On 24th October, performance outdoor and bike brand Alpkit will be inviting their customers to buy shares in the business – the second time the Peak District based company have done this, after an initial offering in 2020.
Alpkit was founded in 2004 by four friends who were frustrated at the price of outdoor kit. They decided to make and sell sustainable, technical kit at sensible prices, and from an intial range of T-shirts and frisbees in 2004, and today they have 300,000 customers across over 70 countries. Selling kit for six key activities: hike, bike, climb, swim, camp and run, and with an ethos of putting the planet before profit, Alpkit began as a digital business but has in more recent times expanded into experiential stores in key locations, having added five stores in the last two years.
“Having customers as shareholders helps us stay aligned to our purpose. And when we do that, our business flourishes – we know we’ll still be making great product and doing good things not just in 5 years but in 25 years.” – David Hanney, CEO
In 2020, Alpkit first offered shares to their customers and the campaign was hugely successful, with their target being hit in just eight minutes, closing the round 43 minutes later with 1350 customers as shareholders. In the two years since, Alpkit has been certified as a B-Corp and Living Wage Foundation Employer, doubled in size, and created 100 jobs to reach a team of 184 people. Now, Alpkit are inviting customers to join again. Crowdfunding opens on the 24th of October. This is not the last time either – the company say that “in its firm commitment to shareholders, Alpkit aims to hold a share offers every two or three years, giving shareholders the ability to sell up if they choose”.
More info: www.alpkit.com/outside-together