What Zenkai Sports does

Zenkai Sports is a Portland, Oregon-based direct-to-consumer apparel company founded in 2018 by former NHL player Doug Lynch and apparel industry veterans Raj and Akhil Shah. The company designs, markets, and sells sustainable performance and athleisure apparel activated by its proprietary Filium® technology, which infuses natural fibers (cotton, modal, linen) with hydrophobic and odor-resistant properties at the yarn level, eliminating the need for synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics, topical chemical treatments, or fluorocarbons. The product portfolio spans core performance tops, compression wear (including hockey-specific Velcro-tab garments), accessories, and a linen athleisure collection, with materials that are 92% biodegradable and certified to bluesign® and Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex standards.

The commercial model is exclusively DTC e-commerce through zenkaisports.com, shipping to the United States, Canada, Australia, and Bermuda with free ground shipping on continental US and Canadian orders. Unit pricing ranges from $25 for accessories to $90-$100 for linen pieces, with no subscription or recurring revenue component. The customer base is segmented by vertical into First Responders, Sports & Athleisure, and Corporate buyers, supported by an ambassador network of professional athletes across the NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB, NWSL, MMA, professional golf, Olympic swimming, and Paralympic sports.

Zenkai has raised $1M in disclosed funding (December 2022) from strategic investors, supplemented by advisors including the former CEO of the Canadian Olympic Committee and a 20-year Under Armour executive. The company operates with 1-10 employees, has a registered Filium® trademark, and pursues a partnership-led GTM strategy with organizations such as Athletix, SportAbility BC, NHL Officials Association, Cycling Canada, Propulsion, and 3ICE. No retail, wholesale, or third-party marketplace distribution is present in the current model.

Name

Zenkai Sports

Legal name

Zenkai Sports

Website

https://zenkaisports.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Zenkai Sports is a Portland-based direct-to-consumer apparel brand selling sustainable performance and athleisure wear activated by proprietary Filium® technology, serving athletes, first responders, and corporate buyers in the US, Canada, Australia, and Bermuda.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Athletic & Athleisure Apparel

NAICS

Apparel Manufacturing (315), Apparel Knitting Mills (3151)

SIC

Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Women's, Misses', And Juniors Outerwear (2330)

akta.pro primary industry

Athletic / Performance & Activewear Brands (CRAAAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Running & Endurance Wear (CRAAAEAD), Outerwear & Cold-Weather Apparel Manufacturers (CRAAAAAI)

Keywords

• Sustainable performance apparel
• Natural fiber activewear
• Odor-resistant clothing
• Athletic compression wear
• Water-repellent sportswear

Headquarters

HQ city

Portland

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: One-time purchase model for apparel and accessories. Products are sold directly to consumers through e-commerce. No subscription or recurring revenue model mentioned.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Zenkai Sports designs, manufactures, and sells sustainable performance apparel activated by its proprietary Filium® technology, which transforms natural fibers such as cotton, modal, and linen into water-repellent and odor-resistant fabrics while preserving breathability. The brand sells athletic tops, compression wear, a linen athleisure collection, and accessories through a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront, targeting athletes, first responders, corporate users, and individuals with sensitive skin.

Product overview

Zenkai Sports is a sustainable performance apparel brand offering a unified portfolio of athletic and athleisure wear activated by proprietary Filium technology. The product line includes core tops (Raglan Short/Long Sleeve Tees, Polos, Mock 1/4 Zip Tops), compression wear (Peak Compression Short Sleeve/Long Sleeve Tops, Shorts, Tights, Velcro Shorts/Tights with hockey sock tabs), accessories (Compression Lace Bite Socks), and a Linen Athleisure collection (Linen Button Down Shirts, Linen Pants for men and women). All products utilize Filium technology to make natural cotton and modal fabrics water-repellent and odor-resistant while maintaining breathability. Collections serve First Responders, Sports & Athleisure, and Corporate market segments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Men's Raglan Short Sleeve Tee Sport fit raglan sleeve t-shirt for men, activated with Filium technology to repel sweat and odor and made from a 55% Cotton / 37% Modal / 8% Spandex blend for multiple wears without washing.
• Men's Raglan Long Sleeve Top Relaxed fit raglan long sleeve top for men that uses Filium technology to repel sweat and odor while reducing skin rashes and irritants.
• Men's Polo Men's sport-fit polo made with 92% natural fabric and Filium technology that allows multiple wears without odor, constructed from 55% Cotton / 37% Micro Modal / 8% Spandex.
• Men's Mock 1/4 Zip Top Relaxed fit men's pullover with YKK zipper pocket, using Filium-treated fabric that repels light rain and is 92% biodegradable for casual layering.
• Men's Peak Compression Long Sleeve Top 4-way stretch compression long sleeve top for men with raglan sleeves and generous body length, using Filium technology to repel sweat and odor and reduce skin irritants.
• Men's Peak Compression Short Sleeve Top 4-way stretch men's compression short sleeve top with raglan sleeves, leveraging Filium technology to repel sweat and odor and allow multiple wearings without washing.
• Men's Peak Compression Shorts 9-inch inseam men's compression shorts with 4-way stretch, cup pocket, and right side cell pocket, treated with Filium to repel sweat and odor.
• Men's Peak Compression Tights 9-inch inseam men's compression tights with 4-way stretch and Filium treatment that repels sweat and odor and reduces skin rashes.
• Men's Peak Compression Velcro Shorts 9-inch inseam men's compression shorts with velcro tabs for hockey socks and a built-in cup pocket, made from a 55% Cotton / 37% Modal / 8% Spandex blend with Filium technology.
• Men's Peak Compression Velcro Tights Men's compression tights with velcro tabs for hockey socks, using Filium technology to repel sweat and odor and allow multiple wearings without washing.
• Men's Compression Lace Bite Socks Men's compression socks with extra instep cushioning to protect against lace bite, made from 50% Cotton / 37% Nylon / 11% Spandex / 2% Elastic with Filium technology for hockey, skiing, hiking, and work boots.
• Women's Relaxed Short Sleeve Tee Relaxed fit women's t-shirt for training or casual wear, using Filium technology to repel sweat and odor, reduce skin rashes, and allow multiple wears without washing.
• Women's Polo Women's polo in a soft breathable natural fabric with 4-way stretch, made from 55% Cotton / 37% Modal / 5% Spandex and Filium technology to repel sweat and odor.
• Women's Linen Sleeveless Shirt Women's versatile linen top with curved hem, made from 70% Linen / 30% Lyocell and activated with Filium technology to repel liquids, stains, and odors, responsibly produced in India.
• Women's Linen Pants Women's linen pants designed for year-round wear, made from 70% Linen / 30% Lyocell with Filium technology to repel liquids, stains, and odors, featuring a drawstring waistband and functional front pockets.
• Men's Linen Button Down Short Sleeve Shirt Men's relaxed fit linen button-down short sleeve shirt with one chest pocket, made from a linen and lyocell blend activated with Filium technology to repel odor and sweat.
• Men's Linen Pants Slim fit men's linen pants with drawstring waistband, front pockets, and back welt pockets, made from linen and lyocell with Filium technology to repel liquids, stains, and odors for travel, work, or relaxation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dries up to 40% faster than regular clothing when wet
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• AthletixcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerZenkai Sports is the official apparel partner for Athletix, providing performance apparel to all Athletix testing staff, employees and partners within the Athletix franchise network. Athletix provides sport-specific performance testing and data analysis using mobile testing units across Europe and North America.
• SportAbility BCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNon-profit volunteer-driven association in British Columbia delivering sports programs for athletes with disabilities. Zenkai provides state-of-the-art training gear for select coaches, staff and athletes. Portion of proceeds from sales benefit SportAbility athletes in Boccia, Power Soccer and Para Ice Hockey.
• 3ICEminorStrategic or Co-development Partner3ICE is a professional 3-on-3 hockey league. Zenkai Sports is an Official Supplier of apparel for players, coaches and training staff.
• PropulsionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of the fastest growing hockey agencies. Partnership provides world class performance apparel to their athlete clients.
• NHL Officials AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with organization representing NHL officials.
• Cycling CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNational cycling organization partnership.
• Matterhorn FitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFounded by NHL player Ryan Vesce, provides high performance athlete training programs.
• EcoAthletesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEcoAthletes organization promoting sustainability in sports. Zenkai ambassador Ellis Spiezia is an EcoAthletes Champion.
• High Impact AthletesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNonprofit supporting athletes who contribute to charity. Ambassador Ellis Spiezia is a member.
• Chris OverholtminorOthersStrategic advisor. Former CEO of Canadian Olympic Committee.
• Matt ShearerminorOthersStrategic advisor. 20-year executive at Under Armour.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Under Armour: Mass-market performance athletic apparel brand; directly comparable to Zenkai because both sell compression tops/shorts/tights and performance basics to athletes and active consumers, and Zenkai has retained a 20-year Under Armour executive as strategic advisor.
• Lululemon: Premium athletic and athleisure apparel brand sold DTC and through branded retail; comparable to Zenkai in target customer (premium active/athleisure consumer), DTC-first distribution model, and premium price points on tops and bottoms.
• Vuori: Premium men's and women's athleisure brand sold DTC and through select wholesale; competes head-to-head with Zenkai's Sports & Athleisure and Linen Athleisure lines on premium basics and a sustainability/quality brand narrative.
• Rhone: Premium men's activewear and basics brand sold DTC; comparable to Zenkai because it similarly targets active men with performance tops and bottoms, premium pricing, and a content-driven brand-led GTM.
• Mack Weldon: Premium men's basics and underwear DTC brand with performance materials; directly comparable to Zenkai on premium-basics positioning, DTC e-commerce, and a technology-led yarn/fabric story.

Broad incumbents

• Patagonia: Established outdoor/athletic apparel incumbent with sustainability at the center of its brand. Comparable to Zenkai on the 92% biodegradable / skin-friendly / sustainability positioning, but operates at vastly larger scale across many categories beyond performance basics.
• Nike: Global performance athletic apparel and footwear incumbent with a Move-to-Zero sustainability program and proprietary Dri-FIT/moisture technologies; competes with Zenkai in compression and performance apparel and offers natural-fiber/sustainability sublines.
• Adidas: Global athletic apparel incumbent with Primegreen/Primeblue recycled product lines and a long-running sustainability program; relevant broad incumbent peer to Zenkai's plant-based, certified-clean positioning.

Emerging players

• Allbirds: DTC sustainability-first apparel and footwear brand; comparable to Zenkai on the natural-material, sustainability-certification, and DTC premium-brand playbook, though Allbirds is a much more mature brand with broader product breadth.
• Cotopaxi: B Corp-certified sustainability-focused outdoor and active apparel brand; comparable to Zenkai on the eco-positioning, athlete/community storytelling GTM, and direct-to-consumer model for premium sustainable apparel.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/zenkaisports
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zenkai-sports-llc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zenkai Sports