Akewatu has revolutionised the e-commerce surfboard industry by creating a worldwide marketplace where you can buy and sell surfboards. Founded by two passionate surfers from France, Nico and Julien, who both struggled to find the boards of their choice. Nico ran a surf-shop in a country-town, while Julian lived in Paris. The duo connected via their mutual dissatisfaction in the process of purchasing a surfboard they desired.
The company has now enjoyed major success in Australia, where it is headed up by former pro surfer & industry veteran, Rob Cribb. In an earlier interview Cribb told Tracks, “We have the largest online selection for any surfer to easily find their weapon of choice, with un-biased online expertise, backed by the latest payment facilities, which equates to less time shopping and more time in the water. Also for the surfer looking to buy a second hand board from an individual seller, there has never been a more honest solution, because the condition of all second hand boards on Akewatu are certified by us, which provides the buyer with complete confidence in what they’re getting.”
Akewatu is already supporting +300 surf shops across 5 countries, with +37K subscribers and +65k social followers. Now the plan is to give it global reach and take it into locations like Portugal, Spain, Germany, Italy, APAC, NZ, USA, Hawaii and Japan. Akewatu is currently inviting surfers to invest in the expansion process of a company with a simple vision – to make it easier for surfers to get their hands on the boards and products they want through a process that champions sustainability and supports surf shops. You don’t have to take a Warren Buffet kind of swing at this. You can get in on it for the price of a cake of wax or spend as much as you want.
In just two weeks Akewatu have raised over a million dollars and the expansion plan has already attracted investment from one of pro surfing’s elite players. This year’s world number three Johanne Defay explains her reasons for getting behind the innovative platform. “I’ve always been deeply attached to supporting surf shops and shapers. That’s why I was seduced by the Akewatu concept.” Legendary surfer and shaper Simon Anderson has also jumped on board as an ambassador for the digital marketplace.
The investment window is open until tomorrow Oct 14 th. To read more about Akewatu and how you can be involved click here.
