A mystery investor has pumped cash into an Aberdeen-based luxury fashion design and manufacturing business to help develop its product range.
The financial boost for Aphrodite x Venus (AxV) is also aimed at supporting the firm’s ambitions to make a name for itself in women’s couture on the international stage.
Daniel Crozier, who founded and runs the company, had turned to accountancy firm Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB) for guidance on growing his fledgling business.
Brian McMurray and Stuart Cooper of AAB’s corporate finance team were happy top help.
The AAB duo delivered fund-raising advice, sourced potential investors, and secured the desired investment.
The identity of the investor, who has also taken a stake in the business, was undisclosed – as was the exact value of their “six-figure” investment.
Mr Crozier, 30, said: “I am thrilled to have secured this significant investment into AxV, and wish to pay thanks to Brian and Stuart at AAB for their hard work and support throughout the process.
“After several years’ planning, it is with great satisfaction that I now look to create a collection of exquisite garments and develop the AxV brand on a global scale. ”
Mr McMurray, head of equity finance, AAB, said: “Over the past few years we have seen an increase in clients inquiring about fundraising advice.”
Mr McMurray added: “Having worked closely with Daniel to secure this fund, we look forward to continuing our relationship and supporting AxV to become an established and successful Scottish business reaching clients worldwide.”
Mr Crozier’s career started with a degree in fashion design from Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen.
In 2011 he was stunned to hear that a tartan coat he designed had been picked for the Dressed to Kilt show – one of the world’s highest-profile Scottish events.
The garment was modelled alongside haute couture from international fashion houses such as Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
Its creator went on to join the design team at New York City fashion house Marchesa.
While there, he helped with the design and construction of luxury garments for various couture and bridal collections, private clients and celebrities including Beyonce, Kate Beckinsale, Charlize Theron, Rihanna, Sandra Bullock and First Lady Michelle Obama, before coming back to Aberdeen to start AxV.
The company designs and manufactures women’s luxury demi-couture evening and bridal clothing.
It was launched two years ago and all key operations, such as product design, manufacturing and garment finishing still take place in Aberdeen.
Although the business does not currently have any revenue, Mr Crozier plans to start trading next year and is targeting £1 million turnover in 2019.
He aims to grow turnover to more than £10m by 2022.
He also expects to be employing 12 people next year, with the workforce mushrooming to 35 by 2022.
According to information held at Companies House, AxV has had a second director since April 3.
Graham Stronach, of Turriff, is on board at the firm less than a year after he and fellow shareholders at Aberdeen-based specialist paint manufacturer Spencer Coatings sold their business to US company Axalta Coating Systems.
Spencer is now trading as Axalta Coating Systems Huthwaite UK.