Portland-based Zenkai Sports, a D2C startup that specializes in creating sustainable sports apparel and equipment has announced that it has raised $1 million in a funding round led by strategic advisors from the apparel, entertainment and pro sports fields such as Matt Shearer, an executive at Under Armour and Chris Overholt, former CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee. Zenkai Sports plans to use the funding to expand its product line and reach more customers. 

Known for its high quality, innovative products and its commitment to sustainability, Zenkai Sports was founded by former pro hockey player Doug Lynch and 40-year apparel industry veterans Raj and Akhil Shah. The brand has been endorsed by athletes across NHL, NBA, NFL, MMA, MLB and NWSL as well as film and business industry leaders. 

The brand offers a complete range of men’s and women’s line created from Zenkai’s filium-activated natural materials, which in addition to offering increased thermoregulation also requires less washing, does not retain odour, is equally biodegradable and is shipped in compostable packaging. 

“Raj and I instantly connected over our shared love of performance apparel and eco-friendly innovation.” said CEO and co-founder Lynch. “The human body is the ultimate technology, and we are harnessing the power of sweat to boost performance. We created Zenkai because we didn’t see an option in the apparel industry that benefits both humans and the environment.”

Raj Shah added: ”We are passionate about the environment and the future of the planet. We invested years of research and millions of dollars to develop Filium which we believe to be a better, more sustainable performance technology.”

Zenkai Sports has attracted the attention of investors who see the brand’s potential for growth in the sports industry. The new funding positions Zenkai Sports to continue its success and become a leading player in the sports apparel and equipment market.