Skip to main content
BoF Logo

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

SoftBank-Backed Lululemon Rival Vuori Said to Plan IPO Next Year

Man and woman sit in middle of tennis court wearing clothing made by Vuori.
Vuori is talking to investment banks about an initial public offering as soon as the middle of 2024, according to people with knowledge of the matter. (Vuori)

Activewear brand Vuori Inc. is talking to investment banks about an initial public offering as soon as the middle of 2024, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The apparel company would seek in an IPO to top its $4 billion valuation in a 2021 funding round led by SoftBank Group Corp.’s Vision Fund 2, said the people, who asked not to be identified discussing private information.

Vuori could pick its advisers within weeks, though it hasn’t made a final decision and its plans could change, the people said. A representative for SoftBank declined to comment. A spokesperson for Vuori didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment.

Founded by Joe Kudla in the San Diego area, the company expanded to the East Coast, opening its first New York store in 2022. It has since established an international presence with locations in countries including the UK and China.

ADVERTISEMENT

Vuori raised $400 million from SoftBank Vision Fund 2 in 2021 round, the company said at the time. Norwest Venture Partners also invested in Vuori in 2019.

Activewear continues to be a popular apparel category post-pandemic as fashion took a more casual turn. Lululemon Athletica Inc. stocks grew 20 percent this year on strong demand and expanding margin.

By Ryan Gould, Crystal Tse, and Katie Roof

Learn more:

Fashion’s IPO Window Is Cracking Open — But Only for Some

Il Makiage owner Oddity Tech’s stock-market debut could be the start of a wave of fashion and beauty listings. That, plus what else to watch for in the coming week.

In This Article

© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions

More from Retail
Analysis and advice from the front lines of the retail transformation.

Brands Owed Millions After Matchesfashion Collapse

Designer brands including Gucci and Anya Hindmarch have been left millions of pounds out of pocket and some customers will not get refunds after the online fashion site collapsed owing more than £210m last month.


Op-Ed | How Long Can Adidas Surf the ‘Terrace’ Trend?

As a push to maximise sales of its popular Samba model starts to weigh on its desirability, the German sportswear giant is betting on other retro sneaker styles to tap surging demand for the 1980s ‘Terrace’ look. But fashion cycles come and go, cautions Andrea Felsted.


How Rent the Runway Came Back From the Brink

The rental platform saw its stock soar last week after predicting it would hit a key profitability metric this year. A new marketing push and more robust inventory are the key to unlocking elusive growth, CEO Jenn Hyman tells BoF.


view more

Subscribe to the BoF Daily Digest

The essential daily round-up of fashion news, analysis, and breaking news alerts.

The Business of Fashion

Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
CONNECT WITH US ON
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024
© 2024 The Business of Fashion. All rights reserved. For more information read our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy and Accessibility Statement.
The Business of Beauty Global Awards - Deadline 30 April 2024