/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45246770/IMG_0847.0.jpg)
Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Markhor wants to bring old world shoe design to gentleman who require footwear. But after launching in March, the San Francisco-based founders realized that they needed more than just skilled craftsman to be successful; they also needed capital. And where do Bay Area fashion businesses turn for capital? Kickstarter, of course.
Monday, the shoe company launched a Kickstarter to raise $15,000 to produce its shoe line. Now two days in the 45-day fundraiser, Markhor has already raised almost $30,000. But there's still a reason to keep contributing.
The Markhor team notes that its first goal was to introduce craftsman from Lahore, Pakistan —and their beautiful shoes— to world, but additional funding would mean greater job stability for those craftsmen. Since the company surpassed the $25,000 point, it will hire five workers full time and pay full benefits. The stretch goals continue with additional workers hired at the $50,000 and $100,000 benchmarks. If Markhor raises $200,000, the company will buy and renovate a workshop and hire 35 employees.
You can check out all of Markhor's minimalist men's styles here. If you like what you see, consider contributing through the Kickstarter.
· Markhor [Official Site]
· All Crowdfunding Posts [Racked]