CoolVu

What CoolVu does

CoolVu is a U.S. window-film and architectural-surface-solutions franchisor headquartered in Marietta, Georgia, operating as a subsidiary of FutureVu Brands, Inc. Founded in 2018, the company distributes and installs a broad portfolio of window films (photochromic Transitional films, ceramic solar-control films, security films, smart switchable glass, ballistic and shatter-resistant laminates, decorative films, anti-microbial and bird-strike films), custom printed graphics and wall coverings, and architectural surface finishes (architectural vinyl, decorative metal, wood-stone-leather textures, dichroic glass). Its technology stack spans proprietary formulations such as the patented DefenseLite polycarbonate security glazing and TiN dual-layer ceramic films, along with security products it manufactures in Marietta, GA (DefenseLite) and Glendale, AZ (BulletShield).

Revenue is generated through a franchise model: independent franchisees pay upfront franchise fees and ongoing royalties while performing on-site installation services for end customers, with corporate revenue supplemented by direct enterprise/government sales and manufacturing of higher-value security products (DefenseLite, BulletShield, RiotLite). The customer base is highly fragmented across residential homeowners, commercial office/retail buildings, educational institutions, government buildings, places of worship, data centers, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits utilizing FEMA NSGP grants; pricing is quote-based, delivered through free on-site estimates.

The company reaches customers primarily via organic SEO on location-specific landing pages, content marketing through its educational blog, and direct field sales for enterprise/security engagements. Distribution is exclusively domestic, executed through a network of 100+ locally-owned franchise locations across more than 30 U.S. states, supported by industry-association memberships with IFA, IWFA, and ASPP and corporate-channel partnerships with Feather Friendly and 3M.

Name

CoolVu

Legal name

FutureVu Brands, Inc.

Website

https://coolvu.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

CoolVu is a Marietta, Georgia-based franchisor (under FutureVu Brands, Inc.) that distributes and installs window films, printed graphics, and architectural surface finishes through 100+ franchise locations across 30+ U.S. states, serving residential, commercial, educational, government, and security-vertical customers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Window Film & Surface Solutions Installation Services

NAICS

Painting and Wall Covering Contractors (23832), Paint and Wallpaper Retailers (444120)

SIC

Unsupported Plastics Film & Sheet (3081), Paints, Varnishes, Lacquers, Enamels & Allied Prods (2851)

akta.pro primary industry

Window Films & Tinting Retail (Privacy, UV, Decorative Films) (CRAIAKAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Exterior Painting & Surface Coatings (HSAPAKAF), Motorized Shades, Blinds & Curtain Automation (HSAHADAD), Architectural & Building Glazing Systems (Curtain Wall/Storefront/Canopies) (IMADAHAB)

Keywords

• Window film installation
• Architectural surface finishes
• Security window films
• Commercial graphics installation
• Window tinting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Marietta

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices51 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Window Film Installation Services: Professional installation of window films for residential and commercial properties. Services include solar control, security, privacy, decorative, and smart glass films. One-time installation revenue with potential for service contracts.
2. Architectural Surface Finishes: Installation of architectural vinyl films for surface renovation including wood, stone, metal, leather textures. Turnkey design, print, and installation services for walls, cabinets, and furniture.
3. Window Coverings and Graphics: Custom printed graphics, murals, wall coverings, window decals, and signage. Design, print, and installation services for branding and decorative purposes.
4. Security Systems and Retrofit Solutions: Sale and installation of security glazing systems including BulletShield, DefenseLite polycarbonate panels, and RiotLite security laminates. Higher-value installations for at-risk facilities.
5. Franchise Revenue: Franchise-based business model generating revenue through franchise fees and ongoing franchisee operations across the national network.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

CoolVu sells and professionally installs window films, printed window graphics and wall coverings, and architectural surface finishes for residential and commercial customers. Its portfolio spans solar/UV control films, ballistic and forced-entry security films, switchable smart glass, decorative and privacy films, and architectural vinyl surface renovations. The company distributes and installs through a national franchise network of locally owned operators that provide on-site assessments and installation services across 30+ U.S. states.

Product overview

CoolVu offers a comprehensive portfolio of window films, window coverings, and surface finishes delivered through a franchise model with professional installation services across the United States. The core product lines include: (1) Window Films—ranging from transitional photochromic films and ceramic solar control films to security solutions (BulletShield, DefenseLite, RiotLite) and switchable smart glass (SmartVu); (2) Window Coverings—comprising printed graphics, murals, environmental graphics, wayfinding signage, storefront lettering, whiteboard films, and perforated window films; and (3) Surface Finishes—architectural vinyls, decorative metal, wood/stone fusion, leather textures, crystal/dusted glass, dichroic glass, and protective films. The company serves residential, commercial, educational, government, retail, and data center markets with energy efficiency, security, privacy, and aesthetic enhancement solutions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• BirdsEyeVu: Bird strike prevention window film powered by Feather Friendly technology
• CoolVu Transitional
• CloakVu
• SmartVu
• CoolVu Ceramic (TiN)
• RiotLite
• DefenseLite
• BulletShield

Products and services

• Transitional Window Film Photochromic adaptive window film that transitions from clear to tinted based on sunlight intensity, blocking UV rays, solar heat, and glare while providing daytime privacy. Sold and installed by CoolVu for residential and commercial windows.
• BirdsEyeVu Bird Strike Prevention Film High-contrast distraction markers installed on exterior glass surfaces to prevent bird collisions, using scientifically proven patterns from Feather Friendly Technologies Inc. Sold to commercial facilities and homeowners aiming to reduce bird strike mortality.
• Ceramic Window Film Solar control window film with single-layer and dual-layer titanium nitride (TiN) ceramic nanoparticle configurations for heat blocking and UV protection, available in the CoolVu CV 55/35, CV 35/20, and CV 25/15 series. Sold to residential and commercial customers seeking energy efficiency.
• Solar Window Tinting Metal and alloy-based window tinting films in various colors and shades that reduce solar heat transmission, glare, and UV exposure through glass. Sold to residential and commercial customers.
• Safety and Security Window Film Interior-applied security films in thicknesses from 2 to 41 mils that create a clear shield barrier against intruders, smash-and-grab theft, environmental hazards, and forced entry while blocking 99% of UV rays. Sold to commercial and residential customers.
• BulletShield Ballistic Retrofit Shield Retrofit ballistic protective shields engineered to UL 752 ballistic standards that provide discrete handgun threat protection for existing windows and glass without requiring full window replacement. Sold to schools, government buildings, houses of worship, and at-risk commercial facilities.
• DefenseLite Polycarbonate Security Glazing Patented polycarbonate security glazing system 250 times stronger than glass, mounted onto existing commercial window and door frames to create a clear shield barrier against forced entry and smash-and-grab robberies. Engineered and fabricated in Marietta, Georgia. Sold to commercial, government, and institutional customers.
• RiotLite Heavy-Gauge Security Laminate Heavy-gauge security laminate up to 41 millimeters thick engineered to ASTM F3561 Level 3 protection standards, providing riot-resistant glass protection for homes, storefronts, and commercial buildings. Sold to high-risk commercial and government facilities.
• Privacy and Decorative Window Film Frosted and designer privacy films plus decorative window films with thousands of design options including gradients, lines, dots, metallic, fabric, and frosted patterns for interior glass surfaces. Sold to residential and commercial customers.
• Switchable Smart Glass Film (SmartVu) Electrochromic liquid crystal film technology that transforms glass from transparent to opaque on command via electrical current, providing privacy on demand and projection screen capability. Sold to commercial offices, healthcare, and premium residential customers.
• Artificial Turf Protection Film Anti-reflective exterior film that diffuses sunlight to prevent concentrated light from melting or damaging artificial turf or natural lawns near reflective glass. Sold to residential properties with artificial turf and adjacent landscaping.
• Anti-Microbial Films Clear protective films with silver ion technology designed as protective skins for high-traffic, high-contact surfaces, providing continuously self-cleaning protection against bacteria, fungi, and mildew. Sold to healthcare, educational, and high-touch commercial facilities.
• CloakVu Privacy Cloaking Film Specialized window film using advanced light-filtering technology to obscure LED/LCD screens and computer monitors from outside view while maintaining interior transparency. Sold to offices, financial institutions, government, and confidential workspaces.
• Anti-Graffiti Films Clear sacrificial film layer protecting glass and surfaces from graffiti, etching, and vandalism while reducing the need for costly glass replacement. Sold to retailers, transit authorities, and urban commercial properties.
• Blackout and Whiteout Film Solid color light-blocking films that stop 100% of light penetration through glass, available in black, white, and matte finishes for interior or exterior mounting. Sold to commercial, retail, and tenant fit-out projects.
• Ballistic Window Film Solutions Security window films engineered for bullet-resistant applications in schools, churches, and at-risk facilities, designed to delay entry and contain glass fragmentation during attacks. Sold to educational, religious, and government security buyers.
• Window Graphics and Decals Custom printable films for storefront windows and glass surfaces, including perforated one-way vision films for branding and promotional applications. Sold to retail storefronts and branded commercial facilities.
• Printed Wall Murals Custom printed wall art and wallscapes for residential, commercial, and campus facilities, available in removable formulations for temporary applications. Sold to commercial offices, schools, healthcare, and residential customers.
• Environmental Graphics Wayfinding and placemaking graphics for walls, columns, floors, and ceilings that help define brand environments, communicate regulations, and guide visitors through spaces. Sold to commercial and institutional facilities.
• Commercial Graphics and Branding Solutions Integrated design, print, and installation services for turning building envelopes into branding billboards, including perforated films and printable graphics for commercial customers. Sold to retail, hospitality, and branded commercial facilities.
• Wayfinding Graphics Directional signage and wayfinding graphic packages using color schemes and symbols to guide visitors through buildings, hospitals, campuses, and transportation facilities. Sold to institutional and commercial customers.
• Storefront Lettering Custom plotted vinyl lettering and signage for storefronts, available in custom colors, borders, and fonts for business branding and promotional messaging. Sold to retail and small business customers.
• Whiteboard Film Self-adhesive film that converts any wall or glass surface into an erasable whiteboard or projection screen, available with magnetic backing in gloss and matte finishes. Sold to offices, schools, and collaborative workspaces.
• Perforated Window Film (Window Perf) Printable perforated vinyl material with tiny holes for one-way vision applications, allowing viewing out while displaying graphics from the exterior. Sold to retail and branded commercial facilities for storefront advertising.
• Architectural Vinyl Peel, form, and stick surface films for renovating walls, cabinets, and fixtures with wood grain, stone, metallic, and matte finishes without construction disruption or landfill impact. Sold to commercial and residential renovation customers.
• Decorative Metal Films Surface-applied metallic films in carbon fiber, rust, aluminum, silvery, and golden effects for modernizing interior spaces with brushed or solid metal finishes. Sold to commercial and residential interior renovation customers.
• Wood and Stone Fusion Films Adhesive films achieving realistic wood grain and natural stone aesthetics on existing surfaces without the cost and waste of full replacement, for counters, doors, cabinets, and walls. Sold to commercial and residential renovation customers.
• Leather and Texture Films Peel, form, and stick leather-like textured vinyl with nine unique products offering animal-friendly alternatives to real leather with a rich, exotic appearance. Sold to commercial hospitality and residential renovation customers.
• Crystal and Dusted Glass Finishes Printable and plottable polyester films providing sandblasted or etched glass appearance at a fraction of traditional cost, available in dusted crystal and frosted finishes in six colors. Sold to commercial and residential customers.
• Dichroic Glass Film Color-shifting glass film using microlayer thin-film technology that creates kaleidoscope reflections of colors when hit with light, for artistic glass transformations. Sold to high-end commercial and architectural customers.
• Metal and Mirror Shield Thick sacrificial films protecting metal and mirror surfaces from graffiti, tagging, etching, and scratching while maintaining original appearance with clean release capability. Sold to commercial and retail facilities.
• Clear Protective Skin Custom-cut clear membrane film protecting stone, marble, and granite surfaces from stains, etching, and scratching while extending surface beauty and longevity. Sold to commercial hospitality and residential customers.
• On-Site Professional Installation Services On-site professional installation services delivered through CoolVu's franchise network of locally owned operators. Services include free on-site estimates, sample review, measurement, needs assessment, and professional installation of window films, graphics, and surface finishes at the customer's property. Sold to residential, commercial, government, and institutional customers nationwide.

Quantifiable outcome

• Solar control window films pay for themselves in 3-5 years through energy savings
• +7 more outcomes

Segments9 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Feather Friendly (Feather Friendly Technologies Inc.)coreTechnology or IntegrationFeather Friendly Technologies Inc. provides scientifically proven bird collision prevention technology through high contrast distraction markers. CoolVu offers BirdsEyeVu products powered by Feather Friendly technology, which are endorsed by American Bird Conservancy (ABC) and Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP). Products are rebate eligible and have 15-year warranty with 20+ year demonstrated longevity.
• DefenseLitecoreTechnology or IntegrationDefenseLite is a patented polycarbonate security glazing system 250 times stronger than glass. CoolVu offers DefenseLite as a retrofit solution for existing windows and doors. Products are engineered and fabricated in Marietta, Georgia. The partnership includes options for ballistic-grade BulletShield integration.
• International Window Film Association (IWFA)minorOthersCoolVu is a member of the International Window Film Association, the industry trade organization for window film manufacturers, dealers, and installers.
• International Franchise Association (IFA)minorOthersCoolVu is a member of the International Franchise Association, the leading organization representing franchisors, franchisees, and related businesses.
• American Society of Security Professionals (ASPP)minorOthersCoolVu holds ASPP endorsement for security products, demonstrating compliance with industry standards for security solutions.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Madico Window Films: Madico is a long-standing U.S. window film manufacturer with a national dealer network specializing in solar, safety, security, and decorative films. It is a direct competitor across CoolVu's core residential and commercial window film SKUs and frequently awards national dealer recognition that CoolVu's founders have won three times.
• Tint World: Tint World is a national franchise network specializing in automotive, residential, and commercial window tinting and film installation. It is the closest franchise-format direct competitor to CoolVu, competing for both end customers and prospective franchisees across overlapping geographies.
• Hüper Optik: Hüper Optik is a specialty window film brand focused on nano-ceramic and spectrally selective films for residential and commercial energy efficiency. It competes head-to-head with CoolVu's CoolVu CV Series and Ceramic TiN products in the high-performance ceramic category.
• Vista Window Film (Eastman): Vista is Eastman Chemical's premium architectural window film line targeting high-end residential and commercial projects. It competes directly with CoolVu's ceramic, solar, and decorative film portfolios, particularly in design-driven and energy-conscious segments.

Emerging players

• RavenWindow: RavenWindow manufactures electrochromic and thermochromic smart glass and film products for dynamic solar control in commercial buildings. It is an emerging competitor to CoolVu's SmartVu switchable film and a potential adjacent player in the same climate-responsive glazing category that CoolVu's Transitional film addresses.
• DefenseLite (parent technology brand): DefenseLite is the patented polycarbonate security glazing technology that CoolVu installs and is engineered/fabricated in CoolVu's Marietta facility. It is both a partner technology and an emerging security-glazing brand with potential overlap in the same retrofit ballistic/security channel.
• Feather Friendly Technologies: Feather Friendly supplies the scientifically validated bird-strike distraction marker technology that powers CoolVu's BirdsEyeVu product. It is a partnership/technology ally today but also a potential adjacent competitor in bird-safe glazing retrofits for commercial and institutional buildings.

Broad incumbents

• Solar Gard (Saint-Gobain): Solar Gard, owned by Saint-Gobain, is a global window film manufacturer with deep R&D and a broad dealer network serving automotive, residential, and commercial markets. It is a direct competitor in solar control and security films and benefits from Saint-Gobain's distribution scale in architectural glazing channels.
• LLumar (Eastman Chemical): LLumar is Eastman Chemical's flagship window film brand and one of the most established residential and commercial window film franchises in North America. It is a direct competitor across solar, security, and decorative films and serves as the reference franchise model against which CoolVu's network competes for dealer/franchisee talent.
• 3M Window Films: 3M is the global incumbent in window films and architectural finishes, offering Fasara decorative and DI-Noc surface products that CoolVu itself resells. It is a direct competitor in the underlying film category and an indirect competitor through its authorized dealer network across commercial and architectural channels.

Market position

Strengths1 record

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CoolVuSolutions
• Facebookfacebook.com/coolvusolutions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/coolvu-solutions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CoolVu