO

Location: Brooklyn, New York

Background: A media, entertainment, and technology veteran, Josh developed an interest in custom framing in 2014 through his own passion for displaying concert posters. Previously, he served as VP of Business Development at Mixed Media Labs. He is active on X (formerly Twitter), engaging in discussions related to music and photography.

Damian Sowers

Position: Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Location: South Lake Tahoe

Background: With a strong foundation in software development and design, Damian was instrumental in establishing Level Frames' technological infrastructure and enhancing user experience through innovative online tools like art visualizers. He shares personal projects and tech insights on Instagram.

Danielle Castagna

Position: Head of Sales

Experience: Danielle's background in fashion and e-commerce drives her strategic approach to amplifying sales and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Market Position and Industry Recognition

Level Frames occupies a unique niche within the custom framing market, providing accessible and high-quality framing services without necessitating physical visits to traditional framing outlets. In 2024, the platform was recognized by Wirecutter as one of the best online framing services, a testament to its dedication to customer satisfaction and quality. Despite its small team size, the company's innovation in online framing and exceptional customer service have established it as a significant player in the home furnishings sector. With strong investment backing and a dynamic leadership team, Level Frames is well-positioned for continued growth and market influence.

Competitor Analysis and Market Insights

Market Overview

Level Frames competes in the online custom framing arena, offering both custom-sized and standard photo frames. Known for competitive pricing and speedy delivery—sometimes as fast as four days—they surpass competitors like Artifact Uprising, which has a nine-day delivery timeframe. Offering free shipping underscores their appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

Key Competitors

Framebridge

Foundation and Location: Founded in 2014, based in Washington D.C.

Growth: Rapid expansion with 34 retail locations, including new branches in New Orleans and Nashville.

Services: Offers a variety of quick and affordable custom framing solutions both online and in stores. Collaborations with designers, such as Josh Young, boost their profile.

Leadership: Founded by Susan Tynan, who envisioned the need for affordable, quality custom framing.

Artifact Uprising

Location: Headquartered in Denver, Colorado

Specialization: Focus on high-quality, customizable photo goods made from eco-friendly materials.

Reputation: Established in 2012, renowned for integrating sustainable practices into their product line, offering eco-conscious consumers recycled material options.

Art To Frames

History and Location: Established in 1929, based in Brooklyn, NY.

Expertise: Known for traditional craftsmanship, catering to diverse framing needs with a focus on fast delivery and custom solutions.

Canvaspop

Foundation and Acquisition: Founded in 2009, acquired by Circle Graphics in 2021.

Location: Operates from Ottawa, Canada

Focus: Specializes in high-quality, personalized photo art and gifts, maintaining exceptional customer service.

Industry Insights

The competitive landscape in which Level Frames operates places a premium on customer service, delivery speed, product quality, and price. Level Frames is strategically positioned as a cost-effective solution with rapid delivery times, competing effectively against both established traditional services and newer market entrants. Their strengths in versatile framing options and competitive shipping rates are critical in appealing to price-sensitive consumers.

As competitors such as Framebridge expand retail locations and eco-friendly brands like Artifact Uprising enhance their consumer appeal through sustainable practices, Level Frames might benefit from further leveraging their unique advantages. This could include enhancing their online platform's efficiency or exploring partnerships and retail presence to boost brand visibility and foster greater customer engagement.