Cycling apparel brand launches crowdfunding campaign

British manufacturer Vulpine, which produces high-end cycling apparel, is looking to raise 500,000 pounds through a crowdfunding campaign to help the brand fund its expansion plans into the American and Asian markets.

Vulpine, founded in 2012 by Nick Hussey, is offering up 9.09 percent of its equity on Crowdcube in return for 500,000 pounds of investment, which will be used to fund the brand’s international expansion into the US and Asia, particularly in Japan and South Korea.

Hussey is also looking to offer a new ‘Made in Britain’ range, which will be manufactured in Blackburn. Currently, 70 percent of the clothing is made in Hong Kong and 25 percent in Portugal. As well as build on its partnership with cycling star Sir Chris Hoy, Hoy Vulpine, which launched earlier this year.

The campaign started earlier this week and has already raised more than half of what it is asking for, raising 281,230 pounds from 173 investors, with one investing 50,000 pounds into the company.

Vulpine looks to Crowdcube to finance expansion

Benefits for investors include 10 percent discount for 500 pounds, while 50,000 pounds of investment will see you entitled to access the management, a full cycling outfit and 40 percent discount on future purchases.

Commenting on the campaign, Hussey said: “I am so excited to offer everyone the opportunity to become part of #VulpineStory. I am looking forward to even more fun, with brand advocates who actually own part of vulpine! What better to help grow your business?

“Cycling is growing as a lifestyle choice for so many people and we’re determined to show them just how good stylish cycle clothing can be. We’re committed to build on our success, we believe in Vulpine, and we love hearing that so many other people do too.”

Vulpine states that its has doubled its sales year-on-year and now offers 86 products, including its bestselling 229 pounds waterproof jacket, across three separate ranges. In 2014-015 its reported turnover was 996,000 pounds.

Images: Vulpine