Company Profile: Saysh

Background

Saysh is a community-centered lifestyle brand founded in 2020 by Olympian Allyson Felix and her brother, Wes Felix. The company focuses on creating footwear designed specifically for women, emphasizing ethical conscience, aesthetic sensibility, and an athletic mindset. Saysh aims to address the unique needs of female athletes and consumers, offering products that combine performance with style.

Key Strategic Focus

Saysh's strategic focus centers on:

Women's Footwear Design: Developing shoes tailored to the anatomical structure of women's feet, moving beyond the traditional "shrink it and pink it" approach.

Community Engagement: Building a supportive community through the Saysh Collective, offering members early access to product releases, workout videos, and networking opportunities.

Direct-to-Consumer Model: Utilizing a direct-to-consumer approach to foster closer relationships with customers and ensure product quality and satisfaction.

Financials and Funding

Saysh has successfully secured funding to support its growth:

Seed Funding: Raised $3 million in seed funding from venture investors to launch the brand.

Series A Funding: Closed an $8 million Series A funding round in June 2022, led by IRIS and Athleta, with participation from Redpoint Ventures and Springbank Collective. The funds are intended to scale eCommerce operations, expand product offerings, and enhance retail distribution.

Pipeline Development

Saysh's product development includes:

Saysh One: The debut lifestyle sneaker designed with a narrower heel and wider forefoot to accommodate women's foot anatomy.

Saysh Two: A versatile sneaker introduced in 2022, expanding the brand's product line.

The Felix Runner: Launched in September 2023, this performance running shoe marks Saysh's entry into the performance footwear market.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Saysh distinguishes itself through:

Proprietary Design: Shoes engineered specifically for women's feet, featuring unique design elements like woven jacquard textiles and microsuede uppers.

Sustainable Practices: Commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing processes to reduce environmental impact.

Community Platform: The Saysh Collective offers a digital space for members to access exclusive content and connect with like-minded individuals.

Leadership Team

Allyson Felix: Co-Founder and President. As the most decorated female track and field Olympian, Felix brings unparalleled athletic insight and leadership to the brand.

Wes Felix: Co-Founder and CEO. With a background in sports management and business, Wes oversees the company's strategic direction and operations.

Darren Breedveld: Co-Founder, CFO, and COO. Breedveld manages the company's financial health and operational efficiency.

Leadership Changes

There have been no recent significant changes in the leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The women's athletic footwear market is experiencing growth, driven by increasing participation of women in sports and fitness activities. Consumers are seeking products that offer both performance and style, creating opportunities for brands that cater specifically to women's needs.

Competitor Analysis

Saysh operates in a competitive landscape with several key players:

TOMS: Known for casual footwear and a strong social mission, TOMS appeals to consumers interested in philanthropy and comfort.

New Balance: Offers a wide range of athletic footwear with a focus on performance and quality, catering to both men and women.

ASICS: Specializes in performance running shoes, emphasizing technological innovation and support for athletes.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Saysh has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its market position:

Athleta: Partnered with Athleta, a performance lifestyle brand, to co-lead the Series A funding round and collaborate on product offerings.

SCI Group: Teamed up with SCI Group for direct-to-consumer fulfillment, optimizing logistics and customer experience.

Operational Insights

Saysh's direct-to-consumer model allows for greater control over branding, customer engagement, and product distribution. This approach enables the company to respond swiftly to consumer feedback and market trends, providing a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving footwear industry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, Saysh plans to:

Expand Product Lines: Introduce new activity-specific sneakers and potentially venture into apparel to meet diverse consumer needs.

Enhance Retail Presence: Scale eCommerce operations and establish a community-based retail footprint to increase brand visibility and accessibility.