BDC Capital has provided undisclosed mezzanine financing to Hayabusa, a Kingston, Ontario-based designer and maker of equipment and apparel for boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and other combat sports.
BDC made the investment through its growth and transition capital group.
Founded in 2006, Hayabusa’s products are used by both fitness enthusiasts and professionals. Last year, the company moved to a primarily direct-to-consumer sales model through its online store.
Hayabusa will use the funds raised for working capital, with a focus on producing inventory required to ramp up sales in the fitness training market.
PRESS RELEASE
Combat Equipment and Apparel Maker Hayabusa Secures Mezzanine Financing From BDC Capital
Ottawa, January 28, 2019 – BDC Capital’s Growth and Transition Capital division has provided mezzanine financing to Hayabusa of Kingston, Ontario. Founded in 2006, Hayabusa designs and manufactures high-quality equipment and apparel for boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and other combat sports. Its products, which are recognized as some of the safest in the world, are used by fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike.
BDC Capital’s financing will serve as working capital to support Hayabusa’s growth as it aims to take advantage of the increasing popularity of combat sports as a form of fitness training among the general public. The company will principally use the funds to produce the inventory required to ramp up sales in that segment.
BDC Capital’s lead on this deal was Laura-Lee Brenneman, Director, Growth & Transition Capital, Ottawa. “We’re impressed by the energy and passion of Hayabusa’s management team and by its drive to create some of the safest and most innovative products in this space,” says Brenneman. “Last year, the company pivoted to a primarily direct-to-consumer sales model via the company’s own online store, which led to its highest yearly revenues yet.”
“BDC Capital understands the needs and challenges that face companies such as ours in a rapidly changing retail environment,” says Craig Clement, Hayabusa’s Co-president and CFO. “They treat their clients as true partners and help them succeed by truly recognizing their potential and working alongside them to realize it.”
About Hayabusa
Hayabusa (pronounced hi-ya-boo-sa) is highly regarded as the gold standard in combat equipment and apparel. Hayabusa possesses a relentless commitment and passion to produce only the highest calibre products in terms of both safety and performance, to help inspire athletes in their journey to becoming better, healthier and stronger.
About BDC Capital
BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC- Canada’s only bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs. With $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the country’s most innovative firms. It offers a full spectrum of risk capital, from seed investments to transition capital, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who wish to scale their businesses into global champions. Visit bdc.ca/capital.
Contacts:
BDC Capital
Joanne Lajeunesse
Media Relations, BDC Capital
[email protected]
1-844-625-8321
Hayabusa
Craig Clement, CPA CA
Co-President, CFO
[email protected]
1-888-776-1662, ext. 401
SOURCE: PEHUB
URL: https://www.pehub.com/canada/2019/01/combat-gear-maker-hayabusa-secures-financing-from-bdc/
