Bind Corporation, a South Korea-based operator of the men’s fashion commerce platform Athler, has raised a Series A funding of KRW 4 billion (approximately USD 3.07 million). 

Investors in this round included Kakao Ventures, Fast Ventures, Bass Ventures, DCamp, and Dasung Ventures. This funding round highlights Bind’s distinctive operational capabilities within the burgeoning middle-aged men’s fashion market.

Athler caters specifically to men in their 30s and 40s, facilitating sensible shopping choices through a platform that offers better pricing and a user-friendly experience compared to traditional outlets. The platform features a variety of dedicated pavilions for interests like golf, outdoor activities, sports, and luxury brands, transforming the shopping experience for this demographic. Currently, Athler hosts over 600 brands ranging from casual wear to formal attire and outdoor gear.

Athler seeks to enhance the traditional shopping challenges faced by middle-aged men by offering a fresh approach to retail that leverages customer behavior data to provide personalized recommendations. This enables shoppers to experiment with different styles. In 2024, Athler achieved a sixty-fold growth in transaction volume, firmly establishing itself not just as an online mall but as a comprehensive fashion platform for men in their 30s and 40s.

Following this investment, Athler plans to expand its offerings to include sports equipment, outdoor gear, and electronics. The goal is to consolidate both online-dispersed and offline-based brands, taking a lead in Korea’s estimated 10 trillion KRW men’s fashion market for those aged 30-40. The plan includes enhancing tailored services that reflect the tastes and lifestyle patterns of middle-aged men, evolving into a full-fledged commerce platform that encompasses all aspects of their lifestyle.

Fast Ventures’ Principal Lim Chae-kyung noted, “Bind was selected for our START acceleration program without a fixed product and has since shown remarkable execution speed and growth. Its significant sales and profit performance in the middle-aged men’s fashion market have assured us to commit to a third round of investment.”

Jang Dong-wook, a Director at Kakao Ventures, remarked, “Bind has demonstrated exceptional operational efficiency in a men’s fashion commerce market that still lacks convenience and brand accessibility. Their innovative approach, which marries data and technology, is poised to make a significant impact on the market.”

Kim Si-hwa, CEO of Bind, promised, “We are dedicated to offering our middle-aged male customers a richer and more differentiated shopping experience. We aim to evolve into a lifestyle platform that allows every middle-aged man to age stylishly with his unique style.”