# Framing the future of eyecare with Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa of Warby Parker

- Show: [How I Built This](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this)
- Published: 2023-12-14
- Length: 39m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park

## Summary

Warby Parker co-CEOs Neil Blumenthal and Dave Gilboa discuss the company's evolution from a scrappy DTC startup to a public enterprise with over 200 stores and 3,000 employees. They explain the strategic pivot to brick-and-mortar retail to solve customer friction in eye exams and the decision to go public via a direct listing to provide liquidity without dilution. The founders also address the competitive threat of digital advertising costs and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in personalized eyecare and diagnostics.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park#t=0) Introduction: Warby Parker's Evolution and Co-CEO Structure
- [5:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park#t=319) Pricing Strategy and the Rise of Virtual Try-On
- [8:40](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park#t=520) The Role of Social Mission in Branding and Talent
- [17:04](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park#t=1024) The Strategic Pivot to Brick-and-Mortar Retail
- [25:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park#t=1507) Going Public via Direct Listing and Mission
- [29:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park#t=1790) Maintaining Startup Agility and AI Innovation
- [34:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-12-14-framing-the-future-of-eyecare-with-neil-blumenthal-and-dave-gilboa-of-warby-park#t=2059) The Future of AI in Eyecare and Legacy Building

## Topics

- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Retail, wholesale & distribution](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/retail-and-distribution)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Fundraising & investors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fundraising)
- [Marketing & brand](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/marketing-and-brand)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Warby Parker (company)
- U.S. Bank (company)
- Toms (company)
- Zenni (company)
- 1800 Contacts (company)
- Apple (company)
- Nike (company)
- Google (company)
- Meta (company)

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