Stockholm-based startup CHIMI has raised €1.8M (20M SEK) in a seed round from Ben Eliass, the CEO & co-founder of razor brand Estrid, and Bianca Ingrosso, the founder of beauty brand CAIA and one of the biggest personalities in the Nordics. Redgert Group, owner of the global communications agency Redgert Comms also joined the round. CHIMI’s horizons are broadening as the brand’s funding boost enables the exploration of new creative avenues.
With the introduction of its debut clothing line in 2023, the brand’s iconic eyewear range is set to be complemented by fresh, innovative apparel. Not only that, but the funding also fuels CHIMI’s ongoing international growth, as evidenced by the opening of a flagship store in Paris in February and another in New York later this year. In 2022, CHIMI became profitable and grew its year-on-year revenue by 50%.
CHIMI’s co-founder & CEO Daniel Djurdjevic comments: “We are beyond excited to be backed by such inspiring and experienced entrepreneurs and investors joining us in this round. This raise adds confidence, network and funds to an already steadily growing business. These names emphasize the fact that CHIMI is well established in the Nordics region and that we are ready to take the next step. Our vision is set and we are ready to conquer bigger markets, starting with France and the US.”
Investor Ben Eliass comments: “CHIMI is one of the outlier Nordic brands of this generation. The creative evolution of the brand and what they have achieved in such a short period of time is highly impressive, and I am excited to support such a strong, ambitious founding team in Daniel and Charlie in what has the potential to become a global fashion house.”
Daniel Redgert, founder & CEO of Redgert Group comments: “When CHIMI first launched, it felt like a matter of hours before Daniel and Charlie had made it one of the most desired brands of its home country Sweden. Since then, they have taken massive leaps on their journey to become the global success story that it is today. We are really proud and excited to support CHIMI on its path from here on, and really proud to join an impressive shareholder list alongside the likes of eEquity.”
In addition to its own stores, which includes a flagship retail location in the brand’s hometown Stockholm, its recently opened Paris store, and upcoming New York location, CHIMI is stocked in some of the world’s best-renowned department stores, including Le Bon Marché, Browns, Selfridges, and Rinascente.
CHIMI is a favorite of global fashion icons, with Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and the Weeknd amongst the prominent owners of its products.
CHIMI was founded in Stockholm in 2016 by childhood friends Charlie Lindström (Creative Director) and Daniel Djurdjevic (CEO). CHIMI’s philosophy is to inspire the capturing of every aspect of modern active life. The brand’s products emphasize futuristic simplicity, wearability, and aesthetical longevity.
Click to read more funding news.
