Lumi Company Profile

Background

Overview

Lumi is a Los Angeles-based company founded in 2009 by Jesse Genet and Steph Ango. Initially, the company developed Inkodye, a photo-reactive dye that allowed users to print images onto natural fabrics using sunlight. Over time, Lumi transitioned into providing packaging and supply chain management software, offering a platform that enables e-commerce brands to design, order, and manage custom packaging solutions. In 2021, Lumi was acquired by Narvar, a company specializing in post-purchase customer experience solutions.

Mission and Vision

Lumi's mission is to simplify the packaging procurement process for growing e-commerce brands by providing a comprehensive platform that streamlines design, ordering, and logistics. The company's vision is to empower brands to create customized packaging solutions that enhance their brand identity and customer experience.

Primary Area of Focus

Lumi focuses on offering a user-friendly platform for designing and managing custom packaging solutions, catering primarily to e-commerce businesses seeking efficient and scalable packaging options.

Industry Significance

By providing an integrated solution for packaging design and supply chain management, Lumi has played a significant role in helping e-commerce brands enhance their brand presence and operational efficiency. The acquisition by Narvar in 2021 underscores the importance of Lumi's offerings in the broader context of customer experience and logistics.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Simplification of Packaging Procurement: Streamline the process of designing, ordering, and managing custom packaging for e-commerce brands.

Enhancement of Brand Identity: Enable brands to create packaging solutions that reflect their unique identity and resonate with customers.

Operational Efficiency: Provide tools that integrate packaging design with supply chain management to improve overall operational workflows.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Custom Packaging Design: Tools and resources for creating tailored packaging solutions.

Supply Chain Integration: Features that connect packaging design with logistics and fulfillment processes.

Key Technologies Utilized

Web-Based Platform: An intuitive interface for designing and managing packaging solutions.

Data Analytics: Tools that provide insights into packaging performance and customer engagement.

Primary Markets Targeted

E-Commerce Brands: Businesses seeking efficient and customizable packaging solutions to enhance their brand presence.

Startups: New businesses looking for scalable packaging options that align with their brand identity.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Seed Funding: Lumi launched a Kickstarter campaign in December 2009 to fund the development of Inkodye, raising $13,597.

Series A Funding: In June 2012, Lumi launched a second Kickstarter campaign, raising a total of $268,437 to commercialize its printing process.

Acquisition: In 2021, Lumi was acquired by Narvar, a company specializing in post-purchase customer experience solutions.

Total Funds Raised

The company has raised a total of $281,934 through its Kickstarter campaigns. The financial terms of the acquisition by Narvar have not been publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

The Kickstarter campaigns attracted a diverse group of backers, including individual consumers and early adopters interested in innovative packaging solutions. Specific details about individual investors are not publicly available.

Utilization of Capital

The funds raised were primarily used for research and development of Lumi's products, including the Inkodye process and the packaging design platform. The acquisition by Narvar has likely provided additional resources to further enhance and expand Lumi's offerings.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Lumi's primary focus has been on developing its packaging design and supply chain management platform. Specific details about future pipeline projects or products have not been publicly disclosed.

Stages of Development

Inkodye Process: Successfully developed and commercialized through Kickstarter campaigns.

Packaging Design Platform: Launched in March 2015, offering tools for designing and ordering custom packaging.

Target Conditions

The platform targets e-commerce businesses seeking efficient and customizable packaging solutions.

Anticipated Milestones

Post-acquisition by Narvar, Lumi is expected to integrate its platform with Narvar's existing services, enhancing the overall customer experience and operational efficiency for e-commerce brands.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Inkodye Process: A photo-reactive dye that allows users to print images onto natural fabrics using sunlight.

Packaging Design Platform: A web-based platform that enables e-commerce brands to design, order, and manage custom packaging solutions.

Significant Scientific Methods

Photochemical Printing: Utilizing UV or sunlight to develop color in fabrics, enabling unique printing techniques.

Supply Chain Integration: Combining packaging design with logistics and fulfillment processes to streamline operations.

Leadership Team

Jesse Genet

Position: Co-founder and CEO

Professional Background: Jesse began experimenting with printing techniques as a teenager and co-founded Lumi to commercialize the Inkodye process.

Key Contributions: Led the development of Lumi's innovative packaging solutions and oversaw the company's growth and acquisition by Narvar.

Steph Ango

Position: Co-founder and Chief Product Officer

Professional Background: Steph collaborated with Jesse to modernize the Inkodye process and co-founded Lumi to bring it to market.

Key Contributions: Played a pivotal role in product development and the strategic direction of Lumi's offerings.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The packaging and supply chain management industry for e-commerce brands is characterized by a growing demand for customized and efficient solutions. Companies are increasingly seeking platforms that integrate design, ordering, and logistics to enhance brand identity and operational efficiency.

Competitor Analysis

Packlane: Offers custom packaging solutions with a focus on design and quality.

THE/STUDIO: Provides a range of customizable packaging products for various industries.

Justman Packaging & Display: Specializes in packaging solutions with a focus on display and retail packaging.

Seaboard Folding Box Co: Offers custom packaging solutions with a focus on folding cartons.

APEX 360° Packaging Studio: Provides packaging design and manufacturing services with a focus on innovation.

Inovar Packaging Group: Specializes in custom packaging solutions with a focus on sustainability.

think4D a Brand of Friesens Corporation: Offers packaging solutions with a focus on quality and customer service.

GPA Global: Provides packaging solutions with a focus on global reach and capabilities.

Printful: Offers print-on-demand services with customizable packaging options.

All Packaging Company: Specializes in custom packaging solutions with a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Post-acquisition by Narvar, Lumi is expected to leverage Narvar's existing partnerships and integrations to enhance its platform's capabilities and reach.

Operational Insights

Lumi's integration with Narvar positions the company to offer a more comprehensive suite of services, combining packaging solutions with post-purchase customer experience enhancements.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Lumi's future direction includes expanding its platform's capabilities, integrating with additional e-commerce platforms, and exploring new markets to provide enhanced packaging and supply chain solutions for a broader range of businesses.