A three-month-old start-up, planning to launch specialised sports apparel in September, has garnered nearly $12,500, in 10 days flat, through global crowd-funding.
By the time its crowd-funding campaign ends on September 17, it hopes to collect nearly $200,000.
Launched in May, Ahmedabad-based REVO International has developed “smart performance shorts” (SPS) under the brand-name TrueREVO. On July 19, it commenced a global crowd-funding campaign on Kickstarter as a pre-booking exercise in the international market.
“We had a goal of getting pledges worth $10,000 within a week. But we have managed to raise pledges worth over $12,000 so far, thanks to more than 265 backers from 23 different nations, from Australia to Singapore to the US, Rohan Shah, founder, told BusinessLine .
“Our real campaign through various media outlets will commence on July 29.”
An SPS is a two-layered short pants, priced between ₹1,499-1,999 in India. Its outer layer is made of imported, light polyester while the inner fabric is made of polyester spandex. “Before manufacturing, this fabric is treated for anti-bacteria and anti-odour, that lasts up to 50 washes. It is more hygienic and long-lasting.”
The ergonomically-designed shorts have tight pockets on the inner layer to enable the runner to safely store a smartphone. The pockets also have openings which act as outlets for earphones. The user needs no other accessory, such as an arm strap or a waist belt, to carry a smartphone. Other features include a separate rear pocket for keys and valuables.
It will be manufactured at facilities in Ludhiana, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Tiruppur, and delivery of pre-booked orders will start in September, Shah said.
REVO International manufactures “extreme” performance and fitness apparel, sportswear and sports accessories sold online on its website and e-commerce portals. The SPS, however, is currently available for pre-booking only on the Kickstarter platform. After the Kickstarter campaign, the firm will sell SPS through exclusive partnership with leading retailers of the country, he added.
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