Balao Circular Wear 1A

We give waste from the sports world a new lease of life by creating unique sneakers, full of emotion and history.
€62,000
total amount raised in round
248%
  • Backed by over 50 investors
  • Eligible for a tax reduction
Campaign Closed
BALAO has already proven the viability of its model and the growing demand for premium circular sneakers.

With more than 500 pairs sold, €65,000 in revenue, and prestigious B2B partnerships, the brand has a solid foundation on which to accelerate its growth.

Profitable and scalable business model

BALAO combines several complementary channels:


  1. E-commerce (B2C): direct sales with a gross margin of ~46%, thanks to strong storytelling and a loyal customer base.
  2. B2B sports clubs & companies: volume sales with customized sneakers, a circular model with high added value (Standard de Liège, RAAL, Spa-Francorchamps, Habay-La-Neuve, etc.). .
  3. Selective retail: presence in premium stores such as Maniet Luxus and Yuman Village, reinforcing brand awareness and high-end positioning.
  4. Corporate collaborations: partnerships with brands and events that share the same values of sustainability.

This hybrid model allows BALAO to balance growth, margins, and recurring revenue while maintaining a strong identity.


Why is BALAO seeking funding? 


BALAO is raising €570,000 to accelerate its growth and strengthen its leadership in the European circular sneaker market.

The objective is clear: to scale an already validated model while consolidating its commercial, logistical, and product foundations.

Breakdown of fund usage:

35% – Production & R&D

 → Development of new collections (tennis, padel, tires) and material innovation.

30% – Marketing & Communication

 → Acceleration of e-commerce, customer acquisition, and international storytelling.

25% – Recruitment & Logistics

 → Strengthening the team, optimizing the supply chain.
 
10% – Expansion & Market Preparation

 → Cross-border sales testing and preparation for entry into the French, Dutch, and German markets.

Objective: accelerate development, validate the model on a large scale, and lay the foundations for a strong European circular brand.


5-Year Vision & Objectives (2025–2030)


BALAO aims for sustainable and progressive growth, supported by targeted investments in production, digital marketing, and geographic expansion.

Phase 1 (2025–2026) — Validation & Local Expansion

Market consolidation in Belgium & Luxembourg.

Launch of new ranges made from waste from other sports (tennis, padel, automotive).

Target: 1,000 pairs sold by the end of 2026

Target revenue: €250,000

Phase 2 (2027–2028) — European expansion

Rollout in France, the Netherlands, and Germany

Increase in production capacity with our Portuguese partner

Development of the retail network and international B2B

Target: 5,000 pairs/year

Target revenue: €2 million

Phase 3 (2029–2030) — Leadership & profitability

Strengthening brand awareness on a European scale

Launch of new iconic collaborations (major clubs, sporting events, automotive brands, etc.)

Profitability achieved by 2029.

2035 target: €12.5 million in revenue and 1% of the European sustainable sneaker market


Business strategy


To achieve these objectives, BALAO relies on:

  • Emotional storytelling focused on sports, upcycling, and real impact.
  • A powerful digital presence (Meta, Google Ads, sports ambassadors, email).
  • Exclusive collaborations with committed clubs, brands, and events.
  • Continuous product improvement through R&D and customer feedback.
  • A traceable and transparent circular model, guaranteeing sustainable and credible differentiation.


Overall objective: to make BALAO the European benchmark for circular sneakers by 2035, combining performance, style, and impact.