Kozo Shimano, who once ran Shimano's North American operations, has invested in Wren Sports, according to Founder Kevin Wren.
“I am thrilled to have Kozo come on board as an investor in Wren Sports,” Wren wrote on the company's website in late May. “Getting Kozo involved provides additional structure and experience as we build the business. I began my career in the bike business 35 years ago with Shimano and things seem to have come full circle.”
“I’m very happy to be involved with Kevin and to assist in any way I can to grow the business,” added Shimano. “I see a lot of potential in Kevin’s business plan and I know it will be fun working with him again. I've known Kevin for over 35 years. He was one of my first mentors in the bicycle business. He was also instrumental in the success of OEM sales for Shimano American in the 1980's. I believe in Kevin's work ethic, and see success in his future.”
Shimano holds an engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University and was president of Shimano American Corporation. After leaving Shimano, he started two companies: Kozo Design Inc. and KozoGear LLC to develop and market sporting goods. His current project is supplying top, professional ice hockey teams with protective, cut-resistant clothing.
Wren Sports provides world-class cycling components to IBD’s. The current line, focused on the Fatbike and MTB markets, includes Fat and MTB suspension forks, high end carbon components and a new Ceramic-Aluminum Composite rotor still in testing. Additional brands under the Wren banner are Fishbone Freestyle, Laterelle Comfort Seats and MC-21 Rotors.
