Combat Equipment and Apparel Maker Hayabusa Secures Mezzanine Financing From BDC Capital

January 28, 2019, Ottawa—BDC Capital’s Growth and Transition Capital division has provided mezzanine financing to Hayabusa of Kingston, Ontario. Founded in 2006, Hayabusa designs and manufactures high-quality equipment and apparel for boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai and other combat sports. Its products, which are recognized as some of the safest in the world, are used by fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike.

BDC Capital’s financing will serve as working capital to support Hayabusa’s growth as it aims to take advantage of the increasing popularity of combat sports as a form of fitness training among the general public. The company will principally use the funds to produce the inventory required to ramp up sales in that segment.

BDC Capital’s lead on this deal was Laura-Lee Brenneman, Director, Growth & Transition Capital, Ottawa. “We’re impressed by the energy and passion of Hayabusa’s management team and by its drive to create some of the safest and most innovative products in this space,” says Brenneman. “Last year, the company pivoted to a primarily direct-to-consumer sales model via the company’s own online store, which led to its highest yearly revenues yet.”

“BDC Capital understands the needs and challenges that face companies such as ours in a rapidly changing retail environment,” says Craig Clement, Hayabusa’s Co-president and CFO. “They treat their clients as true partners and help them succeed by truly recognizing their potential and working alongside them to realize it.”

About Hayabusa

Hayabusa (pronounced hi-ya-boo-sa) is highly regarded as the gold standard in combat equipment and apparel. Hayabusa possesses a relentless commitment and passion to produce only the highest calibre products in terms of both safety and performance, to help inspire athletes in their journey to becoming better, healthier and stronger.

About BDC Capital

BDC Capital is the investment arm of BDC, the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. With over $3 billion under management, BDC Capital serves as a strategic partner to the country’s most innovative firms. It offers businesses a full spectrum of capital, from seed investments to growth equity, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs who have the ambition to stand out on the world stage. Visit bdc.ca/capital.

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