Le Col launch Crowdcube pitch to raise £1m

Le Col has become the latest cycle clothing firm to seek investment via the CrowdCube crowdfunding platform. The firm, founded in 2009 by professional cyclist Yanto Barker, has so far raised over £350,000 of its £1m target.

Le Col follows rival brands Vulpine and Huez, both of which have previously run successful funding campaigns via CrowdCube.

Vulpine doubled its target to raise more than £1m in November 2015, while Huez secured a quarter of a million pounds in investment only last week.

Le Col Crowdcube information film from Le Col Cycling Apparel on Vimeo.

Barker, who finished his career riding for ex-cricketer Matt Prior’s One Pro cycling team, retired from racing at the end of the 2016 season. In the video accompanying the campaign, he tells potential investors that the firm’s aim is to “bring together all levels of cycling and share a passion and enthusiasm with all stakeholders.”

Le Col’s products are designed and made in Italy in the firm’s own factory. Its website states: “Our ‘Made in Italy’ label is very important to us. It signifies quality, authenticity and dedication. No detail is too small and no feature too complicated.”

Le Col has customers in over 10 countries, selling directly via its website and also through a range of specialist retailers. As well increasing existing market share, this round of funding would be used to help the firm expand into new markets.