In our work with young companies across industries, we encourage them to watch startup fashion brands. That suggestion may sound odd. Most entrepreneurs and founders would intuitively look to the technology sector for leadership. Take a moment to follow our logic.
Companies in the textile-design business are often rough-around-the edges, struggling to survive in a dog-eat-dog marketplace. One reason these companies are so Darwinian is the low capital-investment hurdle typically required to get started. Regulatory issues are manageable, while manufacturing can be outsourced.
These niche players frequently have motley capitalization tables, built on the back of odd lots of family offices, angel investors, and crowdfunding campaigns. They avoid the sin of raising too much money; they can embrace wide strategic flexibility.
We have never met a fashion executive who has trouble coloring their business. As a timely example, look at Tampa-based Inversa, a startup featured in a recent Business Observer article. The idea of using exotic leathers from invasive species may seem far-fetched. Burmese pythons and lionfish, though, are very top-of-mind in Florida. ■
Learn more at Business Observer
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Image shows skin of Burmese python. Credit: Khlongwangchao at Adobe Stock.
