Enda, Kenya’s first high-performance shoemaker announced its seed funding on Monday. The start-up secured an undisclosed amount from Umoja Rubber products and Mizizi Capital to accelerate its international growth.
A statement from Enda to The Kenyan Wall Street reveals that Enda will use the investment to fund production, distribution, and marketing of its sportswear business.
“After years working with Kenyan athletes to design game-changing running shoes, we’re thrilled to now give more runners around the world a chance to run in them,” said Enda CEO Navalayo Osembo. “We know our shoes are excellent. We know they’re the most socially conscious running shoes available. Now we have the capital to get out and let the world know it.”
Enda’s new seed funding will help the shoemaker grow its product portfolio and expand its market. Currently, Enda has two shoe models; the Iten and the Lapatet, both recipients of stellar reviews. Enda launched Iten in 2007 and later conducted a crowdfunding campaign to debut Lapatet in 2020.
“As a company focused on social impact, we wanted this seed round of investment to be Kenyan led,” said Osembo. “It took extra effort, but we think it’s worth it to make sure our investors are aligned with the long term vision of not just making great shoes, but driving development in Kenya.” Osembo went on.
The seed fund’s investors are optimistic, looking to partake in the production of ‘made in Kenya’ shoes.
