In 30 seconds
Zwillinger describes how he and Tim Brown met, the problem Brown saw and the background each brought to Allbirds.
- 1Footwear problemBrown saw a gap in casual shoes.
- 2ConnectionZwillinger became an early customer.
- 3MaterialsHe brought biotechnology experience.
- 4PartnershipThe founders combined complementary skills.
Takeaways
- Brown identified a footwear opportunity.
- Zwillinger brought materials experience.
- The founders combined complementary skills.
Read the edited text by chapter
Two backgrounds
Allbirds co-founder Joey Zwillinger recalls that his partner Tim Brown came from professional football and design in New Zealand.
Allbirds co-founder Joey Zwillinger recalls that his partner Tim Brown came from professional football and design in New Zealand.
Zwillinger says Brown saw an unmet desire for more casual footwear without prominent branding.
An early connection
Brown launched a crowdfunding campaign in 2014; Zwillinger became an early customer through a connection between their families.
Brown launched a crowdfunding campaign in 2014; Zwillinger became an early customer through a connection between their families.
Zwillinger describes wanting to use entrepreneurship and private-sector activity to address environmental problems.
Materials and business
He recounts working at biotechnology company Solazyme on materials intended to replace petroleum-derived products.
He recounts working at biotechnology company Solazyme on materials intended to replace petroleum-derived products.
In conversations with brands, he says, interest in environmental benefits often gave way to pressure for lower costs and margins.
Building Allbirds
The founders combined Brown’s consumer-design perspective with Zwillinger’s materials and business experience, launching Allbirds around their shared ambition.
The founders combined Brown’s consumer-design perspective with Zwillinger’s materials and business experience, launching Allbirds around their shared ambition.
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