Author: Habiba Katsha, People of color in Tech.
Former NFL player Mark Clayton has successfully secured $1 million in funding for his LIVV Audio brand, which produces high-performance headphones designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Clayton, who spent the majority of his seven-year NFL career as a wide receiver with the Baltimore Ravens, initially conceived the concept for these headphones while studying business administration and management at Babson College. However, the specific impetus for the design arose during his pool-based rehabilitation sessions following a knee injury sustained while playing for the St. Louis Rams. Frustrated by his over-ear headphones repeatedly falling off during these sessions, Clayton was inspired to create a more secure and reliable audio solution tailored for active individuals.
The $1 million seed funding supported the launch of the LIVV Audio headphones, with notable participation from former tennis player Mark Knowles. These headphones boast several key features aimed at meeting the demands of an active lifestyle, including water resistance, a long-lasting 50-hour battery life, removable earpads for hygiene, and a dynamic sound profile. Clayton emphasized the brand's commitment to creating a premium product that incorporates standard high-end technology, such as an IR sensor for wear detection to optimize battery life, while uniquely offering a more secure fit and water resistance, complemented by specialized earpads designed for enhanced activity. Clayton expressed his enthusiasm for providing customers with headphones that offer superior functionality compared to existing options on the market.