Carbitex
Carbitex is a private B2B materials technology company that develops and licenses patented flexible carbon fiber composites (OmniFlex, MonoFlex, GearFlex) for integration into partner-brand performance footwear and accessories across running, golf, cycling, snow, water, and outdoor categories.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2012
- HeadquartersKennewick, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Carbitex does
Carbitex, Inc. is a privately held B2B materials technology company founded in 2012 by Junus Khan and headquartered in Kennewick, Washington. It develops and licenses flexible carbon fiber composite technologies for integration into partner-brand performance footwear and accessories. Its three core platforms are OmniFlex (a flexible carbon fiber textile delivering high tensile strength and zero stretch in a textile form), MonoFlex (asymmetrically flexible carbon fiber plates that are stiff in one direction and pliable in the other for underfoot protection and natural gait), and GearFlex (dynamically flexible carbon fiber plates that progressively stiffen as they bend for geared power at higher speeds). The technology was originally prototyped by Khan from 2010 and validated through testing at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.
Carbitex operates an OEM-embedded go-to-market, embedding its proprietary carbon fiber materials into products manufactured by partner brands rather than selling finished consumer goods. Revenue is generated primarily through technology licensing, integration fees, and development, manufacturing, and marketing support services. The company has 20+ premium brand partners across performance running (Saucony, Scott, Altra, Superfeet, Speedland), soccer (Adidas), golf (Footjoy, Payntr), hiking (The North Face, Mammut), cycling (Lake, Mavic), snowboarding (Burton, DC), water sports (Radar, Ronix), sailing (Zhik), and premium luggage and accessories (Tumi, Porsche Design, Vessel, Pitaka). In mid-2023 the company shifted manufacturing to Asia while retaining its Washington-state operations, and founder Junus Khan returned as President. Recent product extensions include the GearFlex Eco sustainable plate variant and a patented anti-puncture flexible carbon fiber insole (2022).
The company has raised approximately $16M+ across disclosed rounds between 2016 and 2021, including a $6.25M SEC-registered exempt offering in September 2021, with strategic participation from footwear industry executives affiliated with Adidas, Crocs, and Boa. The firm employs 11-50 people and reports global brand-partner reach across North America, Asia (China, Japan), and Europe (UK, Germany). In June 2024 Carbitex launched the Center for Better Flex educational hub in partnership with Saucony, Scott, and Altra, signaling a shift toward category thought leadership in footwear flexibility science.
Carbitex firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Carbitex
- Legal name
- Carbitex, Inc.
- Website
- https://carbitex.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2012
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Carbitex is a private B2B materials technology company that develops and licenses patented flexible carbon fiber composites (OmniFlex, MonoFlex, GearFlex) for integration into partner-brand performance footwear and accessories across running, golf, cycling, snow, water, and outdoor categories.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Carbitex industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Advanced Composite Materials
- NAICS
- Resin, Synthetic Rubber, and Artificial and Synthetic Fibers and Filaments Manufacturing (3252)
- SIC
- Broadwoven Fabric Mills, Man Made Fiber & Silk (2221)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Composite Reinforcement Textiles (Carbon/Glass/Aramid Fabrics & Preforms) (IMAOADAH)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Molded Fiber & Bio-composite Materials (natural fiber-reinforced plastics) (IMANANAE)
Keywords
Where Carbitex is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Kennewick
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Carbitex business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Technology Licensing and Integration: Carbitex licenses its proprietary carbon fiber technologies (OmniFlex, MonoFlex, GearFlex) to footwear and accessories brands. They provide development support, manufacturing support, and marketing support to brand partners, integrating their technology into the partners' products.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Carbitex product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Carbitex develops and manufactures proprietary flexible carbon fiber composite materials — OmniFlex (textile), MonoFlex (asymmetric plate), and GearFlex (dynamic plate) — and licenses/embeds them into brand-partner products. Alongside the materials, the company provides Development, Manufacturing, and Marketing support services to integrate its technology into finished footwear and accessories sold by partners.
Product overview
Carbitex is a pioneer and leader in flexible carbon fiber composites, offering three patented core technologies: OmniFlex (carbon fiber textile), MonoFlex (asymmetrically flexible plates), and GearFlex (dynamically flexible plates). These technologies eliminate compromises of traditional materials by providing unique combinations of flexibility, power transfer, stability, and protection. The company operates as a technology provider to brand partners across footwear, bags, and accessories markets, offering Development, Manufacturing, and Marketing support services alongside its material technologies.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- OmniFlex (formerly CX6) Exceptionally flexible carbon fiber textile that harnesses high tensile strength and zero-stretch characteristics in a flexible, lightweight form, maximizing power transfer while providing precision control and superior stability without adding bulk. Licensed to footwear, luggage, and accessories brand partners.
- MonoFlex (formerly AFX) Asymmetrically flexible carbon fiber plate technology that is stiff in one direction for underfoot protection and stability, while highly flexible in the opposite direction to move with natural gait and protect from rocks, roots, debris, and rough terrain. Designed for outdoor and trail performance footwear partners.
- GearFlex (formerly DFX) Dynamically flexible carbon fiber plate technology that engages stiffness as it bends, providing geared power at higher speeds while remaining highly flexible at slower speeds to move with natural gait and maximize energy with every step. Licensed to footwear partners including Superfeet, Scott, and Adidas.
- Development Support Services Collaborative development services including rapid prototyping, customizable performance characteristics, testing and validation, and expert design synthesis provided to brand partners to help them integrate Carbitex technology and achieve performance goals.
- Manufacturing Support Services Manufacturing support services to ensure seamless integration of Carbitex technology into brand partners' existing manufacturing processes, delivered alongside the 2023 shift of Carbitex manufacturing operations to Asia.
- Marketing Support Services Marketing support including PR and digital promotion, collaborative campaigns, and event or ambassador activations aligned with brand partners' product launch strategies.
Quantifiable outcome
- Energy return improved by 39% in Superfeet Run Pacer Elite with GearFlex technology
Companies that use Carbitex
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Carbitex technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature3 records
Carbitex partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- SauconycoreSaucony partnered with Carbitex for the Endorphin Edge trail running shoe, featuring MonoFlex carbon fiber technology for maximum ground feel and responsiveness on trails.
- ScottcoreScott collaborated with Carbitex for multiple products including Ultra Carbon RC, Speed Carbon RC, and Ultra Explore trail running shoes. The Ultra Explore features the world's first Carbitex Gearflex Eco plate made of 50% flax, 50% carbon and bioresin.
- AltracoreAltra partnered with Carbitex for the Mont Blanc Carbon trail running shoe featuring MonoFlex plate technology, and the Vanish Carbon road running shoe with AFX plates.
- SuperfeetcoreSuperfeet partnered with Carbitex for the Run Pacer Elite insole featuring GearFlex carbon fiber plate that responds to movement with flexibility at low speeds and stiff leverage for high-speed power.
- FootjoycoreFootjoy partnered with Carbitex for the Tour Alpha 3X BOA Carbon golf shoe, integrating OmniFlex carbon fiber textile into the BOA Fit System WRAPID technology.
- AdidascoreAdidas partnered with Carbitex for the X Speedflow soccer cleat featuring DFX plate technology, worn by world-class players including Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah. Also used in Adizero Pro running shoes.
- Payntr GolfcorePayntr Golf partnered with Carbitex for multiple shoe models including the X Trainer XC 001, Eighty Seven SC, and Trainer Carbon X featuring both OmniFlex upper and GearFlex plate technology.
- SpeedlandcoreSpeedland partnered with Carbitex for multiple trail running shoes including GS:PDX, GS:PGH, GS:OAK, GS:TAM, and SL:PDX featuring GearFlex technology for propulsion and snap.
- The North FacecoreThe North Face partnered with Carbitex for Energy Tech GTX and Energy Tech Mid GTX hiking shoes incorporating Carbitex carbon fiber technology.
- TumicoreTumi partnered with Carbitex (their first customer since 2012) for CFX Coleford Brief Case featuring Carbitex flexible carbon fiber materials.
- Porsche DesigncorePorsche Design partnered with Carbitex for Carbon backpack using OmniFlex technology - more durable than leather with high strength to weight ratio.
- VesselcoreVessel partnered with Carbitex for carbon fiber golf bag collection featuring OmniFlex genuine carbon fiber for technology, durability, and lightweight performance.
- PitakaminorPitaka partnered with Carbitex for FlipBook Case for iPad Pro combining leather and carbon fiber materials.
- BurtoncoreBurton partnered with Carbitex for SLX Snowboard Boot with Carbitex technology for support and response.
- DCcoreDC partnered with Carbitex for Shuksan BOA Snowboard Boot with strategically placed OmniFlex panels for freeride performance.
- LakecoreLake partnered with Carbitex for CX403, CX302, and CX333 cycling shoes with Carbitex CX6/OmniFlex technology for glove-like fit and immediate power transfer.
- PumacorePuma partnered with Carbitex for integration of carbon fiber technology in performance footwear products.
- MammutcoreMammut partnered with Carbitex for Nordwand 6000 High Mountaineering Boot featuring Carbitex technology.
- RadarcoreRadar partnered with Carbitex for Vapor Waterski Boot, Lyric BOA Boot, and Vector Boa Boot with OmniFlex technology surrounding ankle for superior stability.
- RonixcoreRonix partnered with Carbitex for wakeboard boots including RXT Massi Piffa X Redbull Intuition+ Boot and One Carbitex Intuition+ Boot.
- ZhikcoreZhik partnered with Carbitex for Carbon PowerPads sailing gear providing lighter, stronger, safer hiking pads.
- MaviccoreMavic partnered with Carbitex for XA Flex mountain bike shoes incorporating Carbitex technology for lightweight performance.
- CourserminorCourser partnered with Carbitex for Uno Sneaker featuring Carbitex carbon fiber plate technology.
- STR/KE MVMNTminorSTR/KE MVMNT partnered with Carbitex for Vimana Carbon running shoe built with MonoFlex plates for stability and protection.
- Last MissionminorLast Mission partnered with Carbitex for Earthwalker insole featuring 3x thicker construction with Carbitex MonoFlex carbon plate.
- BlumakaminorBlumaka partnered with Carbitex for Carbon Elite Insole with turf toe protection featuring Carbitex technology.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Carbitex competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Bcomp: Bcomp (Swiss) develops natural-fiber (flax) reinforced composites, including ampliTex and powerRibs, used in motorsport, sports equipment, and footwear — directly comparable to Carbitex's carbon fiber composites for performance applications and the GearFlex Eco flax/carbon plate.
- TeXtreme (Oxeon): TeXtreme manufactures spread-tow carbon fiber reinforcements and fabrics for aerospace, automotive, and sports/footwear applications — a closely analogous flexible carbon-fiber textile technology competing for similar performance-materials use cases as Carbitex's OmniFlex.
Broad incumbents
- SGL Carbon: SGL Carbon is a large, publicly listed manufacturer of carbon fiber, graphite, and composite materials serving automotive, aerospace, energy, and industrial markets — a broad incumbent whose carbon-fiber and composite portfolio overlaps Carbitex's flexible-composite offering at scale.
- Toray Industries: Toray is one of the world's largest carbon fiber producers (TORAYCA) and a major supplier of advanced composites to aerospace, automotive, and sporting-goods markets — a broad incumbent comparable to Carbitex as a competing source of carbon-fiber materials for high-performance footwear.
- Hexcel: Hexcel is a global leader in advanced composites, supplying carbon fiber reinforcements, prepregs, and honeycomb core materials for aerospace, wind energy, automotive, and sporting goods — a broad incumbent with overlapping carbon-fiber and composite-product capabilities to Carbitex.
- Solvay (composites): Solvay (including the legacy Cytec businesses) supplies advanced composite materials, carbon-fiber reinforcements, and specialty polymers to aerospace, automotive, and industrial customers — a broad incumbent with comparable high-performance composite offerings.
- Mitsubishi Chemical (carbon-fiber division): Mitsubishi Chemical produces PAN-based carbon fibers (Pyrofil/TR Filament) used across sporting goods, industrial, and aerospace applications — a broad incumbent supplying carbon-fiber materials to footwear and sports-equipment brands similar to Carbitex's customer base.
Emerging players
- Lingrove: Lingrove develops natural-fiber (flax, hemp) and bio-based performance composites for sports equipment, mobility, and consumer goods — an emerging player with a bio-composite focus directly comparable to Carbitex's GearFlex Eco flax/bio-resin plate.
Others
- BOA Technology: BOA Technology supplies dial-based fit systems (BOA Fit System, WRAPID) integrated into performance footwear — an adjacent component partner that has co-developed products with Carbitex (e.g., Footjoy Tour Alpha 3X BOA Carbon) and competes for similar performance-footwear design wins.
- Vibram: Vibram is a leading supplier of high-performance rubber outsoles and footwear components used by many of the same brands that integrate Carbitex technology (Altra, Mammut, Scarpa-adjacent) — an adjacent component supplier rather than a direct composites competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Carbitex social profiles
Digital presenceCarbitex financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Carbitex leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Carbitex funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds5 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Carbitex M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Carbitex
What does Carbitex do?
Carbitex develops and manufactures proprietary flexible carbon fiber composite materials — OmniFlex (textile), MonoFlex (asymmetric plate), and GearFlex (dynamic plate) — and licenses/embeds them into brand-partner products. Alongside the materials, the company provides Development, Manufacturing, and Marketing support services to integrate its technology into finished footwear and accessories sold by partners.
Is Carbitex a public or private company?
Carbitex is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Carbitex founded?
Carbitex was founded in 2012. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Carbitex based?
Carbitex is headquartered in Kennewick, United States, in the North America region.
How does Carbitex make money?
One revenue line is on record: technology Licensing and Integration.
Who are Carbitex's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Bcomp and TeXtreme (Oxeon). Broad incumbents are SGL Carbon, Toray Industries, Hexcel, Solvay (composites) and Mitsubishi Chemical (carbon-fiber division). Lingrove is listed as an emerging player. Others are BOA Technology and Vibram.
Does Carbitex have an API?
No public API is recorded for Carbitex.
What industry is Carbitex in?
Carbitex's product category is Advanced Composite Materials. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAOADAH, Composite Reinforcement Textiles (Carbon/Glass/Aramid Fabrics & Preforms), with a secondary code of IMANANAE, Molded Fiber & Bio-composite Materials (natural fiber-reinforced plastics). Its NAICS code is 3252 and its SIC code is 2221.