Online eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions has invested $1 million for a minority stake in US-based start-up Ditto, which develops graphical 3D models for Lenskart’s virtual trial feature. The online retailer already employs Ditto’s 3D try-on feature on its website and app. Ditto is an e-commerce portal that claims to use patented technology to help users find the right set of eyewear.
Lenskart stated that it will increase Ditto’s usage to improve user engagement on its platform. For instance, Lenskart users will now be able to share images of themselves trying different glasses and frames on social media. The online trial feature also provides preferences and historical data to make frame selection faster for online buyers.
Ditto provides the patented 3D virtual try-on technology that allows customers to see themselves in eyewear in 180° angles. There has been commendable response as there are over 10,000 trials every day. With this association, Ditto has now become a strategic partner for Lenskart, says Lenskart chief executive Peyush Bansal.
The development comes at a time when Lenskart is expanding its supply chain and retail store network. It also announced plans to invest Rs 100 crore in the next two years to fund its store expansion. Lenskart has raised more than $120 million from venture capital firms and other funds till date. The founded in 2010 is a fully online store and started selling offline in 2014. It currently sells in over 350 offline stores in 95 cities in India.
