Roam

Roam is in talks with major UK retailers for a 2023 launch

Sexual wellness challenger Roam has raised almost £2m from the crowd as it prepares to expand beyond the DTC into retail.

The business has beaten a £1.7m target on the Seedrs platform, valuing the brand at £6m.

Launched in late 2021 by co-founders Ben Taylor and Alex Griffiths, Roam sells premium, 100% natural products, including skincare-inspired lubes, condoms made from vegan ‘Fair Rubber’ latex with 38% less plastic packaging, and toys made with medical grade silicone.

The digitally native start-up, which runs a DTC site with a subscription service, has recently launched with Amazon as part of the first step in an omnichannel distribution strategy.

Roam said it was “progressing conversations” with major UK retailers for an in-store launch early next year.

Co-founder and chief commercial officer Alex Griffiths said: “For too long customers have had no credible alternative and lacked a choice in products for sex. That time is over.

“Roam is proud to lead the overhaul of the category with never-before-seen products.”

The business – which has raised £2.3m from VC investors since its inception – will use the £1.8m secured in the new crowdfunding round to strengthen working capital and fuel growth.

“Amid a monopolised market, brand awareness and proximity are key to winning the hearts and minds of consumers,” Griffiths added.

“We’ll be creating noise in the market like never before to wake consumers up to finally having a choice, alongside delivering breakthrough innovation.

“We’re proud to celebrate sex with products that have a smaller environmental footprint and resonate with the sustainable values of the modern shopper.”