Duet Technology

Duet Technology, also known as DueTT, was established by co-founders and best friends, Tyler Anthony (CEO) and Thomas White (COO). Their journey began before they were even students at Mississippi State University, where they met at an engineering summer camp. The inspiration for the company came from White's direct experience as a barber, where he grew frustrated with electric clippers constantly overheating—a pervasive issue in the industry. He proposed the idea of creating a superior tool to Anthony, who was then a computer engineering student with a background in 3D printing and design. Together, they set out to solve this problem by developing a multi-functional tool that wouldn't overheat.

To build a relationship with the barbering community before launching their physical product, the founders created Barber Style Directory. This online platform and social media channel serves as a resource for barbers, offering tutorials, style guides, and industry-related content. The directory proved successful, growing to a community of over 600,000 and providing the founders with direct feedback from professionals, which helped shape their product development. The Barber Style Directory's YouTube channel was notably recognized by the platform as one of three to represent Mississippi in its "United States of YouTube" project in 2020.

The company's flagship product is the Switch 1.0, a corded, modular clipper system designed to replace multiple tools. Its primary feature is a patent-pending cooling system that allows it to operate for extended periods without overheating. The Switch 1.0 combines a clipper, trimmer, and shaver into a single, lightweight device and features an automatic torque adjustment to handle different hair types. The business model centers on direct-to-consumer sales of the Switch 1.0 and its modular attachments through its official website. Initially, the company raised funds through programs at Mississippi State University's Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach, securing $140,000 from the Bulldog Angel Network in 2019 and later $1.7 million to launch the Switch 1.0.

Keywords: barber tools, professional clippers, hair clipper technology, Duet Technology, DueTT, Barber Style Directory, Thomas White, Tyler Anthony, clipper overheating solution, modular barber system, Switch 1.0 clipper, barbering equipment, hair styling tools, direct-to-consumer grooming, Mississippi startups, Bulldog Angel Network, MSU E-Center, professional grooming, hair cutting tutorials, salon equipment