Portland, Oregon-based natural and sustainable performance apparel brand Zenkai Sports announced the closing of a $1 million funding round to drive growth and product development. Founded by former professional field hockey player Doug Lynch and 40-year apparel industry veterans Raj and Akhil Shah, Zenkai’s eco-friendly apparel supports both performance and the planet. It is worn by athletes in the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, NWSL and MMA, as well as business and film industry leaders, the company claims.
Zenkai’s Filium® activated natural fabrics require less laundering and enhance performance through improved thermoregulation. Zenkai apparel is biodegradable and shipped in compostable packaging. “We are passionate about the environment and the future of our planet,” said co-founder Raj Shah. “We invested years of research and millions of dollars to develop Filium, which we believe to be a better, more sustainable performance technology.”
Zenkai engaged strategic advisors from the apparel, entertainment and professional sports industries, including Chris Overholt, former CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee, and Matt Shearer, a 20-year executive at Under Armour. “It is rewarding to see industry leaders, actors and athletes embrace our brand story and help frame our vision for disrupting the performance apparel space,” said Zenkai’s CEO and co-founder Lynch.
