ALBA Optics

What ALBA Optics does

ALBA Optics is an Italian designer and manufacturer of performance sport sunglasses, operating under parent company Future Forward Srl (registered in Milan, VAT IT10072720963). Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Rho near Milan, the company designs and handcrafts its eyewear in Italy, targeting outdoor athletes and adventurers across cycling, trail running, ultra-marathon, bikepacking, and mountaineering disciplines. The product portfolio centers on five core frame families — ANVMA (90s-inspired streetwear-sports hybrid), MANTRA, DELTA (with Original, LEI women's, and ULTRA IV variants), JUMBO, and SOLO II — all built around the company's proprietary VZUM™ lens technology (ultra-light polycarbonate spherical lenses with a built-in colour equalizer and 100% UV protection) and Tr90 nylon-carbon fiber frames that the company claims are 20% lighter than conventional materials. A BIO-BASED frame option and an OTG Optical Clip for prescription correction (up to ±4 Cyl. 2 diopters) extend the addressable market to sustainability-conscious and vision-impaired athletes.

The company's business model is direct-to-consumer e-commerce (albaoptics.cc) supplemented by an authorized retailer/dealer network, with global shipping via DHL International Express and FedEx to Europe, the USA, Asia/Pacific, Africa, and South America. Revenue is generated through one-time hardware sales of sunglasses (€139-€219+), replacement VZUM™ lenses (€39-€74), and a growing accessories line (caps, hats, soft flasks, bidons, enamel pins, mugs, posters, gift cards). The GTM strategy is anchored by the ANVMA Project, a content platform featuring global athlete stories and brand collaborations (Karhu, Circle Sportswear, AlpineStandards, ROAMER, Attaquer) that functions as a community-driven marketing engine. With 1-10 employees and no disclosed external funding, ALBA Optics operates as a founder-managed, organically-grown micro-brand in the niche performance eyewear segment.

Name

ALBA Optics

Legal name

Future Forward Srl

Website

https://albaoptics.cc

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

ALBA Optics is an Italian designer and handmaker of performance sport sunglasses featuring proprietary VZUM™ lens technology and lightweight Tr90 frames, selling direct-to-consumer worldwide to outdoor athletes in cycling, running, and adventure sports, with a community-driven brand platform (ANVMA Project).

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sport Eyewear

NAICS

Ophthalmic Goods Manufacturing (339115)

SIC

Ophthalmic Goods (3851)

akta.pro primary industry

Sport & Performance Eyewear (CRAAAKAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Eyewear Accessories & Care (Cases, Cleaning, Chains) (CRAAAKAI), Optical Dispensing & Eyewear Devices (Frames, Lenses, Lens Edging/Finishing Equipment) (HLAHAJAD)

Keywords

• Sport sunglasses
• Performance eyewear
• Cycling sunglasses
• Polycarbonate lenses
• Italian eyewear

Headquarters

HQ city

Rho

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Sport Sunglasses & Eyewear Sales: Primary revenue stream from direct-to-consumer sales of sport sunglasses and eyewear through the company's e-commerce platform (albaoptics.cc). Products include multiple frame models (ANVMA '99, DELTA, DELTA LEI, DELTA ULTRA IV, MANTRA, SOLO II, JUMBO) and interchangeable VZUM™ lenses. Payments processed via PayPal and credit/debit cards.
2. Accessories & Essentials: Sale of accessories including hats, bags, apparel, prints, enamel pins, bidons, soft flasks, campfire mugs, lens cleaner kits, microfiber pouches, reflective leashes, nose pads, and optical parts. These complement the core eyewear product line.
3. E-Gift Cards: Digital gift cards available in fixed amounts (€100, €150, €250, €500) and custom amounts, delivered via email for gifting occasions. Only redeemable on the ALBA Optics website.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

ALBA Optics designs, handcrafts in Italy, and sells sport sunglasses and eyewear featuring proprietary VZUM™ lens technology (ultra-light polycarbonate with colour equalizer, 100% UV protection, anti-fog ventilation) and lightweight Tr90 (nylon + carbon fibre) frames. The product portfolio includes core eyewear models (ANVMA, MANTRA, DELTA, JUMBO, SOLO II), co-branded collaborations, interchangeable replacement lenses, prescription optical clips, lifestyle accessories, and e-gift cards, sold primarily via direct-to-consumer e-commerce and authorized dealers worldwide.

Product overview

ALBA Optics is an Italian designer and manufacturer of sport sunglasses and eyewear accessories. The product portfolio centers on performance eyewear featuring proprietary VZUM™ lens technology (ultra-light polycarbonate with UV protection and color enhancement), with frames made from Tr90 nylon-carbon fiber composite. Core eyewear models include ANVMA (90s-inspired streetwear-sports hybrid), MANTRA, DELTA (retro 80s/90s cycling design available in ORIGINAL, LEI, and ULTRA variants), JUMBO (aero-dynamic), SOLO II (compact goggle for extreme sports), and the OPTICAL CLIP (prescription lens adapter). The company also offers collaborations (MANTRA X CIRCLE, SOLO II x AlpineStandards), replacement VZUM™ lenses in multiple variants, optical parts (nose pads, flaps, buttons), lifestyle accessories (caps, mugs, water bottles, enamel pins, posters), and gift cards. All eyewear is handmade in Italy with a 24-month warranty.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• VZUM™ Lens: Proprietary lens technology by ALBA Optics providing visual perception enhancement, UV protection, and color equalization for sports performance.

Products and services

• ANVMA V.01 Sport Sunglasses Sport sunglasses inspired by 1990s athletic and street culture, featuring VZUM™ lens technology. Targeted at outdoor athletes and adventurers seeking retro-modern performance eyewear.
• ANVMA V.02 Sport Sunglasses Sport sunglasses continuing the 1990s-inspired ANVMA design language with VZUM™ lens technology. Targeted at outdoor athletes and adventurers seeking retro-modern performance eyewear.
• ANVMA '99 Sport Sunglasses Bold 1990s-inspired sport sunglasses redesigned for modern outdoor athletes, featuring ventilated VZUM™ lens, ergonomic temple tips, and a BIO-BASED frame weighing 19gr. Handmade in Italy with CE/CCUK certification. Targeted at outdoor athletes and adventurers.
• MANTRA Sport Sunglasses Sport sunglasses with VZUM™ lens technology designed for cycling and outdoor sports performance. Targeted at cyclists and outdoor athletes.
• DELTA ORIGINAL Cycling Sunglasses Retro-inspired (80s/90s) cycling sunglasses with Tr90 frame, interchangeable VZUM™ lens, designed for perfect vision during cycling. Targeted at road and gravel cyclists.
• DELTA LEI Women's Cycling Sunglasses Women's version of DELTA cycling sunglasses with Tr90 frame and VZUM™ lens technology. Targeted at female cyclists.
• DELTA ULTRA IV Cycling Sunglasses Advanced version of DELTA cycling sunglasses with enhanced features and VZUM™ lens compatibility. Targeted at performance-oriented cyclists.
• JUMBO Aero-Dynamic Sport Sunglasses Aero-dynamic sport sunglasses with ventilated VZUM™ J-LENS to prevent fog, featuring ergonomic adjustable temple tips. Targeted at cyclists and outdoor athletes.
• SOLO II Alpinist Sport Sunglasses Compact modernized goggle frame in Tr90 for alpinists and extreme adventurers, featuring removable side/top flaps, ventilated VZUM™ lens, weighing 34gr. Targeted at alpinists, mountaineers, and extreme outdoor athletes.
• OPTICAL CLIP OTG Prescription Adapter Removable optical clip that can be fitted with ophthalmic lenses by an optician for prescription correction (up to +/- 4 Cyl. 2 diopters). Equipped with rubber discs that securely attach to VZUM™ lens without damage. Compatible with MANTRA, DELTA, DELTA LEI, and JUMBO frames. Targeted at athletes requiring prescription vision correction.
• VZUM™ Replacement Lenses Proprietary VZUM™ replacement lenses made from ultra-light polycarbonate with 100% UV protection, color equalizer for enhanced color saturation, and shield coating. Available in multiple variants (PLASMA, POLAR, F-LENS, SLM, KING, ALU, LEAF, FLY, CIELO, POU, SUPER ALU) priced €39-€74. Targeted at ALBA eyewear owners needing to adapt to changing light conditions.
• SINGLE CASE L Eyewear Hard Case Hard case compatible with JUMBO, STRATOS, and DELTA models, featuring durable nylon construction with internal zipper mesh pocket, AirTag pocket, and adjustable cord strap. Targeted at ALBA eyewear owners needing protective storage.
• AO SOFT FLASK 250ml 250ml soft flask with high flow valve, BPA and PVC free TPU material suitable for wide temperature range, fits most pockets. Targeted at runners and outdoor athletes.
• TRAIL PACKABLE CAP Breathable, lightweight Nylon and Mesh cap with adjustable elastic closure, packable design for easy storage. Targeted at trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts.
• BUCKET PACKABLE HAT Durable polyester poplin bucket hat with adjustable elastic closure, foldable peak for compact size, featuring Alba Optics logo. Targeted at outdoor lifestyle consumers.
• ALBAOPTICS BIDON 500cc Water Bottle 500cc water bottle optimized for bottle cage attachment with wide neck for easy cleaning, dishwasher safe, featuring one-shot silicone valve. Targeted at cyclists.
• AO LOGO Campfire Mug Enamel coated tin cup for outdoor use with Alba Optics logo on both sides. Targeted at outdoor lifestyle consumers.
• E-Gift Card Digital gift card available in €100, €150, €250, €500 denominations or custom amounts, delivered via email. Only redeemable on the ALBA Optics website. Targeted at gift purchasers shopping for ALBA Optics fans.
• MANTRA X CIRCLE Collaborative Sunglasses Collaborative version of MANTRA sunglasses produced with Circle Sportswear, combining ALBA's eyewear design with Circle's sportswear brand. Targeted at consumers attracted to co-branded design collaborations.
• SOLO II x AlpineStandards Collaborative Sunglasses Collaborative version of SOLO II sunglasses with AlpineStandards, combining both brands' design aesthetics in a limited edition model. Targeted at alpinists and outdoor lifestyle consumers.

Quantifiable outcome

• All ALBA Optics frames ship with certificate of authenticity and CE/CCUK guarantee, indicating quality control and regulatory compliance standards.

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KarhucoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerALBA Optics collaborated with Finnish sports brand Karhu on a photography trip to Finland involving a group run and relay marathon event (Forssan Suuvi-ilta). The collaboration included a capsule collection development for the Karhu Sun Run, with ALBA Optics participating as a brand partner in the activation.
• AttaquerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerThe RoundTrip series — a content series developed by ALBA Optics for Attaquer, featuring Milo Baker and AFAIC bike collective traversing Los Angeles by bike and public transit. The series showcases the JUMBO sunglasses model in an outdoor adventure context.
• Circle SportswearminorGTM or Marketing PartnerALBA Optics collaborated with Circle Sportswear on simultaneous running events in Paris and Milan, bringing together 200 runners for a joint activation featuring both brands' products.
• AlpineStandardsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerALBA Optics collaborated with AlpineStandards on a co-branded product — SOLO II x AlpineStandards sunglasses — combining both brands' design aesthetics in a limited edition model.
• CircleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerALBA Optics collaborated with Circle on a co-branded product — MANTRA X CIRCLE sunglasses — combining ALBA's eyewear design with Circle's sportswear brand.
• RPM Souplesse (Cycling Collective)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerRPM Souplesse's 700km, 5,000m elevation training camp in the German countryside was featured in the ANVMA Project. The Ghent-based cycling collective represents a community brand partner for ALBA Optics.
• HereThere Club (Cycling Club)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHereThere Club, an Auckland-based cycling collective, was featured in the ANVMA Project for completing the 3,125km Tour Aotearoa bikepacking route across New Zealand. The club represents a community brand ambassador for ALBA Optics.
• ROAMER (Bikepacking Event)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerROAMER is a nomadic bikepacking event series. ALBA Optics participated as a brand partner in the inaugural Sardinia event (June 2024), with the event and participants featured in the ANVMA Project. ROAMER events sit between traditional bike tours and bikepacking races.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Julbo: French heritage sport eyewear brand founded in 1888, focused on mountaineering, trail running, and cycling. Comparable to ALBA on alpinism/extreme-sport sunglasses, prescription-clip sport offerings (JULBO RX), and design-led European positioning.
• Salice Occhiali: Italian family-owned sport eyewear specialist with a strong cycling heritage. Comparable to ALBA on Made-in-Italy positioning, cycling-skewed customer base, and presence in independent bike/sport retail channels.
• Rudy Project: Italian designer and manufacturer of sport-performance sunglasses, helmets, and prescription sport eyewear. Directly comparable to ALBA on geography (Italy), category (cycling/running sport sunglasses), prescription-clip offerings, and premium Italian-made positioning.
• POC: Swedish sport safety and eyewear brand focused on cycling, skiing, and endurance sports. Comparable to ALBA on premium sport-performance positioning, cycling and endurance-athlete customer base, and design-led brand identity.
• Scicon Sports: Italian cycling-focused sport eyewear and bags brand. Directly comparable to ALBA on cycling customer segment, prescription-clip sport eyewear, Italian design heritage, and global DTC distribution.
• 100% (brand): California-based sport eyewear and goggles brand with a strong cycling and motocross heritage. Comparable to ALBA on cycling-focused sport sunglasses, retro-inspired design language, and direct-to-consumer plus specialty retail distribution.

Broad incumbents

• Nike Vision: Global sport brand's eyewear division covering sport-performance and lifestyle sunglasses. Comparable on running and training customer overlap with ALBA, but operates at massive scale as part of Nike's broader portfolio.
• Smith Optics: US sport optics brand with broad cycling, skiing, and outdoor offerings. Comparable on sport-performance lens technology (ChromaPop), cycling/running channels, and prescription sport eyewear options, though operating at much larger scale.
• Bollé: French heritage sport and safety eyewear brand with broad product portfolio across cycling, running, skiing, and safety. Comparable on sport-performance lens technology and cycling/running channels, but operates at significantly larger scale across multiple categories.
• Oakley: Global category leader in sport-performance sunglasses owned by EssilorLuxottica. Comparable on cycling/running consumer base, sport-lens technology (Prizm), and prescription sport eyewear (Radar/Flak families), but vastly larger in scale, distribution, and marketing spend.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/albaoptics

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

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 ALBA Optics