Topo Designs (Topo), the Colorado-based outdoor apparel and accessories brand has received an additional equity investment from Denver-based Gart Capital Partners (GCP). Topo will reportedly use the funding to strengthen its focus on customer acquisition across direct-to-consumer channels in the U.S. market, increasing awareness with key audiences, improving speed to market on product innovation, and expanding its product offering and collaborations.
“Topo Designs is excited to continue our partnership with Gart Capital Partners,” said Jedd Rose, co-founder and president, Topo Designs. “Since 2023, GCP has been invaluable in supporting Topo’s mission. GCP is also a fellow Colorado company, and that common home ground has been essential to our shared understanding of the brand’s roots in mountain culture. It’s meaningful to build alongside a partner who’s inspired by the place we live. The investment, paired with an expanded board, will support Topo’s growth under its mission to champion life at elevation, wherever you live it, through gear built for both town and trail.”
Gart Capital Partners (GCP) is a private equity investment partnership focused on lower middle market consumer and service-oriented investment opportunities. The firm is a division of The Gart Companies, a family investment office with diversified holdings. Since inception, The Gart Companies has executed over 100 site-level acquisitions and have opened over 200 new store locations across eight platforms, including Gart Brothers Sporting Goods Company, Specialty Sports Ventures, Running Specialty Group, Bag N Baggage, GolfTec and Work World.
“In 2023, we saw a rare opportunity to invest in a differentiated outdoor brand with unmatched authenticity and credibility,” said Alex Gart, partner, Gart Capital Partners. “Three years on, we believe in that opportunity more than ever. This investment adds capital to the balance sheet and strengthens the governance behind the brand. Topo Designs is well led and in a strong position to continue to execute its growth strategy. We look forward to many more seasons of work together, connecting people with the outdoors through Topo’s direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and brick-and-mortar channels.”
This funding and related improvements in the company’s governance structure are said to chart a clear path forward for Topo Designs during the brand’s next stage of growth. As part of those improvements, the company’s Board of Directors will expand to five members comprised of investors, founders, and independent directors.
As part of this transition, Topo Co-Founder Mark Hansen has exited the board. Since its founding in 2008, Topo Designs has evolved from the vision of two founders into a talented 40-person team. Its products are sold in over 30 countries across six continents, with wholesale distribution to 1,200 stores, including specialty outdoor and independent lifestyle shops as well as leading retailers such as REI, Backcountry, and Nordstrom among others.
Image courtesy Top Designs
