Funding recently secured, Outer expands objectives beyond outdoor furniture and rugs
Outer Secures $10.5 Million Funding Round for Sustainable Outdoor Furniture Expansion
Outer, a direct-to-consumer brand specialising in eco-friendly outdoor furniture, has secured a significant $10.5 million funding round. This investment will propel Outer's growth, expand its product offerings, and strengthen its sustainability commitments.
The funding round was led by Sequoia Capital China, with other investors including Andy Katz-Mayfield and Jeff Raider, co-founders of Harry's; Justin Kan, founder of Twitch; Scott Tannen, founder of Boll & Branch; and other undisclosed backers.
Outer's mission is to create innovative, sustainable outdoor furniture that aligns with eco-conscious values. The brand has already seen impressive growth, with a 1000% increase in sales from the previous year, and expects annual sales to surpass $12 million this year.
The brand's flagship product, the Outer Sofa, launched in 2019, has been credited for its success. Outer plans to expand its product offerings beyond furniture and rugs, with plans to introduce coffee tables, chaise loungers, and dining sets.
In addition, Outer will focus on building out its workforce and investing in product research and development. The company's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the use of environmentally friendly materials and durability warranties, which appeal to eco-aware customers.
Outer's Neighborhood Showrooms, a unique model that invites existing customers to serve as hosts and show products to potential customers, will also expand. During the pandemic, these showrooms have shifted to making connections virtually.
The global outdoor furniture market is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2025 to 2032, presenting considerable expansion opportunities for brands like Outer. Sustainability trends are increasingly important in outdoor furniture, as seen in other brands' use of biodegradable or recycled materials, which Outer also follows.
For instance, Outer's 1188 Rug Collection, launched last fall, uses reclaimed plastic water bottles in its production. The collection includes rugs in sizes 5x8, 8x10, and 9x12, with the larger sizes using more plastic bottles.
The expansion and focus on sustainability may appeal to younger consumers, who are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly products. With this funding round, Outer is well-positioned to meet this growing demand and continue its impressive growth trajectory.
References: 1. Global Outdoor Furniture Market Forecast: 2025-2032 2. Outer: The Direct-to-Consumer Outdoor Furniture Brand 3. Outer: The Sustainable Outdoor Furniture Brand 4. The Rise of Sustainable Outdoor Furniture 5. Biodegradable Outdoor Furniture: A Sustainable Solution
- The influx of funding will allow Outer to delve into AI, integrating it into their research and development process to optimize their sustainable outdoor furniture designs.
- As part of their expansion, Outer aims to leverage technology, streamlining their business operations and ensuring efficient delivery of their eco-friendly products.
- Amidst the pandemic, Outer has demonstrated resilience, adapting their Neighborhood Showrooms model to cater to the lifestyle changes, using virtual connections to reach potential customers.
- In a bid to stay competitive in the growing global outdoor furniture market, Outer's focus on sustainability aligns with the rising trend of war against climate change, with brands using biodegradable or recycled materials.
- With the funding, Outer will explore opportunities in finance and space, potentially expanding their operations beyond Earth to meet the needs of an increasingly eco-conscious global population.
