Author: Daniel Johnson from Black Enterprise
Former NFL wide receiver Mark Clayton, who spent the majority of his seven-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, has secured $1 million in funding for his LIVV Audio brand of high-performance headphones, designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The inspiration for these headphones struck Clayton in 2010 during pool-based rehabilitation for a knee injury sustained shortly after joining the St. Louis Rams. He found his over-ear headphones constantly falling off, a frustration that led him to develop and refine his initial sketches into the design for the LIVV Pro Headphones. Clayton's mission for LIVV Audio is to create audio products that empower movement in any environment, whether during training, commuting, or traveling, aiming to deliver a premium experience with essential modern features.
The $1 million in seed funding, part of a $1.5 million goal, was backed by an "elite group of investors," including former professional tennis player Mark Knowles, signaling confidence in LIVV Audio's potential. The LIVV Pro Headphones, currently available for pre-order, boast standard premium features such as 40mm drivers, active noise cancellation, pass-through audio (ambient mode), an impressive 50-hour battery life, and the versatility to be used in both wired and wireless modes. Crucially, they are also splash-proof and sweat-resistant, catering directly to the needs of active users. Furthermore, a companion app is under development to allow for further customization of the listening experience. Clayton, who initially launched the headphone line via a Kickstarter campaign in 2015, believes LIVV Audio's unique design and focus on comfort and functionality will allow them to stand out in a competitive market.