Source: ASICS Global – The Official Corporate Website for ASICS and Its Affiliates
A few days ago FootLocker announced the launch of a (Greenhouse) an app that is described as an incubator for artists and designers. The description immediately gave me a reason to celebrate because in the sneaker industry there are a host of exciting young companies who only require vetting before a small investment could be made that would change the trajectory of those startups. When the app dropped it wasn’t an incubator at all.
(GREENHOUSE) Shop is Here, but It’s Definitely Not an Incubator | Insider Ties Ep. 168
In contrast, ASICS built an incubator (AAP) and since this time the company has been acquiring functional tech and placing into the production cycle of the company. The company has hosted and invested into Aura and Curv Labs. ASICS has also introduced a companion incubator, “ASICS TENKAN-TEN Growth Catalyst – the global corporate acceleration program for sports & well-being growth stage startups.”
From this incubator the brand has invested in PYRATES:
ASICS Corporation (ASICS) announces that ASICS Ventures Corporation (ASICS Ventures), its investment subsidiary, has taken an equity stake in PYRATES Smart Fabrics, a Spanish startup that develops and supplies advanced and responsible fabrics. PYRATES Smart Fabrics is established in 2014 and led by Regina Polanco.
Following 3 years of R&D, PYRATES Smart Fabrics has developed a range of 9 PYRATEX knitted fabrics that can be applied in the field of sportswear, underwear, Prêt à Porter and athleisure. And with high environmental performance and social consideration, some the fabrics are certified by OEKO-TEX® standard which assure the articles are harmless in human ecological terms. Having received in 2019 the grant of phase 1 of Horizon2020 has been a confirmation from the European Union as an advanced textile company. PYRATES Smart Fabrics aims to be a leading driver in the textile industry, through its naturally functional fabrics which it supplies through a b2b business model.
These are the type of meaningful investments that drive growth and will capture the attention of the next generation of consumers. The investment in PYRATES is also an aspect of ASICS’ continued investment in creating better products as the brand commits to an incredible Climate Initiative.
