InsideOutdoor | SPRING 2022 10 Sustainable outdoor apparel brand LIVSN Designs has launched an equity crowdfunding campaign in partnership with the Wefunder investment crowdfunding platform. Through Wefunder, both accredited and nonaccredited investors can invest in LIVSN Designs throught the purchase of preferred stock. In March 2021, new U.S. investment regulations went into effect which now allow startups to raise up to $5 million from unaccredited investors and unlimited funds from accredited. “Our customers are incredible, providing feedback, support and taking a genuine interest in the brand’s growth, and Wefunder creates a whole new opportunity for them to secure equity as we grow,” said Andrew Gibbs-Dabney, LIVSN Designs founder and CEO. “With the new investment regulations that went into effect in 2021 we see a lot of potential for LIVSN as well as other early-stage outdoor brands.” LIVSN has a history of success with crowdfunding. The most recent – 2021’s Kickstarter launch of the Ecotrek Trail Pant – raised more than $500,000 and became the biggest crowdfunding raise to date for an Arkansas-based company. The goal of LIVSN current Wefunder campaign is $1 million, with about $350,000 raised as or May 20, 2022. Since its founding in 2018, LIVSN’s has seen steady growth with both retail partners and direct-to-consumer channels and is currently sold through more than 75 independent retailers. In 2021, the company surpassed the $1 million sales mark, opened a new office and showroom space in Bentonville, Ark., and made several key hires to manage marketing, logistics and customer success. Building upon the foundation of its flagship product - the Flex Canvas Pants - LIVSN has since introduced the Ecotrek Trail Pant and Flex Canvas Shorts, and several new products will be introduced in 2022, including the brand’s women’s range, said the company. According to the folks at Karmik Outdoors, 86 percent of outdoor enthusiasts have lost something of value in nature while 76 percent have found lost gear in the field. Karmik Outdoors strives to connect these groups with its weatherproof, durable and lifetime guaranteed decals that can be attached to any valuable outdoor belongings. Citing the limited power of battery-powered GPS and Bluetooth trackers, Karmik says it offers an easy-to-use and economical “midtech” solution to a common problem. All users have to do is register the unique QR codes on the Karmik website, then, if something goes missing Karmik incentivizes the return of the item through a built-in reward, chosen by the user. “People want to do the right thing, and Karmik gives them that opportunity,” said Robert Gillingham, Karmik Outdoors CEO. Gaining attention from footwear heavy hitters including Kodiak, Timberland, Merrell and Vans, Canadian cleantech start-up Evoco is looking to reimagine the materials used in their line-ups. The company is utilizing plant-based and carbonreducing technologies to produce a patented high-performance eco-foam alternative to traditional footwear end-use applications. Evoco’s FATES insoles and midsoles currently being incorporated into the lineups of leading footwear brands, for instance, are made with eco-foams that are up to 80 percent plant-based and USDA and GreenCircle certified. “We’re not here to mislead or make ‘green claims’ about our products,” said Jason Robinson, CEO and founder of evoco. “Our mission is to close the loop on unsustainable goods – for good; meaning that our brand partnerships need to reflect our commitment to creating a sustainable impact on culture and climate today, and for future generations.” Designed with enhanced mechanical and strength-based properties, Evoco technologies offer brand partners CO2 savings without compromising superior compression, comfort and overall performance, said the company. LIVSN Turns to Equity Crowdfunding Karmik Outdoors Has Solution for Getting Lost Gear Back Sustainability Start-Up Shaping Future of Footwears’ Soles Start 'em Up
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTg4Njc=