Carbitex, a company based in Kennewick, Wash., specializes in flexible carbon fiber composites for footwear and luggage. Recently, the company raised $3.3 million in funding, with founding partner Michael Marks of Celestea Capital leading the round. This brings the total amount raised by Carbitex since its founding in 2012 to $28 million. Carbitex’s materials are used in a variety of footwear categories, including running, cycling, soccer, watersports, snowboarding, and golf, with the flexible carbon being customized for stiffness, response, size, and shape depending on the specific shoe model and use case.
As an ingredient brand, Carbitex sells its materials to brand partners who then integrate them into their products. Some of the notable shoe brands that Carbitex partners with include Altra, Speedland, Lake, Scott, PAYNTR Golf, and FootJoy. In addition to footwear, the company also works with bag and accessory brands such as Tumi, Pitaka, and Porsche Design. This collaboration allows Carbitex to showcase the versatility and performance of its materials across a wide range of products in the market.
Carbitex underwent a two-year restructuring effort, during which founder Junus Khan returned to lead the company as president. The restructuring also involved the hiring of new executives, including Patrick Sinner as vice president of brand product development, Filippo Sartor as vice president of global sales, and Sam Gardner as vice president of engineering and operations. These strategic moves have positioned Carbitex for further growth and expansion in the market, with the company forecasting a 5X revenue increase for 2025 over 2024.
With a focus on innovation and collaboration with leading brands in the industry, Carbitex continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with flexible carbon fiber composites. By working closely with partners to tailor their materials to meet the specific needs of different product categories, Carbitex has established itself as a key player in the footwear and luggage markets. The company’s dedication to quality and performance has earned it a strong reputation among both new and existing customers, paving the way for future success and growth in the years to come.
Overall, Carbitex’s approach as an ingredient brand has proven successful, with the company’s materials being integrated into a wide range of products by top brands in the industry. With a team of 14 employees, Carbitex remains committed to driving innovation and delivering high-quality materials that meet the evolving needs of the market. As the company looks ahead to 2025 and beyond, its focus on growth, collaboration, and customer satisfaction will continue to drive its success in the competitive world of flexible carbon fiber composites in footwear and luggage.
