Circle Sportswear, the French start-up that uses recycled resources to produce new technical garments that are themselves recyclable, has raised €4 million in a Series A funding round. The investment is led by French positive impact investment firm Alter Equity, alongside its historical shareholders and Thierry Peuchot, former marketing director of Nike.
Circle aims to decarbonize running, yoga and training sportswear by avoiding the use of new resources. The clothes are all made from 100 percent European, recycled or biodegradable materials, including wood fibers. Its Super Natural running shoe (currently on pre-order) is made of wool and wood fibers for the textile upper and castor beans and natural rubber for the sole. There is also a lifetime warranty on all products, which are repairable where possible.
The latest funding comes after Circle Sportswear raised €2.5 million in March 2022, less than one year after raising €1 million in April 2021.
According to WWD, the funds will be used for expansion plans, including expanding Circle’s distribution network and helping it open its first own-brand store next February.
