Homeportfolio.com

About Homeportfolio.com

In the late 90s, former journalist Tom Ashbrook and his college friend Rolly Rouse saw an opportunity in the burgeoning internet space. They, along with co-founder Shawn Becker, a software expert from the MIT Media Lab, started a company called BuildingBlocks Interactive Corp., which would soon become Homeportfolio.com. The idea was to create an online marketplace for high-end home design products, connecting manufacturers with consumers in a virtual showroom. The company launched its website in January 1998 and quickly gained traction. By mid-1999, Homeportfolio.com had secured a significant $20 million in an early-stage venture capital funding round. This was followed by another round in May 2000, bringing their total venture backing to over $25 million from investors like Oak Investment Partners and Scripps Ventures. The business model was straightforward: provide a comprehensive database of home design products to attract consumers, design professionals, and retailers. The journey wasn't without its challenges, as the founders faced nearly a hundred rejections from venture capitalists before securing their funding. Their persistence paid off, positioning them as a leading internet destination for premium home-design products. The company's trajectory culminated in a significant event when it was acquired by eLuxury on June 1, 2018.