Tropicfeel, is a brand set to utilise the funding to expand its offering, which includes becoming omnichannel, selling worldwide and creating a community for those who wish to travel responsibly. The brand produces a range of products that use sustainable materials and fibres and are made of more than 60% recycled products where possible. It also offers a membership programme, which aims to educate its members on ethical travel. After just three hours of private access on Crowdcube, the brand overfunded its initial target of £625,000.
Alberto Espinós, Founder and CEO at Tropicfeel, said: “Tropicfeel allows travellers, of which there are 1.4 billion per year, to focus more on travel and less on packing the right gear by designing high quality, versatile and sustainable products.” The global travel gear industry is worth more than $140 billion and Tropicfeel has already made a huge impact, raising millions in two record-breaking Kickstarter campaigns.
The first campaign, which remains Spain’s and Kickstarter’s highest amount raised for a shoe brand, raised more than €2 million from more than 26,000 supporters, while the second campaign saw more than 25,000 supporters raise over €2 million again.
Luke Lang, Co-founder and CMO, Crowdcube, said: “It’s fantastic that Tropicfeel has stoked so much enthusiasm amongst their investors on Crowdcube. Their mission of using sustainable materials has resonated strongly with cohorts of travellers who want to ensure that their globe-trotting does not damage the planet. It’s been brilliant to have had the opportunity to support Tropicfeel, and we look forward to Alberto and the team’s long-lasting success.”
Alberto added: “We are so excited to be able to take Tropicfeel to the next level with the assistance of crowdfunding. It is truly humbling to be supported by so many people who believe in what we are trying to build.
“We were born as a travel shoe brand, but we see the future as being the trusted choice for responsible travel. We have more than 14 products to be launched in 2020 and plan to have more than 40 by 2021. “The amount raised shows our customers’ desire for the products. Our proven ability to scale fast with little money also underlines this potential. We have achieved more than €7 million in revenue with no investment. It’s amazing to see that we are breaking records monthly and have grown by 214% since last year.
“We also have a clear and detailed plan to achieve our business goals and become the go-to travel brand for millions of travellers.