British cycling apparel brand Vulpine has turned to crowdfunding to recruit investment support for the next stage of its development. Calling for supporters to become part of what it is calling the #VulpineStory, people can invest anywhere between £100 and £50,000, and receive a range of benefits in return.
Launched in 2012 by Nick Hussey, Vulpine clothing can be characterised as cycle clothing with a casual aesthetic. Encompassing padded shorts, merino tops, jeans, jackets and a raft of accessories, the products are designed to perform well, yet look smart enough to transfer to the coffee shop or the office. It's a design approach that proving increasingly popular, and Vulpine have done well out of it.
Over the last three years, the company has grown both its range and reach, now retailing in major UK cycling outlets such as Evans Cycles and Cycle Surgery in addition to its own online sales. Currently consisting of 86 products across three ranges, Vulpine are also noteworthy for producing equivalent products for men and women across the board.
Investment opened on the crowdfunding investment site Crowdcube for the general public on Sunday 18th October, with Vulpine friends and supporters gaining early access 24 hours beforehand. Since the launch, Vulpine has already raised over £176,000, which is more than 35% of its £500,000 target.
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“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,” Hussey said. “We’re committed to build on our success, we believe in Vulpine, and we love hearing that so many other people do too.”
In 2015, Vulpine also branched out into performance road wear with the launch of the Hoy Vulpine range, produced in association with Olympian Sir Chris Hoy. “Vulpine is a brand that shares the same values as me, focused on quality and with an inherent attention to detail,” said Sir Chris “They were exactly what we were looking for and that’s why the partnership works so well.”
Related: Hoy Vulpine - Full range revealed
Vulpine are looking for investment to support three main areas of growth: an expansion of the Hoy Vulpine range, the development of a ‘Made in Britain’ range of premium products produced in Lancashire, and expansion into the USA and Asia.
Nick Hussey, founder of Vulpine, and Sir Chris Hoy
If you are interested in investing in Vulpine, you have until mid-November to put forward your amount. There are various investment options, ranging from £100 right up to £50,000. Investors receive a range of benefits, dependent on the amount pledged, including discounts, access to new products and special editions in advance of general release, group rides, parties and full outfits.
Crowdcube is an investment crowdfunding platform which provides information on the business plan and financial circumstances of the companies that use it, in addition to facilitating investment directly.
