Tala, which was founded by Drapers 30 Under 30 2021 alumna Grace Beverley, will also use the £5m investment to explore opportunities in physical retail and enhance the company’s infrastructure and team capabilities.
The investment included £3m from Pembroke VCT, which is also the backer of womenswear brands Me+Em and Ro&Zo, alongside venture capital trust Venrex and private equity firm Active Partners.
Venrex counts British luxury leather goods company Smythson, Samantha Cameron’s womenswear brand Cefinn and online marketplace Not on the High Street among its fashion investments, while Active Partners’ portfolio includes premium women’s workwear brand The Fold and Cornish surf brand Finisterre.
The £5m investment follows Tala’s £4.2m seed funding round raised in early 2021, which was co-led by Active Partners, Venrex and Pembroke, alongside Rapha founder Simon Mottram, among others.
Tala’s Beverley said: “This new funding round led by Pembroke marks an incredibly exciting milestone in Tala’s growth.
“The love and support from our customers as we’ve expanded into new categories and solidified our offerings have been nothing short of remarkable. I am incredibly excited for the next stage of our journey and look forward to continuing to disrupt the industry with well-thought-through wardrobe favourites and problem-solving pieces for women, by women.”
Pembroke CEO Andrew Wolfson said: “Pembroke VCT’s investment in Tala reaffirms our confidence in the brand’s innovative approach and strong market appeal.
“Grace Beverley, [Tala CEO] Morgan Fowles and the team have a unique ability to tap into their consumer base, leveraging organic channels to expand Tala’s presence and reinforce its core values. This investment will enable Tala to accelerate its expansion, enhance its product range, and strengthen its global market position.
“The global athleisure market is ripe for disruption from bold, young entrepreneurial brands, and Tala is well positioned to lead the way.”