Footwear innovator pursues new athletic endeavor

BOSTON, Mass. — Former president and CEO of Vibram USA Tony Post has launched Topo Athletic, a new company and brand of athletic gear created by and for athletes that conforms to the human body.



Based in Newton, Mass., Post has launched the new company with $5 million in series A funding from Norwest Venture Partners, a multi-stage investment firm based in Silicon Valley.



In 2006, Post launched the Vibram FiveFingers brand in the United States, which catapulted Vibram USA and minimalist footwear into the limelight.



"Topo Athletic addresses a key opportunity in the athletic gear industry and is primed for success with Tony Post at the helm," said Jon Kossow, general partner at NVP. "It's been impressive watching Tony blaze every brand trail he treks, from Rockport to Vibram; so when he came to us with his concept, our entire firm jumped at the chance to support Topo Athletic."



"Our vision is becoming a reality because of Norwest Venture Partners," said Tony Post, CEO and founder of Topo Athletic. "We opted to partner with NVP because of the people. They ask the right questions, champion our mission and provide important business support while allowing us to maintain our independence. We ultimately chose each other."



The company will debut its product line at the Outdoor Retailer winter market tradeshow in Salt Lake City January 23, 2013.