Losode.com, an innovative fashion destination by Africans, is currently heading up the leaderboard in the #Voom 2016 competition

The rise of African Fashion Designers on the continent has grown considerably in recent years. Losode.com, a pioneering fashion start-up headquartered in the UK, is currently inching its way to the top of the Leaderboard in the start-up category of Virgin Media Business' #VOOM 2016 competition for a share in £1 million, from Richard Branson as well as mentoring at 10 Downing Street, and a trip to Necker Island.


The company’s founder, Ade Adeyemi, eloquently explains her concept behind the fashion start-up in the company's pitch video, explaining not only the core concept behind Losode.com , but also the differences between the company and other online fashion portals. ‘Losode is a big vision, set to disrupt the fashion industry at large, by working conscientiously to empower people through entrepreneurship. Africa is just the starting point, there are developing countries in every continent’ – says Ade.

A significant part of that difference is the company’s social enterprise aspect. While Losode.com  will import Western fashions and sell them online, they are also creating the first online marketplace for African designers to showcase their creations and share their passion with a global audience. A lack of structure and regulation of the fashion industry as well as challenges in logistics makes it difficult for African designers to trade globally successfully. 

Ultimately Losode aims to bridge the gap between the Western world and Africa using fashion and style, positioning itself as a cultural influencer in the Western Fashion scene while empowering entrepreneurs and creating opportunities for sustainable social growth in developing countries, in a sense that has too rarely been seen on the global stage.

The #VOOM competition takes place over the course of 14 weeks, and sees competitors from all over the UK and Ireland competing for their share of the winnings.

Voting is done by the public, viewers watch each pitch and then vote for their favourites, helping to propel the start-ups and small businesses they love to success.

‘‘Virgin Media Business VOOM 2016 is all about seeking out, supporting and celebrating the UK’s and Ireland’s most exciting businesses. It’s the biggest and most valuable pitch competition out there - we’re hoping everyone will find a way to get involved!’ says Sir Richard Branson. The pitch portion, dubbed the “Pitchathon” by organisers, lasts just 29 hours but is actually an attempt by the #VOOM team to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. For any business, this is a big deal, but particularly so for Losode.com , which is set to debut their online platform this month.

Public voting closes on the 23rd of May, so supporters must get their votes and pledges in immediately to keep Losode.com on the leaderboard in the start up category and propel them to the top 5 in the crowdfunding round.

Peter Kelly, Managing Director of Virgin Media Business adds, “We’re in the business of accelerating great ideas and boosting local businesses,” says. “Whether that’s by helping the [UK’s/IRELAND’s] entrepreneurs access superfast broadband, or by establishing the country’s most exciting pitch competition, we’re proud to be helping small businesses succeed.”

To watch the pitch video and vote, click here. To learn more about Losode, the company’s ecommerce offerings, or future expansion plans, visit http://www.Losode.com.    

About Losode UK Ltd: Losode is based in the UK and Nigeria, and is dedicated to bringing the world to Africa and Africa to the world. From renowned Western fashion brands to new offerings from African designers, Losode.com is the preeminent fashion destination in Africa.

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