Investment & Fund Management

KAAI, a fashion retail company based in Belgium, was founded by former top executives Ine Verhaert and Helga Meersmans, who transitioned from managing large teams in established fashion companies to launching their own brand. The niche issue they faced was the lack of stylish yet practical handbags designed for working women in urban environments. They identified a gap in the market for bags that could accommodate the dynamic lifestyles of women who juggle work, fitness, and social activities throughout their busy days.

To address this challenge, KAAI developed a line of handbags that are both fashionable and functional, featuring compartments and pockets tailored to the needs of corporate women. The brand's name, KAAI, reflects the canals of Antwerp, symbolizing the fluidity and movement of modern working women. Despite their extensive experience in the fashion industry, securing financing proved difficult, as banks were hesitant to invest in the fashion sector, which they deemed less favorable for financing.

KAAI overcame this hurdle by obtaining an EU-guaranteed loan from PMV, supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the Investment Plan for Europe. This financial support enabled them to initiate production, establish sales and marketing strategies, and prepare for the opening of their flagship store in Antwerp in late August 2018. The tailored solution provided by the EIF not only facilitated the launch of KAAI but also positioned the brand to meet the specific needs of its target market, ultimately contributing to the growth of the company in the competitive fashion retail landscape.