Daniel Barnes

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT DANIEL BARNES

As the Co-Founder of Pop Specs, I am driven by a mission to revolutionise the eyewear industry by combining style, affordability, and unparalleled convenience. Growing up surrounded by the world of optics, I developed a deep appreciation for the craft and saw an opportunity to make prescription glasses more accessible than currently available in the industry. In 2020, alongside my business partner and fellow University of Chester graduate Lina Tejoprayitno, I co-founded Pop Specs with a bold vision: to provide high-quality, stylish prescription glasses ready in just 20 minutes. What began as a single kiosk concept has grown into a thriving business with 28 locations across the UK, a dedicated team of over 150, and the endorsement of prominent investors, including three Dragons from BBC’s Dragons’ Den. At Pop Specs, we’re not just selling glasses; we’re transforming the customer experience. From fast service to a fun and welcoming shopping environment, we’ve reimagined how eyewear should be bought—putting the customer first at every step. Key achievements include: • Securing investment on Dragons’ Den from Peter Jones, Sara Davies, and Touker Suleyman. • Being recognized in the LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders. • Expanding Pop Specs from a startup to a national brand with ambitious plans for continued growth. I am passionate about entrepreneurship, innovation, and leading teams that challenge the status quo. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a customer-centric approach, I strive to make quality eyewear affordable and accessible to all. Let’s connect if you’d like to discuss opportunities, entrepreneurship, or the future of retail and eyewear!