Upgraded
Upgraded is a consumer electronics company that provides subscription-based sales platforms for devices like smartphones and laptops, aiming to reduce replacement cycles and enhance customer loyalty.
Company Overview
Upgraded is a consumer electronics company founded in 2016. Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and operating fully remote, the company has a team size of 13 members. Upgraded participated in Y Combinator's S16 batch and focuses on providing subscription-based device services.
Services
Upgraded helps retailers and carriers offer devices on a subscription basis. Subscribers can pay monthly and upgrade their devices anytime. The service includes smartphones, laptops, tablets, and other electronics. Additionally, Upgraded provides infrastructure for lender integrations, residual value management, and software development to support device subscription programs.
Market and Industry
Upgraded operates within the consumer electronics sub-industry. The company is part of a device financing market with a global value of $541 billion. In the US, carrier financing has grown from $13 billion to $51 billion over the past four years. Upgraded aims to launch subscription programs quickly, enhance customer loyalty, and reduce device replacement cycles by half.
Key Partners
Upgraded partners with major companies including Apple, Dixons/Elkjøp, MediaMarkt, and Vodafone. These partnerships enhance the company's ability to provide comprehensive subscription-based services and integrate seamlessly with retailer and carrier infrastructures.
Investors
Upgraded has secured investment from notable entities, including Y Combinator and GRIL Ventures. These investors support the company's mission and growth within the device financing market.