COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HOMAGE, Inc., a leading vintage-inspired sports and licensed apparel company, today announced a strategic investment of growth capital from Maximum Effort Investments LLC, an investment advisory firm co-founded by Ryan Reynolds. Maximum Effort Investments will serve as the lead investor for this round.
Founded in 2007 in Columbus, Ohio, HOMAGE was born from a deep appreciation for nostalgia and sports culture and has found success with its thoughtfully crafted apparel. Since its founding, the brand has grown from its Ohio roots to achieve widespread national acclaim. HOMAGE products connect to major national moments including Lebron James bringing a championship home to Cleveland and the Kelce brothers facing off in the “Kelce Bowl”. HOMAGE also prides itself on helping fans pay homage to their everyday passions like their team’s signature tailgate food or their favorite band.
HOMAGE intends to use this round of investment capital to expand its production capacity, grow its operating team, invest in technology, and expand its licensed business with new and existing partnerships. Existing partners include the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB, as well as Starter, several colleges and universities, and many beloved pop culture brands.
Ryan Vesler, HOMAGE Founder and CEO expressed excitement about Maximum Effort’s strategic involvement in the company’s future growth. “The highlight of my 17 years building HOMAGE is seeing how our customers express their passions and build community through our products. Maximum Effort’s capabilities and commitment to spreading joy by telling authentic stories will only help us grow that community further.”
“HOMAGE exists to tell stories that move people - one t-shirt, one hoodie, and one Starter jacket at a time,” said Maximum Effort Investments Head of Sports Ricky Engelberg. “At Maximum Effort, this aligns perfectly with our mission of bringing people together in smart, fun, unexpected ways. Our investment in HOMAGE represents an exciting new avenue for us to execute on that mission. We’re looking forward to expanding the incredible brand and business that HOMAGE has built.”
Through the investment, a representative of Maximum Effort Investments will join the HOMAGE Board of Directors and Maximum Effort will contribute a variety of strategic and creative resources.
About HOMAGE, Inc.
HOMAGE is an official license partner to the NFL, NBA, WNBA, and MLB, as well as numerous colleges and universities, and many beloved pop culture brands. Its mission is to help its customers pay homage to the people, places, and moments that mean the most to them. HOMAGE is proudly based in Columbus, Ohio. HOMAGE apparel is designed and produced in-house and available online at www.HOMAGE.com and in stadium team stores across the country.
About Maximum Effort Investments LLC
Maximum Effort Investments LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on investing in the areas of sports, media, consumer products, real estate and entertainment, aims to create transformational value through storytelling. Co-founded by Ryan Reynolds, George Dewey and James Toney of Maximum Effort, along with Harshal Dave, CEO of real-estate development and private equity firm Watford Group.
Press Images here
- Easton Store: HOMAGE’s store at Easton Mall in Columbus tells stories through a curated set of memorabilia decorating the shop as well as through the product for sale
- Licensed Product: HOMAGE’s product showcases creative graphic design, deep knowledge of vintage aesthetics, and unique collaborations
- Barry Sanders: HOMAGE’s most recent launch was the HOMAGE X STARTER G.O.A.T. VARSITY JACKET, which Barry wore to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. While the product sold out almost immediately, the jacket worn by Barry was signed and is now available in a giveaway.
- Ryan Vesler: Ryan founded the company in 2007, at first shipping packages out of his parent’s basement. His passion for connecting customers through storytelling was the spark that ignited HOMAGE’s growth over the last 17 years.
No copyright credit is needed on the above press images; however, if your outlet requires one, you may attribute to HOMAGE.
