jbrds

Invest in the Future of Children's Footwear with jbrds: Pioneering Natural Growth & Development

Last Funded April 2024

$838,200

raised from 32 investors

Highlights

1
The active lifestyle brand from cradle to 8 years old
2
22.5 million potential consumers added to the Total Addressable Market (TAM) every year
3
Nearly 300 years of combined footwear expertise from concept to delivered good
4
Over 5,300 units sold and $275k+ in gross sales since launch

Featured Investor

Our Team


Discover the Evolution in Children's Footwear

While many established brands have traditionally scaled down adult shoes for children, jbrds is taking a fresh approach. We believe in celebrating the unique anatomy of children's feet, ensuring they get the best start in life.


Designed with Precision for the Young Adventurers

Introducing jbrds, a groundbreaking footwear that respects and supports the natural growth and development of a child's foot. We're championing a new era of footwear that promotes activity, health, and the sheer joy of childhood.

Our "sock-and-shoe-in-one" design...

  • Ensures a snug, easy-to-wear fit.
  • Is machine-washable equating to hassle-free, spot-clean simplicity.
  • Offers the 'perfect grip' for those first steps and playful runs thanks to a suede outsole.
  • Ensures stability, aiding those pivotal moments of standing and walking, due to an innovative velcro-fastened outer cage.

All wrapped up in a stylish, clinically-informed design that appeals to both children and adults.


A Growing Market with Massive Potential

Every year, millions of babies are born globally, marking a continually renewing market. By catering to the newborn-to-8 age range, we're tapping into a vast potential of 32 million children.

The children's footwear market alone boasts $6 Billion in annual sales, not to mention the additional billions spent on apparel and accessories. 

Our goal? To secure a 1% share of this vibrant market by 2026.

Forward-looking projections are not guaranteed.


Past Milestones


The Active Lifestyle Brand From Cradle To 8 Years Old

While our business model is focused on direct-to-consumer sales, The philosophy of jbrds is to emphasize on building connections rather than just transactions.

To accomplish this, we have multiple initiatives currently in place:

  • Our strategic partnership with Baltimore, MD's Holabird Sports., which brings with it use of Holabirds' 40,000+ square foot distribution center, helping us keep overhead costs low, and allows us to offer special promotions with select baby boutiques.
  • Our packaging is designed to look and feel like a gift to the parents. Inviting the whole family to be active with our products for many years to come.
  • As children reach different milestones, we provide them with social badges of achievement for activities like standing, walking, running, and creative play.

Diverse Range for Every Stage of Childhood

As children grow, so does our range of shoe models.

We currently offer the Stand2Walk model, and post our community round, we'll introduce the Walk2Run, Run2Play, and Go Play models. Each is tailored to the unique needs of children, from infancy to 8 years.


Meet the Team Behind jbrds: Pioneers in Children's Footwear

Dr. Jay LeBow - Co-founder, Chief Innovation Officer and Head of Product

From his early days as a budding podiatrist in Baltimore, Dr. LeBow has always been deeply invested in foot health. However, it was the joys of grandparenthood that truly opened his eyes to the unique anatomical needs of a child's developing foot.

After meticulous research, reviewing countless X-rays, and evaluating the market's offerings, he realized a significant gap. No existing footwear genuinely catered to the intricate needs of a child's foot. Dr. LeBow's revelation became the foundation of jbrds, ensuring every design decision is rooted in deep medical understanding and genuine care.

"As a young podiatrist building my practice in Baltimore, I missed this insight with my daughters. It wasn't until I became a grandparent that I recognized the anatomical needs of a child's developing foot. After reviewing hundreds of X-rays and evaluating existing children's footwear, it was clear no shoe was properly addressing the needs of a child's developing foot." -Dr. Jay LeBow


Mike Gugat - Co-founder, CEO and Head of Marketing

With a rich history in the footwear industry, Mike Gugat has seen it all. Yet, he noticed a recurring theme: children's shoes were often sidelined, treated as mere afterthoughts. This realization, combined with Dr. LeBow's medical insights, led to the birth of jbrds.

Mike's vision is clear: to create the greatest active lifestyle brand dedicated exclusively to children, from their first steps to their eighth birthday.

"In the footwear industry, children's shoes are often an afterthought. The most crucial period of growth for children's feet and jbrds sets up kids to move into adolescence, young adulthood, and eventually to adults, helping to avoid possible problems later in life from wearing the wrong shoes as a child." -Mike Gugat, CEO

Together with COO David Hirshfeld and CFO Advisory Sameel Osuri, Dr. LeBow and Mike Gugat combine medical knowledge and industry expertise to transform children's footwear.


Join Us in Shaping the Future of Children's Footwear

Imagine a world where children's footwear is crafted with precision, care, and a deep understanding of their unique needs. 

By investing in jbrds, you're not just supporting a brand; you're championing a brighter, healthier future for the next generation.

We're on the brink of something transformative, and we invite you to be a part of this exciting journey.

Together, we will redefine children's footwear, ensuring every step they take is one towards a healthier, happier life.

Invest Today!

Overview