Krippit

Krippit is a fashion technology company operating in the footwear accessories market, with a focus on consumers of high-heeled shoes. The firm was founded in 2017 by Melissa Chung, who serves as the CEO. Chung's background as a financial advisor for over a decade, combined with an MBA from Cornell and further education in Innovation, Law, and Technology from the University of Toronto, provided a foundation for her entrepreneurial venture. The inspiration for Krippit stemmed from Chung's personal and observed experiences, including seeing her mother fall after her heel got caught in a grate, and her own dissatisfaction with existing heel protectors at an outdoor wedding.

The company's core business revolves around the design, production, and sale of 3D-printed high heel protectors. These products are engineered to increase the surface area of the heel base, providing greater stability and preventing the wearer from sinking into soft ground like grass or getting stuck in grates and cracks. The business model is primarily direct-to-consumer through its e-commerce website, where it sells a variety of protectors. The product line includes basic models and more fashionable versions featuring customizable elements and embellishments like crystals. This direct sales approach allows the company to gather customer feedback quickly and iterate on designs.

Krippit utilizes 3D printing technology for its manufacturing process, which enables rapid prototyping and customization. The protectors consist of a soft silicone insert to grip the heel without causing damage and a fashionable outer shell. This production method is also positioned as a sustainable choice with a reduced carbon footprint. The company holds a patent-pending for its design. Initially based in Toronto, Krippit has expanded its operations to Paris, France, to better access the European fashion market and now has a 'Made in France' product line. The company has participated in several incubator programs, including the Founder Institute in Toronto, Pépinière 27 in Paris, and was a pitch finalist at Georgetown's EnrichHer Spark competition. To date, Krippit has raised $535K in funding.

Keywords: high heel protectors, fashion technology, 3D printed accessories, footwear accessories, direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, Melissa Chung, shoe protection, stiletto guards, sustainable fashion, customizable accessories, patent-pending design, Paris fashion, Toronto startup, women's footwear, shoe care, heel stability, outdoor events footwear, wedding shoe accessories, fashion innovation