Sydney founded sailing brand Zhik announced the launch of its Equity Crowdfunding campaign with Equitise led by Private Equity Firm Nightingale Partners with ambitions to raise up to $4 million.
Valued at $28.5 million, Zhik has two decades of experience under its belt. Since its inception in 2003, Zhik has had phenomenal growth, cementing its position as the industry leader and securing early stage investment from private equity firm Nightingale Partners who have supported the brand since 2013.
Zhik is looking to raise capital to fast track its growth and innovation plans. Existing shareholders, led by Nightingale Partners a Sydney-based Private Equity group, have committed to investing $800,000 in this round, will invest alongside retail and sophisticated investors across Australia, NZ, UK and Europe.
A leader in innovative sailing gear, Zhik pushes technological boundaries and has the reputation of being the cutting edge brand in the industry. Known for its high quality sailing and water wear apparel, Zhik has a cult following amongst younger consumers who are loyal to the brand.
Zhik’s unique position in the market is derived from an unflinching focus on product development, improvement and innovation. Not only is Zhik able to develop superior in-house textile technology, but has also been able to create products with a modern aesthetic, contrasting with traditional sailing industry gear. Zhik is committed to sustainability and has pioneered new materials, processes, and initiatives that are better for the planet and the people who use their products.
Tested and proven, Zhik gear is the winning choice of numerous Olympic and World champions. Zhik is the official supplier to the Australian, Singapore and Danish Olympic teams, as well as many renowned, top level international sailors, Sail GP and Vendee teams. Australia’s most successful Olympic sailor Mat Belcher OAM stepped up from his role as Board Director to take over as CEO for Zhik and has been instrumental in the development and growth of the Zhik brand.
Having recently retired from Olympic sailing after a successful 22 year career, Belcher won Olympic medals in London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 wearing Zhik wetsuits. For him it was a natural step to join as CEO of a company that he’s known so well for two decades.
Europe is Zhik’s biggest market representing 54% of total sales, followed by the Americas with 24% of sales and Asia Pacific with 22%. Zhik’s sales model is a combination of direct and indirect channels which maximises its global reach. The four main channels are Distributors, Retailers, Corporate and Online. Zhik maintains direct distribution in select markets, namely Australia, NZ, USA, and the UK.
Zhik has an established network of trade partners and distributors stretching across 49 countries, with warehouses in Australia, UK, Netherlands and America creating a strong base for continued global expansion. Last financial year ending June 2022, Zhik posted 40% revenue growth from FY21 and was up 70% from FY20. The company believes there are significant growth opportunities in all of its global markets.
Zhik works with the world’s elite athletes helping them progress and outperform their competitors. The company has supported over 100 elite athletes representing 23 nations that have 58 Olympic medals and over 100 World Championships combined. The Zhik team of athletes combines world renowned sailors, kitesurfers, windsurfers and stand-up paddlers.
Visit www.zhik.com to learn more.
To register interest in Zhik’s Equity Crowdfunding campaign with Equitise visit: https://www.zhik.com/crowdfunding
