Two cousins from a long line of cobblers are on a mission to transform the shoe industry and change everything you think you know about footwear and your feet.Barefoot shoe pioneer Vivobarefoot is launching a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube that will ramp up its mission to change what they believe to be an out-of-date and out-of-shape industry. Vivobarefoot began as a standalone brand in 2012, and is now the world leading company dedicated to barefoot-style shoes. Since then, they have sold over one million pairs worldwide.Why Invest?
Vivobarefoot is built around the straightforward idea that shoes should allow the foot to do its thing and protect us from the elements.In just three years, Vivobarefoot has fostered a growing army of loyal and repeat customers. With sales of £10 million and 30% annual growth in a multi-billion-pound industry, the market potential is huge.
Vivobarefoot plans to expand its offering globally and in the USA with an upgraded eCommerce experience and 21 franchise locations. The company also continues to invest in innovative, sustainable shoe-making on a quest to make the perfect shoe.
Galahad Clark, Founder and CEO, understands the value and importance of investing in companies oriented toward making an impact as well as a profit:
“I feel strongly that Vivobarefoot in itself is a great business with huge potential, and I really believe that we are on a quest to bring healthy feet back to the world.”
Why Barefoot?
As seventh generation shoemakers from Clarks shoe company, Galahad and Asher Clark have a legacy of knowledge in footwear design and sales, Vivobarefoot’s shoes are backed by a growing body of scientific research. As leading foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Ioan Jones explains:
“The foot is an absolute bio-mechanical masterpiece. We’ve got 28 bones, 33 muscles, and 200,000 nerve endings, all being held together by a complex array of ligaments. Shoes should be flat, wide, thin and flexible in order to allow the foot to be strong and healthy.”
The patented, ultra-thin, puncture-resistant sole protects the foot and allows maximum sensory feedback. Vivobarefoot offers a simple solution for healthy, natural movement everyday: The collection features shoes for off road, exercise, and everyday, as well as a complete line devoted to kids.
Asher Clark, Co-Founder and Head Designer, explains that Vivobarefoot was created to be not only a producer of well-engineered, ethically-sourced footwear, but also a necessary disruptor of an industry steeped in tradition:
“Since the birth of jogging, the footwear industry has told us we need padding and support. Modern shoes overly cushion and squeeze an already perfectly good piece of walking and running kit—your feet!
What’s in it for the investor?
The Vivobarefoot Crowdcube campaign launches TBC with an investor event at its offices in Farringdon on Tuesday 15th March from 6pm – 9pm. Investors will receive invitations to company events including the AGM, shoe discounts and for larger investors (£2k plus) get a 3D scan of their own feet and the opportunity to receive either a Gold, Silver or Bronze plated 3D printed miniature.
Vivo will invite investors back every year for a new 3D scan to witness how their feet improve, and be kept up to date up with a growing business as it strives to transform an industry by bringing healthy feet back to the world.
If you’re interested in investing just visit: crowdcube.com/vivobarefoot