Vollebak

About Vollebak

Vollebak operates as a direct-to-consumer men's apparel company, engineering clothing for future challenges by integrating science and material technology. The company was established in London in 2016 by twin brothers Nick and Steve Tidball. Their journey began after careers in advertising, where they worked as creative directors for agencies like TBWA on major brands. Frustrated with creative limitations and inspired by their passion for extreme sports like ultramarathons, they founded Vollebak to create the gear they felt was missing—apparel that could do more to aid survival and performance in extreme conditions. The idea crystallized during a 130-kilometer ultramarathon in the Namib desert.

The company's business model is rooted in a direct-to-consumer, e-commerce approach, selling its products globally through its website. In 2021, Vollebak secured $10 million in a Series A funding round led by Venrex, with participation from notable angel investors including Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia. This financial backing supports their research and development into advanced materials. The target market includes extreme sports athletes, adventurers, military personnel, and individuals interested in technology, design, and the future of apparel.

Vollebak is distinguished by its use of unconventional materials to create high-performance garments. The product line includes items built from graphene, Dyneema (a fiber 15 times stronger than steel), carbon fiber, copper, and even materials designed for space travel by NASA. Notable products include the Graphene Jacket, which can conduct heat; the Solar Charged Jacket, which stores and re-emits light and was named one of TIME Magazine's Best Inventions; and the Full Metal Jacket, made with 11km of copper to be disease-resistant. Another signature range is the '100 Year' collection, featuring items like hoodies and pants designed to be fireproof, water-repellent, and abrasion-resistant, intended to last a century. The company also explores sustainability through biodegradable clothing, such as T-shirts made from algae, and by creating extremely durable apparel that counters the fast-fashion cycle.