Kim Kardashian’s shapewear and apparel brand, Skims, continues its meteoric rise in the global fashion and lifestyle industry, after raising $225 million in fresh capital, pushing the company’s valuation to an impressive $5 billion.
The funding round, announced Wednesday, was led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, alongside BDT & MSD Partners, and underscores the brand’s growing dominance and investor confidence in celebrity-driven consumer ventures.
Founded in 2019 by Kim Kardashian and Jens Grede, Skims has evolved from a shapewear startup into a full-fledged lifestyle empire, expanding into intimates, activewear, and ready-to-wear apparel. The company said the new funding will support plans to broaden its product lines, expand retail operations, and accelerate international growth. Currently, Skims operates 18 retail stores across the United States and two in Mexico, with ambitions to transition into a predominantly brick-and-mortar business in the coming years.
Kardashian’s strong social media influence and global celebrity appeal have been key to Skims’ success. Her massive following, coupled with the brand’s focus on body inclusivity and modern aesthetics, has resonated strongly with younger consumers. The business model also benefits from Kardashian’s cross-industry ventures, including her beauty label, SKKN by Kim, which recently became part of a consolidated entity after Coty sold a 20% stake to Skims earlier this year.
Industry experts see Skims’ trajectory as a blueprint for how celebrity-backed brands can sustain long-term growth through strategic partnerships and diversified offerings. “By leveraging both Kardashian’s global celebrity and distribution advantages through partnerships, Skims is expanding its product ecosystem,” noted Eric Bellomo, senior e-commerce analyst at PitchBook. “The recent SKKN by Kim buyback underscores this integrated approach, aligning apparel, beauty, and lifestyle.”
The brand’s impressive financial outlook further solidifies its reputation as a potential IPO candidate. According to company projections, Skims is on track to surpass $1 billion in net sales by 2025, positioning it alongside major players in the global fashion market.
Skims’ success reflects a broader industry trend where venture capital firms are increasingly investing in celebrity-founded brands, drawn by their built-in fan bases and marketing influence. This year alone, Elf Beauty acquired Hailey Bieber’s Rhode for about $1 billion, while Fenty Beauty by Rihanna and Khloé Kardashian’s Good American continue to attract strong investor backing.
Beyond its shapewear roots, Skims’ partnership with Nike to launch a women’s activewear line signals the brand’s ambition to compete with major sportswear companies. With fresh funding, a strategic vision, and a powerful celebrity-driven brand identity, Skims appears poised to shape the future of inclusive fashion and lifestyle retailing.
Skims’ latest $225 million funding round, led by Goldman Sachs, boosts its valuation to $5 billion and cements its position as a global fashion powerhouse. Leveraging Kim Kardashian’s celebrity influence and a strategy of expansion into apparel, beauty, and retail, the company is now eyeing international growth and a potential public offering.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Skims, co-founded by Kim Kardashian, has raised $225 million in new funding, valuing the brand at $5 billion. The investment, led by Goldman Sachs, will fuel global expansion and retail growth, positioning Skims as a strong contender for a future IPO.
