Search
shop

HUUB launches crowdfunding campaign amidst endurance sport boom

Derby-based triathlon and endurance sport brand, HUUB, are are crowdfunding to drive continued growth and international expansion
Chief Correspondent
Last updated -
  • HUUB raising capital to drive continued category expansion and international growth
  • Derby-based brand has experienced significant audience demographic shift in 2020, with women’s apparel sales up 68%.
  • Cycling sales have soared by 681% in lockdown, demonstrating significant scaling opportunity
  • Olympic medallists Alistair & Jonny Brownlee first to invest in premium endurance sport apparel brand

Derby based HUUB, leaders in the £60 million UK triathlon apparel and accessories market, recently announced the launch of their Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign as they look to raise a minimum of £250,000 to accelerate growth into new territories, and through category expansion and extension.

Olympic medallist triathletes and long-term HUUB athletes, brothers Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, have kickstarted the raise which will enable HUUB to continue to scale its direct-to-consumer offering, expand the product range in its fast growing cycling category, cater for the increasing number of women taking up endurance sports, and grow its presence in international markets, most notably the US and Germany. 

Alistair Brownlee / Jonathan Brownlee

Originating in the innovation-led swimwear and triathlon categories, but now embracing all endurance sports, HUUB’s product range is focused on performance and innovation, incorporating scientific research, continuous athlete feedback and cutting-edge technologies. In 2019, HUUB turned over £4.8m and from 2015 to 2019 has achieved average sales growth of 32% year-on-year.

Despite the triathlon competition schedule being wiped out during 2020 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, HUUB’s 2020 turnover is on a par with last year’s as endurance sport take-up has soared during lockdown. The business has experienced a huge increase of 681% in cycling apparel sales, as well as a significant diversification in audience demographic for their products across the board. Specifically, women’s wetsuit sales are up 68% and there has also been a shift in the average customer age. 

HUUB

HUUB founder, Dean Jackson, who started the business in 2011 by designing a wetsuit on his kitchen table, says; “We are at a really exciting stage of our growth, with new categories performing incredibly strongly and our product range across the board continuing to appeal to professional and amateur athletes alike. Our average order value is up significantly – up 63% in the last six months – and our direct to consumer business is growing rapidly too.”

HUUB

He adds; “Our Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign is designed to help accelerate the growth we are experiencing on so many fronts and, I believe, offers a really exciting opportunity for those in the endurance sport community and beyond to invest in a brand that is on a steep upwards trajectory. And with both the Brownlee brothers already onboard, investors know they will be in the good company of two of Britain’s most successful Olympic athletes. Alistair also happens to have a master’s degree in Financial Economics, so he knows his way around a P&L statement and a good investment opportunity when he sees one!”

As well as the partnership with the Brownlee brothers, HUUB also have relationships with the likes of current female world triathlon champion Georgia Taylor-Brown, world triathlon series medallist Jess Learmonth and cycling world cup winner Dan Bigham, the latter of which is HUUB’s in house aerodynamicist.

HUUB - Dan Bigham

Dean founded the business after losing his job in sport sales back in 2011. At the time he was himself an amateur athlete and, having worked with other sportswear companies that made claims that were not backed by any in-depth research, he wanted better. He therefore set about creating his own wetsuit which fitted his criteria of a performance enhancing suit that was backed up by research.

HUUB

When a fellow competitor heard Dean’s story, he put him in touch with a group of 12 private investors which led to him being given an initial investment of £25,000. The key to unlocking further investment, however, was to secure £200,000 of orders and find an Olympian to wear his suit. The rest is history!

To find out more about HUUB’s Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign visit huubdesign.com/FWD, where you will also have the opportunity to register your interest. Those registered will get 48-hours exclusive access to the crowdfunding page and will be able to become a shareholder before the public launch.

John Levison
Written by
John Levison
TRI247's Chief Correspondent, John has been involved in triathlon for well over 30 years, 15 of those writing on these pages, whilst he can also be found commentating for events across the UK.
Discover more
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Georgia Taylor Brown smiles Supertri Toronto 2025
‘It might take a miracle but I’ll give it my best shot’ – can GTB repeat Supertri Chicago win?
Sam Renouf CEO of the PTO
T100 Valencia replacement announced as PTO chief acknowledges “challenges” with 2025 calendar
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth
Matthews and Løvseth clash again in star-studded IRONMAN 70.3 Zell am See
Jonny Brownlee with bike transition Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Chicago 2025: Date, start time, how to watch live and who’s racing
Frederic Funk media day Challenge Roth 2025
IRONMAN Switzerland starts ‘Road to Kona 2026’ for Funk and co
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...