Belgian start-up Gofluo has received €1 million to accelerate business growth and expand into the USA, France and Germany. Four experienced business angels and venture capital fund Freshmen, which is already a shareholder, participated in the funding round. The innovative, female-run fashion brand was founded in 2018 by Julie Vets. The fashion designer and mother of three recognized the need for high-visibility clothing that looks as good as it is safe. With the growing popularity of (e-)bikes, steps and scooters, the traditional, uninspired yellow safety vest no longer fits the bill. Vets saw an opportunity to create something fresh and modern, and so the Bodyglower was born.
In 2019, Gofluo secured its first capital raise with the support of Freshmen, a new DTC fund founded by Hendrik Winkelmans, founder of the first chain of bike shops in Belgium (now Bike Republic, Colruyt Group). Since then, Gofluo has continued to expand and achieved numerous successes, including two awards in 2022.
The company has focused on developing strategic partnerships with specialized resellers in the cycling, running and outdoor industries while also working with major players such as AS Adventure (Belgium), Globetrotter (Germany) and Le Bon Marché (France), which will soon offer its fashionable items. Velo Premiere, a Salt Lake City-based distributor, will support the company in its B2B expansion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
