Latest news with #PembrokeVCT
Fashion United
27-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion United
Bloobloom secures three million pounds funding to bolster expansion
Bloobloom has announced the closing of a three million pound follow-on funding round which it said it would use to aid the roll out of European stores. The British eyewear brand also noted that it had its eyes on expanding its online presence in the US. The funding was led by Pembroke VCT, which had initially invested 2.5 million pounds into Bloobloom as part of a 4.8 million pound fundraise in 2022. For this latest round, the venture capital trust contributed two million pounds, alongside an additional one million pounds from Social Impact Enterprises. Through the fundraise, Bloobloom said it was 'well-positioned to scale its operations', expand internationally and grow its retail presence in the UK, where it currently operates seven stores across London. Founded in 2017, Bloobloom is dedicated to a tech-focused approach to eyewear, utilising its proprietary AI technology platform, Theia, to perform readings and interpretations of prescriptions in order to select the correct lenses for customers and analyse their eye health. The company has continued to grow since its inception, reporting over 100,000 active customers with a sales retention rate of 90 percent. Bloobloom further stated that it welcomed a revenue growth of 2.3x from FY23 to FY24. In a press release, co-founders of the brand, Fares and Abbas Manai, said in a joint statement: 'We are both excited and grateful as we embark on this next phase of growth, in partnership with some of the finest investors in the UK. This latest round of funding will enable us to continue enhancing our technology platform and to maintain the outstanding service we provide to our customers online, in store, and beyond, thanks to our Pair for Pair programme.'
Fashion Network
07-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
TALA's flagship store opens on Carnaby Street this month
Another day, another London fashion store opening announcement. Having first hinted at its intended arrival in the capital in February, active-inspired TALA has earmarked 24 May for the official flagship store opening on Carnaby Street. Becoming its first physical store, the digitally native brand says it marks a 'major milestone in the brand's significant growth… for the first time ever, customers will be able to shop the complete best-selling Tala collection under one roof', it says. The latest move builds on its 'ambitious growth strategy', backed by its £5 million funding round led by Pembroke VCT, alongside Venrex and Active Partners in July 2024. The investment has 'enabled TALA to explore a retail format, accelerate both domestic and international scaling and hiring more senior team'. For the upcoming opening weekend, visitors can expect a 'high-energy experience' with a live DJ, interactive photobooth, giveaways, treats and special guests', it promises. And the centre of attraction will be the brand's new 'Summer Active' collection, landing exclusively on Carnaby Street, a week ahead of its launch anywhere else. Limited-edition Carnaby Street products, will include the brand's signature oversized hoodies alongside its 'cult-favourite' collections, including Swimwar, DayFlex, SkinLuxe and 365. The 2,000 sq ft, double-fronted store spans two levels 'blend[ing] contemporary design with bold brand-led features' creates a space 'that beautifully showcases active pieces in a feminine, elevated and naturalistic setting that combines the utility of shopping activewear with a fashion-brand experience'. CEO Morgan Fowles said: 'Immersing our customers in the brand has always been a key element in the decision for us to transform from a leading e-commerce brand to a prominent player in the physical retail landscape. 'Our flagship is more than just a shopping destination. It's a strategic extension of our brand and a way to engage with our community in a more meaningful, in-person way. Consumer shopping habits are constantly evolving, but our customers have made it clear that physical retail remains a powerful channel for connection. We're delighted to mark this next chapter for TALA with a space that genuinely reflects our brand and ethos.' And its next phase of expansion 'in response to the growing consumer demand for tactile and immersive shopping experiences' is 'one of the first steps in the brand's wider omnichannel expansion plans, reflecting its commitment to meet customers both on and offline'.
Fashion Network
07-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
TALA's flagship store opens on Carnaby Street this month
Another day, another London fashion store opening announcement. Having first hinted at its intended arrival in the capital in February, active-inspired TALA has earmarked 24 May for the official flagship store opening on Carnaby Street. Becoming its first physical store, the digitally native brand says it marks a 'major milestone in the brand's significant growth… for the first time ever, customers will be able to shop the complete best-selling Tala collection under one roof', it says. The latest move builds on its 'ambitious growth strategy', backed by its £5 million funding round led by Pembroke VCT, alongside Venrex and Active Partners in July 2024. The investment has 'enabled TALA to explore a retail format, accelerate both domestic and international scaling and hiring more senior team'. For the upcoming opening weekend, visitors can expect a 'high-energy experience' with a live DJ, interactive photobooth, giveaways, treats and special guests', it promises. And the centre of attraction will be the brand's new 'Summer Active' collection, landing exclusively on Carnaby Street, a week ahead of its launch anywhere else. Limited-edition Carnaby Street products, will include the brand's signature oversized hoodies alongside its 'cult-favourite' collections, including Swimwar, DayFlex, SkinLuxe and 365. The 2,000 sq ft, double-fronted store spans two levels 'blend[ing] contemporary design with bold brand-led features' creates a space 'that beautifully showcases active pieces in a feminine, elevated and naturalistic setting that combines the utility of shopping activewear with a fashion-brand experience'. CEO Morgan Fowles said: 'Immersing our customers in the brand has always been a key element in the decision for us to transform from a leading e-commerce brand to a prominent player in the physical retail landscape. 'Our flagship is more than just a shopping destination. It's a strategic extension of our brand and a way to engage with our community in a more meaningful, in-person way. Consumer shopping habits are constantly evolving, but our customers have made it clear that physical retail remains a powerful channel for connection. We're delighted to mark this next chapter for TALA with a space that genuinely reflects our brand and ethos.' And its next phase of expansion 'in response to the growing consumer demand for tactile and immersive shopping experiences' is 'one of the first steps in the brand's wider omnichannel expansion plans, reflecting its commitment to meet customers both on and offline'.
Fashion Network
07-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
TALA's flagship store opens on Carnaby Street this month
Another day, another London fashion store opening announcement. Having first hinted at its intended arrival in the capital in February, active-inspired TALA has earmarked 24 May for the official flagship store opening on Carnaby Street. Becoming its first physical store, the digitally native brand says it marks a 'major milestone in the brand's significant growth… for the first time ever, customers will be able to shop the complete best-selling Tala collection under one roof', it says. The latest move builds on its 'ambitious growth strategy', backed by its £5 million funding round led by Pembroke VCT, alongside Venrex and Active Partners in July 2024. The investment has 'enabled TALA to explore a retail format, accelerate both domestic and international scaling and hiring more senior team'. For the upcoming opening weekend, visitors can expect a 'high-energy experience' with a live DJ, interactive photobooth, giveaways, treats and special guests', it promises. And the centre of attraction will be the brand's new 'Summer Active' collection, landing exclusively on Carnaby Street, a week ahead of its launch anywhere else. Limited-edition Carnaby Street products, will include the brand's signature oversized hoodies alongside its 'cult-favourite' collections, including Swimwar, DayFlex, SkinLuxe and 365. The 2,000 sq ft, double-fronted store spans two levels 'blend[ing] contemporary design with bold brand-led features' creates a space 'that beautifully showcases active pieces in a feminine, elevated and naturalistic setting that combines the utility of shopping activewear with a fashion-brand experience'. CEO Morgan Fowles said: 'Immersing our customers in the brand has always been a key element in the decision for us to transform from a leading e-commerce brand to a prominent player in the physical retail landscape. 'Our flagship is more than just a shopping destination. It's a strategic extension of our brand and a way to engage with our community in a more meaningful, in-person way. Consumer shopping habits are constantly evolving, but our customers have made it clear that physical retail remains a powerful channel for connection. We're delighted to mark this next chapter for TALA with a space that genuinely reflects our brand and ethos.' And its next phase of expansion 'in response to the growing consumer demand for tactile and immersive shopping experiences' is 'one of the first steps in the brand's wider omnichannel expansion plans, reflecting its commitment to meet customers both on and offline'.
