Key Takeaways
- Able Made raised $2M in seed funding from Oregon Sports Angels and individual angel investors
- The NYC startup creates sustainable apparel inspired by soccer culture for off-pitch wear
- Founded in 2012 by Suzanne McKenzie, the company targets the 4 billion global soccer fans
Able Made, a New York City startup making sustainable apparel for soccer fans who want to look the part without wearing a jersey, has raised $2M in seed funding. Oregon Sports Angels led the round, joined by angel investors Jeff Mostyn, Sara Toussaint, and Mark Hochgesang.
The company was founded by Suzanne McKenzie in 2012. It sells "off-pitch" clothing and accessories that draw from soccer aesthetics while working as everyday streetwear. Think: the visual language of the sport, but without the polyester match-day kit.
Why sports angels are betting on lifestyle apparel
Oregon Sports Angels focuses on companies at the intersection of athletics and consumer products. Able Made fits that thesis precisely. Soccer has over four billion fans globally, making it the most-followed sport on the planet. But the market for soccer-adjacent lifestyle clothing remains fragmented, dominated by either official club merchandise or generic athleisure brands.
Able Made targets the gap. Its pitch is that soccer fans want to signal their connection to the sport in settings where a Messi jersey would look out of place. A business meeting. A bar. A date. The company designs clothing that nods to soccer culture without screaming it.
The sustainable angle
Beyond the soccer positioning, Able Made emphasizes sustainability in its supply chain. The global sustainable apparel market is projected to reach $8.25 billion by 2025, growing at roughly 6.5% annually. Younger consumers, particularly those in their 20s and 30s who form soccer's most passionate fan base, increasingly factor environmental impact into purchase decisions.
For Able Made, sustainability is not a side project. It is baked into the brand identity. The company positions itself against fast fashion, arguing that soccer fans should be able to buy quality pieces they keep for years rather than disposable merchandise.
What the funding will support
The $2M seed round comes after 14 years of operation, an unusually long runway before institutional funding. McKenzie bootstrapped the company through its early years, building a direct-to-consumer business before seeking outside capital.
The new capital will likely go toward inventory expansion, marketing, and potentially wholesale partnerships. Soccer lifestyle brands have historically struggled to break into mainstream retail, but the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the US, Canada, and Mexico, creates a unique window for visibility.
Logicity's Take
Able Made's timing is no accident. The 2026 World Cup will bring unprecedented soccer attention to North America, and lifestyle brands that position themselves now could ride that wave through retail and media partnerships. The challenge: competing against Nike, Adidas, and Puma, which all have dedicated lifestyle lines and massive budgets. Able Made's edge is specificity. It is not trying to outfit athletes. It is dressing fans who want subtlety over logos. That is a real niche, but $2M is a modest war chest for scaling a consumer apparel brand. Expect Able Made to prioritize capital efficiency and community building over aggressive retail expansion.
The investor angle
Jeff Mostyn, one of the angel investors in this round, is the chairman of AFC Bournemouth, a Premier League football club. His involvement signals that Able Made has credibility within professional soccer circles, not just among startup investors looking for consumer brand exposure.
Sara Toussaint and Mark Hochgesang round out the angel syndicate. Oregon Sports Angels typically writes checks in the low single-digit millions, making this deal consistent with their portfolio strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Able Made sell?
Able Made sells sustainable apparel and accessories inspired by soccer culture, designed for everyday wear rather than match days. The clothing incorporates soccer aesthetics without obvious team branding or logos.
Who founded Able Made?
Suzanne McKenzie founded Able Made in 2012 in New York City. She bootstrapped the company for over a decade before raising this seed round.
How much funding did Able Made raise?
Able Made raised $2M in seed funding from Oregon Sports Angels, Jeff Mostyn (AFC Bournemouth chairman), Sara Toussaint, and Mark Hochgesang.
Why is soccer lifestyle apparel a growing market?
Soccer has over 4 billion fans globally, but most apparel options are either official team merchandise or generic sportswear. Brands like Able Made target fans who want to express their connection to the sport through subtle, everyday clothing.
Need Help Implementing This?
Looking to launch or scale a direct-to-consumer brand? Reach out to the Logicity team for recommendations on e-commerce platforms, supply chain partners, and marketing tools tailored to emerging consumer brands.
Source: AlleyWatch
Huma Shazia
Senior AI & Tech Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
