DURHAM – Ever go out on the water and have a pair of shades go overboard?
If the answer is yes, you’re not alone.
It’s a common tale for watersports lovers. That’s why Jake Berton and his wife, Rebecca, decided to design sink-proof sunglasses for boaters, fishers and everyone who loves to play in the water, but doesn’t like the risks attached.
And they’re starting to gain some traction.
This week, their startup Rheos, under its business name eWIDE Networks, raised $412,000 in equity from four investors, according to a recent filing.
“Since our launch in 2016, we have developed a profitable and repeatable business model from supply chain through to customer acquisition and distribution,” Berton told WRAL TechWire in March, when they launched the Series Seed round in March. “Our goal with this round is to accelerate the growth of the company.”
Rheos founder Jake Berton.
The company was founded in Durham with operations based out of Charleston, South Carolina, where the couple also now lives.
He said all of their frames are polarized with 100 percent UV protection and include features such as hydrophobic, oleophobic, anti-scratch, and anti-fog protection.
The lineup retails for $50, and the firm already partners with including Nordstrom, Dillard’s, Ace Hardware, and other independent stores across the country.
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