Number of Portfolio Companies 13
Number of Exits 
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  • Primary Job Title Chief Shoe Giver
  • Primary Organization 
    TOMS Shoes
  • Investor Type  Individual/Angel
  • Investor Stage  Seed
  • Number of Exits 

Blake Mycoskie is the Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS, and the person behind the idea of One for One®, a business model that helps a person in need with every product purchased.

A simple idea has grown into a global movement: TOMS Shoes has provided over 35 million pairs of shoes to children since 2006, TOMS Eyewear has restored sight to

over 275,000 since 2011 and TOMS Roasting Company has helped provide over 67,000 weeks of safe water since launching in 2014. In 2015, TOMS Bag Collection was founded with the mission to help provide training for skilled birth attendants and distribute birth kits containing items that help a woman safely deliver her baby.

TOMS humble beginnings happened unintentionally. While traveling in Argentina in 2006, Blake witnessed the hardships faced by children growing up without shoes. His solution to the problem was simple, yet revolutionary: to create a for-profit business that was sustainable and not reliant on donations. Blake's vision soon turned into the simple business idea that provided the powerful foundation for TOMS.

Over the course of its first five years, TOMS was successful enough in providing shoes for children in need. But Blake, having recognized other vital needs during his travels around the world, realized that One for One® could be applied to more than shoes. He developed the idea for TOMS Eyewear in which for every pair of eyewear purchased, TOMS would help give sight to a person in need. One for One®. In the fall of 2011, Blake released his first book, Start Something That Matters, offering his own amazing story of inspiration, and the power of incorporating giving in business. He references other companies and individuals who have been motivated and inspired to integrate philanthropy into their profession as well as their personal lives. The book became a New York Times best-seller. More importantly, it is Blake's hope that Start Something That Matters inspires others to turn their passion and dreams into a reality.

From shoes to eyewear and now a book, Blake's unique approach to business has awarded him with numerous accolades. In 2009, Blake and TOMS received the Secretary of State's 2009 Award of Corporate Excellence (ACE). At the Clinton Global Initiative University plenary session, former President Clinton introduced Blake to the audience as "one of the most interesting entrepreneurs (I've) ever met." People Magazine featured Blake in its "Heroes Among Us" section, and TOMS Shoes was featured in the Bill Gates Time Magazine article "How to Fix Capitalism." In 2011, Blake was named on Fortune Magazine's "40 Under 40" list, recognizing him as one of the top young businessmen in the world.

Before TOMS, Blake, a native of Texas who always had an entrepreneurial spirit, started five businesses. His first was a successful campus laundry service, which he later sold. Between business ventures, Blake competed in the CBS primetime series, The Amazing Race. With his sister, Paige, Blake traveled the world and came within minutes of winning the $1 million dollar grand prize. Blake is an avid reader and traveler. He is passionate about inspiring young people to help make tomorrow better, encouraging them to include giving in everything they do. His hope is to see a future full of social-minded businesses and consumers.

Number of Investments 15
Blake Mycoskie has made 15 investments. Their latest investment was Seed Round - TARA Mind on Jan 23, 2024, when TARA Mind raised
$8M
.
Announced Date  
Organization Name  
Lead Investor  
Funding Round  
Money Raised  
Jan 23, 2024
TARA Mind
Seed Round - TARA Mind
$8M
Nov 23, 2021
Back to the Roots
Series D - Back to the Roots
$15M
May 11, 2021
Athletic Brewing
Series C - Athletic Brewing
$50M
Mar 20, 2020
Athletic Brewing
Series B - Athletic Brewing
$17.5M
Feb 20, 2020
Liquid Death
Series A - Liquid Death
$9M
Aug 19, 2019
Saie
Yes
Angel Round - Saie
Dec 11, 2018
The Riveter
Series A - The Riveter
$16.3M
Dec 10, 2018
Good Money
Series A - Good Money
$30M
Feb 19, 2018
Universal Standard
Series A - Universal Standard
$7M
Jul 24, 2017
Leesa
Series B - Leesa
$23M
Number of Exits 
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Blake Mycoskie has exits. Their most notable exits are Owlet Baby Care and Leesa.
  • Owlet Baby Care Owlet Baby Care offers a health monitor that allows parents to view their child's vital signs in real-time.
  • Leesa Leesa makes carefully designed, comfortable mattresses out of high-quality materials.
Number of Current Jobs 2
Blake Mycoskie has 2 current jobs as Co-Founder at Madefor and Chief Shoe Giver at TOMS Shoes.
Number of Current Board & Advisor Roles 1
Blake Mycoskie is the Board Member at Leesa.
Number of News Articles 112
Funding RoundJan 23, 2024
TARA Mind raised $8,000,000 / Seed from Blake Mycoskie and 4 other investors
Funding RoundNov 23, 2021
Back to the Roots raised $15,000,000 / Series D from Ayesha Curry and 10 other investors
Funding RoundMay 11, 2021
NewsMar 30, 2020
Funding RoundMar 20, 2020
Athletic Brewing raised $17,500,000 / Series B from Blake Mycoskie and 3 other investors