NYT 요약
Allbirds, Once Silicon Valley’s Favorite Shoe, Sells for $39 Million
https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/31/business/allbirds-sold-39-million.html
March 31, 2026
친환경 울 스니커로 유명했던 Allbirds가 2021년 상장 당시 기업 가치가 40억 달러였으나 5년 후 3,900만 달러로 매각됨
브랜드 관리 기업 American Exchange Group이 Allbirds의 모든 자산을 매수할 것임. 이번 거래는 주주 동의가 필요하며 2026년 2분기에 완료될 것임
Allbirds는 과거 벤처캐피털의 상징이었음. 여러 기업이 리테일을 거치지 않고 소비자에게 직접 판매(D2C)하는 비즈니스에 수십억 달러를 투자함 (예: Warby Parker의 안경, Casper의 매트리스, Away의 여행가방)
그러나 D2C 방식의 매력은 거의 사라지고 기대만큼 성공한 사례는 거의 없음
초기에 Allbirds 인기가 많았던 것은 전반적이 소비자라기보다 실리콘밸리에서 반짝 인기가 있었던 것임
당시 Allbirds는 실리콘밸리 임직원 필수품이었음. Allbirds는 전세계로 확장을 시도했으나 실리콘밸리 주변 도시 외 소비자 유입에 어려움을 겪음
이제 실리콘밸리조차 등을 돌리며 On이나 Hoka 신발을 신음
Allbirds, famous for its eco-friendly wool sneakers, had a corporate value of $4 billion at the time of its IPO in 2021 but will now be sold for $39 million.
Brand management firm American Exchange Group will acquire all of Allbirds' assets. This transaction requires shareholder approval and is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.
Allbirds was once a symbol of venture capital. Many companies invested billions of dollars in direct-to-consumer (D2C) businesses that bypassed retailers (e.g., Warby Parker eyewear, Casper mattresses, Away suitcases).
However, the appeal of the D2C model has largely faded, and there are few cases that have succeeded as expected.
Allbirds' initial popularity was a fleeting trend in Silicon Valley rather than for general consumer base.
At the time, Allbirds became a staple with executives and engineers. Although the brand attempted to expand globally, it struggled to attract consumers outside of cities surrounding Silicon Valley.
Now, even Silicon Valley has turned its back, with people wearing On or Hoka shoes instead.