HOMAGE, leading vintage-inspired sports, and licensed apparel company announced a strategic investment of growth capital from Maximum Effort Investments, an investment advisory firm co-founded by Ryan Reynolds. Maximum Effort Investments will be serving as the lead investor for this round.
Launched in 2007 in Columbus, Ohio, HOMAGE was created from an appreciation for nostalgia and sports culture and has found success with its thoughtfully crafted apparel. HOMAGE founder and CEO Ryan Vesler first shipped packages from his parents’ basement. And since its founding, the brand has grown from its Ohio roots to achieve widespread national acclaim.
HOMAGE’s products connect to major national moments, including Lebron James bringing a championship home to Cleveland and the Kelce brothers facing off in the Kelce Bowl. Plus, HOMAGE also helps fans pay homage to their everyday passions, like their team’s signature tailgate food or their favorite band.
HOMAGE plans to use this funding round to expand its production capacity, grow its operating team, invest in technology, and expand its licensed business with new and existing partnerships. And existing partners include the NFL, NBA, WNBA, MLB, Starter, several colleges and universities, and many beloved pop culture brands.
Through this investment, a representative of Maximum Effort Investments will join the HOMAGE Board of Directors, and Maximum Effort will contribute various strategic and creative resources.
KEY QUOTES:
“The highlight of my 17 years building HOMAGE is seeing how our customers express their passions and build community through our products. Maximum Effort’s capabilities and commitment to spreading joy by telling authentic stories will only help us grow that community further.”
– Ryan Vesler, HOMAGE Founder and CEO
“HOMAGE exists to tell stories that move people – one t-shirt, one hoodie, and one Starter jacket at a time. At Maximum Effort, this aligns perfectly with our mission of bringing people together in smart, fun, unexpected ways. Our investment in HOMAGE represents an exciting new avenue for us to execute on that mission. We’re looking forward to expanding the incredible brand and business that HOMAGE has built.”
– Maximum Effort Investments Head of Sports Ricky Engelberg
