Overview
Avoli is a dynamic company based in Portland, Oregon, recognized for its specialized focus on the sports apparel and equipment market for women and girl volleyball athletes. Founded by Mark Oleson and Rick Anguilla, who both possess extensive experience in the sports industry and personal insights as parents of volleyball-playing daughters, Avoli delivers a product line that aims to meet the specific requirements of female volleyball players through innovative design and technology.
Founders and Leadership
Mark Oleson and Rick Anguilla co-founded Avoli, driven by their backgrounds in the sports apparel sector. Oleson served as Vice President of Innovation at leading sports brands, whereas Anguilla held pivotal roles at Nike and Under Armour, dealing with brand strategy and communications. Their combined expertise and personal motivations guide Avoli's mission to fill existing gaps in the sportswear landscape for volleyball athletes.
Product Line
Avoli offers a range of products specifically designed to enhance performance, safety, and comfort for volleyball athletes, featuring:
- Volleyball-Specific Footwear: Products like the Avoli Mid Pink Glow boast state-of-the-art features such as a superior fit, reduction in slippage, VoliVent active venting, OctoLug enhanced floor grip, and the patent-pending VoliCush cushioning system. These attributes are innovatively designed to cater specifically to the dynamics of volleyball, addressing unmet needs where athletes previously resorted to basketball or general court shoes.
- Knee Pads and Apparel: These are crafted from advanced materials like ballistic-grade foam to provide enhanced protection and comfort, further ensuring the functionality required by volleyball players.
Financial Performance
In its quest for growth and market penetration, Avoli closed a significant $2.1 million seed funding round in 2024, facilitated by investors like Peter Saperstone and James Gau. This financial backing has enabled Avoli to initiate retail partnerships, underscoring its strategic developmental milestones within the industry.
Strategic Initiatives
Avoli strategically positions itself in the sports community by engaging in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals with collegiate athletes and collaborating with volleyball clubs across the nation. These initiatives foster robust community engagement and expanded brand visibility among potential customers.
Online Presence
With an approximate following of 7,430 on Instagram, Avoli actively employs this platform for brand engagement, audience interaction, product displays, and showcasing partnerships and marketing activities, solidifying its digital presence in the sports arena.
Competitive Landscape
Avoli navigates a competitive terrain with key players in the athletic footwear and apparel industry. Although its direct competitors are more technologically inclined, such as:
- Crowdcast: Operating in the online communications sector, Crowdcast offers a platform suitable for webinars and online events from its base in Oakland, California.
- Demio: Situated in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Demio supports marketers with webinar software that emphasizes ease of setup and efficacious engagement.
- EasyWebinar: Founded by Casey Zeman in Las Vegas, Nevada, EasyWebinar specializes in a comprehensive webinar platform, particularly known for its marketing automation features.
Strategic Advantages
Avoli’s unique selling propositions include:
- Niche Market Focus: Exclusively targeting the volleyball niche allows Avoli to establish itself as a leader in this specific segment of athletic apparel, ensuring a tailored approach to product development.
- Innovative Design: The brand’s commitment to performance and safety is evident in its cutting-edge technologies like VoliVent and VoliCush, differentiating it from competitors.
- Cultural and Geographic Synergy: Located in Portland, a hub for athletic culture, Avoli leverages its location to bolster brand authenticity and connection with its target audience.
By understanding the company’s placement and competitive dynamics within the sports apparel industry, Avoli continues to reinforce its strength in serving the nuanced needs of volleyball athletes, while competitors provide divergent offerings mostly linked to technological advancements in their respective fields.
