Core Insights - Skims, founded by Kim Kardashian, has raised $225 million in a new funding round, increasing its valuation to $5 billion, surpassing Victoria's Secret's market value of $2.9 billion [1][4] Group 1: Brand Growth and Market Positioning - Skims was established in 2019 and quickly gained market traction with its inclusive sizing, diverse skin tone products, and minimalist aesthetic, selling nearly 100,000 units of its first shapewear within two minutes of launch [2][4] - The brand has successfully partnered with the NBA and WNBA as their first official lingerie partner, leveraging key events and social media to enhance brand visibility and expand into the male consumer market [2][3] Group 2: Financial Performance and Valuation - Skims has seen rapid valuation growth, from $1.6 billion in 2021 to $5 billion in 2023, supported by a revenue increase from $145 million in 2020 to $750 million in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 73% [4][5] - The latest funding round was led by Goldman Sachs, bringing the total funding raised to over $889 million, establishing Skims as a benchmark in the consumer goods sector [4][5] Group 3: Strategic Partnerships and Product Expansion - In February 2025, Skims will launch a sub-brand, NikeSKIMS, in collaboration with Nike, focusing on women's activewear, with predictions of a $1 billion market potential [3][4] - The funding will primarily be used to expand retail networks, drive international growth, and develop new product categories, with plans to open 16 new stores in the U.S. by 2025 and enter European and Middle Eastern markets by 2026 [6][7] Group 4: Challenges and Market Strategy - Despite strong global performance, Skims has not yet entered the Chinese market, facing challenges related to local consumer preferences and intense competition from established brands [7] - The company is adopting a cautious expansion strategy, emphasizing thorough market research and localization before entering the Chinese market, with a focus on strengthening retail and international business growth [7]