Vulpine smashes £500k investment target in just four days

Cycle clothing firm Vulpine, which was aiming to raise half a million pounds to finance the next stage of its growth, has smashed through that target in just four days.

The southwest London-based business, founded in 2012, launched its campaign on Crowdcube on Monday, giving customers and the wider public a chance to buy a stake in the business.

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Nearly 300 people have seized that opportunity, with the total amount raised totalling £562,720 as of nine o’clock this morning, and the biggest single investment standing at £50,000.

The company’s founder, Nick Hussey, posted an emotional message on Facebook as the fundraising target drew close to being met.

He said: “Trying not to burst into tears in the office. I gave absolutely everything to make Crowdcube work. Risked my reputation by backing that, and saying no to a professional investment offer.

“Hardly helped Emmalou Johnson with the kids (I hope, to help long term – guilt). Going to bed and waking with shaking hands from exhaustion. Did everything I possibly could to make it work. The hardest weeks of my, and I think, wifey's life.

“But I am a devotee of What You Put In You Get Out. It’s going mental! £420K so far, of the £500K, in 4 days and the phone is ringing off the hook.

“So many of you invested. Dear friends who have faith in what I'm doing. It IS emotional.

“Now I have to reward that faith and make it work for US. We've got hundreds of new friends and helpers now!

“If you're ever in doubt, go for what you believe in. Go all out. Leave nothing to chance. No regrets if you gave it everything.”

The business will use the money to expand its HOY Vulpine range produced in partnership with six-time Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, and to fund expansion in the US and Asia, especially Japan and South Korea.

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