Monos

About Monos

Monos is a Canadian travel and lifestyle brand founded in 2018 by Victor Tam, Hubert Chan, and Daniel Shin. The company, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, was established to offer high-quality, minimalist travel goods at accessible prices. Tam, drawing from his experience building the e-commerce furniture brand Rove Concepts, identified a market opportunity between expensive luxury luggage and lower-quality alternatives. He partnered with his childhood friends Chan, who serves as Chief Creative Officer, and Shin, the Chief Operating Officer, to launch the direct-to-consumer (DTC) venture.

The business model is primarily DTC, selling luggage, bags, apparel, and accessories through its e-commerce platform. This approach allows Monos to use the same high-quality materials and manufacturing partners as premium brands while offering products at a lower price point. The company has expanded its reach through a wholesale partnership with Nordstrom for brand awareness and is developing an omnichannel experience by opening brick-and-mortar stores, with its first location in Vancouver and another planned for Toronto. Monos was bootstrapped initially and has prioritized profitability since its inception. Despite a 90% drop in revenue at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company pivoted by launching the CleanPod UVC Sterilizer, which generated significant cash flow. This enabled Monos to increase marketing for its core travel products, leading to 400% year-over-year growth in 2020 and subsequent funding rounds, including a $10 million Series A and a $30 million Series B in 2022.

Monos' product line features a minimalist aesthetic and durable construction. Suitcases are made from aerospace-grade German Makrolon polycarbonate, known for being lightweight and impact-resistant. Key features include quiet 360° spinner wheels, an ergonomic multi-stage telescopic handle, TSA-approved locks, and interiors lined with soft, anti-microbial fabric made from recycled materials. Beyond luggage, the company offers a range of products including backpacks, totes, duffels, packing cubes, and apparel, all designed with the same focus on quality and functionality. The brand is also Climate Neutral Certified and a member of 1% for the Planet, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.