"What Nike has built for the athlete we're looking to build for the standing professional," he told Insider.
It raised a $2.1 million round in September 2021.
Kizik, which makes slip-on sneakers and is backed by Nike, raised a $20 million round, and Hilma, which makes running shoes for women, raised a $3 million round.
Courtesy GalesA $434 million market rife with opportunityAccording to NPD Group, the market for "occupational footwear" increased by 28% in 2021, to $434.4 million.
He also founded and exited the footwear brand Rob McAllan, which sold dress shoes designed to perform more like sneakers.