The Luupe
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Visual storytelling, Photography, Creative services |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Founder | Keren Sachs |
| Headquarters | International |
Area served | Worldwide (90+ countries) |
Key people | Keren Sachs (Founder) |
| Products | Licensing of photographs and videos, Commissioned creative projects, Creative marketplace, Production studio, Digital magazine |
| Website | theluupe |
The Luupe operates as an international platform dedicated to exceptional visual storytelling, linking skilled photographers, directors, and creators with brands in search of genuine and compelling content.
Established in 2019 by Keren Sachs, who previously served as Director of Content Development at Shutterstock and co-developed Offset, The Luupe highlights human creativity within brand narratives, especially in an era increasingly influenced by AI-generated imagery. The platform fosters a creative community spanning more than 90 countries, offering varied viewpoints across sectors such as fashion, beauty, food, lifestyle, and technology.
The Luupe’s marketplace primarily provides two services:
- Licensing access to expertly produced photographs and videos
- Enabling brands to commission tailor-made projects directly from its creative network
Its mission centers on cultivating sustainable business opportunities for creators while delivering authentic visual materials that stand out in a competitive marketplace.
History
After spending over ten years in leadership positions related to visual content at Shutterstock, National Geographic, and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Keren Sachs launched The Luupe in early 2019. Motivated by the scarcity of chances for under-represented creatives, she created the platform to open new revenue avenues and foster brand collaborations emphasizing diverse photographers.
Funding
In November 2021, The Luupe raised $3 million in seed capital led by Wave Capital. Additional investors included Jenny Lefcourt (Freestyle) along with strategic angels such as Tracy Kim, Jody Vandergriff, and Lee Torrens.
Notable clients
The platform has collaborated with prominent companies including Dropbox, Sweetgreen, Uber, Facebook, CarGurus, Tripadvisor, Sierra Club, and Corkcicle.
Recognition
- Covered by The New York Times and Fast Company.
- Founder Keren Sachs was honored on Inc.com’s Female Founders 100 list in September 2022.
Current operations
- Creative Marketplace
- Enables brands to find, license, and download impactful visuals through rights-managed and royalty-free options.
- Features tools for usage monitoring, legal clearances, and direct communication with creators.
- Production Studio
- Provides end-to-end commissioned content services from concept development through final delivery.
- Includes localized photo shoots, employer branding initiatives, product lifestyle photography, coverage of store openings, creative direction, location scouting, on-site production, editing, retouching, and asset management.
- More information: https://studio.theluupe.com/
- Digital Magazine
- Publishes interviews, member highlights, and thought leadership pieces focused on creativity and culture.
- Access at: https://studio.theluupe.com/blog
- Community
- Organizes portfolio critiques, negotiation skill workshops, virtual networking events, and regional gatherings.
- Offers educational materials alongside direct connections to photo editors and art buyers.