Forsake

Founded 2012-2015 by Jake Anderson and Sam Barstow, college friends from Union College. Bootstrapped through Kickstarter ($100K+ raised in 2012 on second attempt). Acquired June 7, 2021 by Weyco Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEYS), the publicly-traded American footwear conglomerate run by the Florsheim family that also owns Florsheim, Nunn Bush, Stacy Adams, BOGS, and Rafters. Aggregate purchase price was approximately $2.5M plus up to $1.75M in contingent earnout payments over five years tied to performance. Forsake sits in Weyco outdoor division alongside BOGS, headquartered in Portland, OR. Founders Anderson and Barstow remain leading the Forsake business.

Conglomerate subsidiary of a public company with quarterly-earnings pressure. Founders retained operating control and product direction so far. Small acquisition price and earnout structure suggest Weyco is content to let the brand operate independently, similar to Helen of Troy early Osprey treatment. Watch for: founder departure, Forsake ranges appearing in Florsheim or Nunn Bush channels, dilution of Climate Neutral or Leather Working Group commitments.