Rothy's joined the Unicorn Club on December 20, 2021, after raising a $200 million Series C funding round led by Alpargatas, valuing the company at $1 billion. Headquartered in San Francisco, United States, Rothy's is an eco-conscious fashion tech brand known for its sustainable, machine-washable shoes and bags. The company has raised $242 million in total funding and employs 193 people (as of December 2021).
Keep reading to learn how Rothy's is redefining fashion sustainability through circular design and innovative materials.
What Is Rothy's and What Does It Do?
Founded in 2012, Rothy's is a fashion technology company pioneering the production of recyclable and sustainable footwear and accessories for women. The brand gained prominence for its innovative approach to sustainable manufacturing, using recycled PET plastic bottles to create high-performance yarn fibers. These fibers are then used to produce shoes and bags that are both durable and environmentally friendly.
Rothy's manufacturing process utilizes 3D knitting technology, minimizing material waste during production. Each product is designed for comfort, breathability, and ease of maintenance, all machine-washable and air-dried. The outsoles are crafted from carbon-free, eco-friendly rubber, ensuring the entire product lifecycle supports sustainability goals.
The company's direct-to-consumer (D2C) model allows Rothy's to maintain control over its customer experience, brand identity, and pricing. With a growing base of environmentally conscious customers, Rothy's has successfully positioned itself at the intersection of fashion, technology, and sustainability, aligning with global efforts toward a circular fashion approach.
How Much Funding Has Rothy's Raised?
- Series C
- Amount Raised: $200M
- Date: December 20, 2021
- Lead Investor: Alpargatas
- Valuation: $1B
- Purpose: To accelerate global expansion, enhance production capacity, and invest in new sustainable material technologies.
- Earlier Rounds (Seed to Series B)
- Amount Raised: $42M (combined)
- Key Investors: Goldman Sachs Investment Partners, HDS Capital
- Purpose: To develop proprietary 3D knitting processes, build manufacturing facilities, and expand the product line beyond footwear.
Total Funding Raised: $242M
Latest Funding Date: December 20, 2021
Current Valuation: $1B
Employee Count: 193 (as of December 31, 2021)
Key Investors
- Alpargatas
- Details: The Brazilian footwear giant behind the Havaianas brand, Alpargatas, invested in Rothy's to expand its portfolio in the sustainable and premium footwear segment.
- Focus Areas: Consumer brands, footwear, and sustainable materials.
- Goldman Sachs Investment Partners
- Details: A global investment firm providing capital to high-growth consumer and technology companies.
- Focus Areas: E-commerce, fashion tech, and direct-to-consumer brands.
- HDS Capital
- Details: An early-stage investor focused on retail and consumer innovation.
- Focus Areas: Retail tech, digital commerce, and sustainable product development.
Where Is Rothy's Headquarters?
Rothy's is headquartered in San Francisco, California, United States, with manufacturing operations located in Dongguan, China. By owning its factory, Rothy's maintains complete control over its production process, from sourcing recycled materials to finished goods, ensuring ethical manufacturing and sustainability compliance across every stage of the supply chain.
The company's San Francisco headquarters also houses its design and technology teams, responsible for advancing Rothy's proprietary knitting technology and sustainability innovations.
What's Next for Rothy's?
Rothy's plans to expand its product range beyond women's footwear and bags to include men's and lifestyle categories, broadening its sustainable fashion footprint. The company is also investing in closed-loop recycling initiatives, enabling customers to return worn-out shoes for repurposing into new products.
With increasing global demand for eco-friendly fashion, Rothy's aims to become the leading sustainable lifestyle brand. Strategic collaborations, retail expansion, and advancements in circular material innovation are central to its growth roadmap. The company's continued commitment to sustainability and transparency positions it as a leader in reshaping the fashion industry's environmental impact.
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