Dollar Shave Club

The company was founded by Michael Dubin and Mark Levine in 2011. They gained massive internet fame in 2012 when Dubin starred in a comedic YouTube commercial that cost just $4,500 to produce but gathered millions of views. The ad famously declared their blades were "f***ing great."

Yes, global consumer goods giant Unilever purchased Dollar Shave Club in 2016 for a reported $1 billion. This massive buyout was a landmark moment for direct-to-consumer subscription businesses. Unilever later sold a majority stake of the company to private equity firm Nexus Capital in 2023.

Their highest-tier razor handle and cartridge system is known as The Executive, which features six stainless steel blades. They also offer The 4X, a mid-tier system with four blades, for those who prefer a less aggressive shave. You can choose your preferred handle type when starting a subscription.

While originally launched as an exclusively online direct-to-consumer subscription, the brand has since expanded its distribution. You can now find their shaving hardware and grooming supplies sitting on the shelves of major brick-and-mortar retailers like Target and Walmart. This retail expansion occurred heavily after the Unilever acquisition.