Trase, D2C Footwear Brand, Reacquired by Founders, Raises $500K in Angel Investment

Trase, a pioneering direct-to-consumer (D2C) footwear brand, has returned to the fold of its original co-founders, Jitin Goel and Dhruv Gupta, after being reacquired from the roll-up company Upscalio. This strategic move marks a significant milestone as the founders reclaim control of the brand they launched in 2016, setting the stage for renewed growth and innovation.

The decision to reacquire Trase was prompted by a divergence in strategic focus, as Upscalio shifted its attention towards home and kitchen categories, necessitating a divestment of the footwear brand. Gautam Kshatriya, CEO of Upscalio, acknowledged Trase's success under their stewardship but emphasized the alignment of the divestment with the company's long-term objectives.

Following the reacquisition, Trase wasted no time in securing $500,000 in an angel investment round. Deep Bajaj and Mohit Bajaj of Sirona Hygiene led the funding round, with additional participation from Shiven Malhotra, Vikas Gautam, and Rohit Jain. The infusion of capital is earmarked for bolstering working capital, team expansion, inventory management, and intensified marketing initiatives.

Under the adept leadership of Goel and Gupta, Trase has exhibited impressive growth, achieving an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of Rs 18 crore by 2020. Buoyed by this success, the co-founders have set ambitious targets for the brand's future trajectory, aiming to surpass Rs 100 crore in revenue within the next three years. With a commitment to sustained growth, they envision a robust expansion strategy, projecting a 100% year-on-year revenue growth.

In addition to consolidating its online presence, Trase is poised to make inroads into the offline market, commencing with the establishment of shop-in-shops in the bustling Delhi NCR region. This strategic move underscores the brand's commitment to diversifying its distribution channels and reaching a wider audience base.

Moreover, Trase remains steadfast in its dedication to social responsibility, pledging to donate a pair of shoes to the underprivileged for every ten pairs sold. This ethos of giving back to the community underscores the brand's holistic approach towards business, integrating philanthropy with its core objectives.

In conclusion, Trase's reacquisition by its visionary co-founders heralds a new chapter of growth and innovation for the D2C footwear brand. Fueled by fresh investment and guided by a steadfast commitment to excellence, Trase is poised to redefine the landscape of the footwear industry, one step at a time.