Bezel, a new platform for luxury watch resale, was launched in June 2021 by a former Google employee and two co-founders. This venture intends to revolutionize the luxury timepiece market by offering direct transactions without intermediaries, guaranteeing the authenticity of all listed watches, and offering secure express delivery.
To gain visibility, they enlisted the support of celebrities like John Legend and Kevin Hart. The backing of these high-profile personalities has boosted Bezel’s standing and helped to catapult the venture’s objectives forward.
The team managed to raise a whopping $8 million in funding rounds, thanks to early stage investors, influencers, and industry experts. This significant investment was key for their mission to disrupt the watch industry and foster innovation.
Bezel has set itself apart from the competition by leveraging cutting-edge technology and modern aesthetics in their unique designs. Furthermore, they have put a great emphasis on customer services to enhance the buyer experience and forge lasting relationships.
Amplifying their digital marketing and branding strategies has resulted in increased sales, brand visibility and presence on social media platforms. Their success has become an inspiration to other startups looking to set a new standard in competitive markets.
The company’s growth and success have attracted a variety of early-stage investors, making them a dominant player in the watch industry. Bezel’s journey proves that with the right vision, team, and investment, a company can transform their respective industry.
Three specific sources of capital were emphasized in their funding strategy: seed stage investors, industry experts, and celebrity trendsetters. Their association with these different types of investors has allowed for beneficial collaborations and a more resilient financial structure.
Notably, Bezel’s approach to landing celebrity endorsements consisted of a three-step plan. First, they identified celebrities inclined to invest and with a passion for watches. Next, they did a straightforward outreach, pitching their unique selling points. Finally, rather than offering cash payments, celebrities were given part ownership or high-value watches.
An essential part of securing celebrity investments was thorough groundwork and negotiation, highlighting Bezel’s competitive edge over other brands. The payoff was not only the high-end watch and part-ownership, but also the opportunity to be part of an elite circle of watch enthusiasts.