Tala gets £5m funding for international expansion, will target US

UK activewear brand Tala has secured a £5 million investment to support international expansion, growth in key destination the US, and to open its first standalone store.

Tala has received the extra funding from Pembroke VCT, which first participated in a £3 million investment round in the business in 2021, alongside existing investors Venrex and Active Partners.

Since then, the business “has scaled significantly”, documenting a 10-fold increase in its revenue, said its founder, entrepreneur Grace Beverley, and CEO Morgan Fowles. 

This period of expansion has seen the brand expand into new categories such as outerwear and shapewear, enter new markets, and establish new channels — “all while staying profitable”.

Beverley said: “This new funding round… marks an incredibly exciting milestone in Tala’s growth. The love and support from our customers as we’ve expanded into new categories and solidified our offerings have been nothing short of remarkable. 

“I am incredibly excited for the next stage of our journey and look forward to continuing to disrupt the industry with well-thought-through wardrobe favourites and problem-solving pieces for women, by women.”

That next stage of that expansion journey will see a primary focus on the US market “in response to significant customer and social media traction in the US”. 

Additionally, the funds will be used to “explore opportunities to establish a physical retail presence on the high street and enhance the company’s infrastructure and team capabilities”.

Andrew Wolfson, CEO of Pembroke VCT, added: “[Our] investment in Tala reaffirms our confidence in the brand’s innovative approach and strong market appeal. [The Lala team has] a unique ability to tap into their consumer base, leveraging organic channels to expand [its] presence and reinforce its core values. 

“This investment will enable [it] to accelerate its expansion, enhance its product range, and strengthen its global market position. The global athleisure market is ripe for disruption from bold, young entrepreneurial brands, and Tala is well positioned to lead the way.”