Niqolas Bassano is on a mission to create premium high-performance apparel that empowers fitness enthusiasts by seamlessly blending advanced materials, cutting-edge technical design, and sustainable practices.

“At Niqolas Bassano, we believe that fitness apparel can do more than look good – it can perform smarter and inspire confidence,” said Nick Bassan, Founder and CEO of Niqolas Bassano. “Our Angel Investment Round is about finding partners who share our vision to revolutionise the way people experience fitness and activewear.”

Redefining fitness through technology

The brand’s technology-driven approach includes:

• Advanced performance fabrics: engineered for breathability, moisture control, and enhanced durability through fabric technologies, Niqolas Bassano’s apparel supports athletes at every stage of their journey
• Sustainable innovation: by utilising eco-friendly manufacturing processes and sustainable materials, the company is committed to reducing its environmental footprint whilst joining the Sustainable Apparel Coalition to support the circular economy
• Wearable technology integration: Niqolas Bassano is investing long-term in R&D to integrate wearable technology, enabling customers to track performance metrics seamlessly alongside an AI-powered, all-in-one shopping and training app

Solving problems

Most workout wear is made from synthetic fabrics that are treated with chemicals which research describes can be absorbed through the skin. Sports bras and leggings are likely to be made from synthetic fabrics like Spandex, Nylon, and Polyester, all of which are essentially plastics, according to a study published by the American Chemical Society. These materials are made from petrochemicals and are often formulated with harmful chemical additives detrimental to human health like phthalates and bisphenols, both of which are endocrine disruptors. In short, when we workout, sweat released from our bodies leaches bad chemical additives to come out of the microplastic fibres and become available for human absorption.

This opportunity allows the startup to not only offer and commit to increasing its use of recycled fibres and synthetic fibres that are manufactured from renewable raw materials but also ensure it reduces it reliance on fossil fuels, which will eventually run out. The textiles sector is responsible for 5-10% of all greenhouse gas emissions and for over 20% of global water pollution. By 2030, we need to live in a world in which one in five garments are traded through circular business models, according to McKinsey, Fashion on Climate Report, 2020. It aims to help close the loop and make a difference not only to people’s lives through functional clothing design, but to our planet.

For more startup news, check out the other articles on the website, and subscribe to the magazine for free. Listen to The Cereal Entrepreneur podcast for more interviews with entrepreneurs and big-hitters in the startup ecosystem.