Db (company)
Db, founded in 2012, (also known as Db Journey,[1] DB Equipment AS[2]) is a travel gear company,[3][4] headquartered in Oslo, Norway.[5][6]
Formerly | Douchebags |
---|---|
Industry | Luggage |
Founded | 2012 |
Founder | |
Headquarters | Oslo , Norway |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | |
Products | Sports Luggage, Luggage |
Number of employees | 60-70 (2023) |
What originally started with a ski bag expanded into a wider lineup of backpacks, suitcases and purpose designed luggage for sports gear such as skis, snowboards, bicycles and surfboards.[5] Db is independently owned and operated from its headquarters located in Oslo, Norway, with smaller offices in Stockholm, London, Chamonix, and Ericeira.[1][7]
History
[edit]Db (formally known as Douchebags)[8][9] was founded in 2012 by Truls Brataas[10][11] and Jon Olsson[12][13] with the goal of redefining travel gear.
The concept for Db Journey originated in 2009 when Truls Brataas and Jon Olsson met while surfing in Hoddevik, Norway.[12] Recognising a gap in the market for high-quality travel gear tailored to action sports, the duo launched Db's first product, the Snowroller, in 2012.[14][6][15][16]
It gained immediate recognition for its innovative design, winning awards such as the ISPO Award in 2014.[12][6][17][18] The same year alpine ski legend Aksel Lund Svindal invests into the company.[19]
Over the following years, the company expanded its product line to include photography and travel equipment, while maintaining a focus on functionality and innovation.[20][21][22]
Db underwent a rebranding in 2020, transitioning from its original name, Douchebags, to Db to reflect a broader audience and a more inclusive brand identity.[9][23]
In 2021 Db entered the surf market with a product designed together with professional surfers Jordy Smith and Sage Erickson.[7][24] This marked an expansion into new markets and further solidified the brand's reputation for creating purpose-built, high-performance travel solutions.[25] The same year Jordy Smith also invests in Db.[26]
Their first hard case luggage collection named Ramverk Pro was launched 2022.[27] A modular luggage system combining a robust aluminum frame with lightweight polycarbonate shells. This collection has received multiple design awards, including the Red Dot Award, for its innovative and durable design.[22][28]
In 2024, Db expanded into the skateboarding market with the launch of a 65L skate duffel, tailored to meet the needs of urban and action sports enthusiasts.[29][30][31] Later that year, Db secured a minority investment from LVMH’s Luxury Venture Fund, aimed at accelerating the company’s global growth and scaling its operations.[32][33]
Awards & Recognition
[edit]Db has received numerous accolades for its product design and sustainability efforts, including:
- ISPO Award (2014) for the Snowroller.[12]
- International Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the year award (2018) to founder Truls Brataas.[34]
- Red Dot Design Award (2022) for the Ramverk Pro Luggage.[22]
- B Corporation Certification (2023) for meeting rigorous environmental and social standards.[35]
Partnerships, Collaborations and Popups
[edit]Db has become known for brand collaborations with everything from pizza bags & rooftop tents to partnerships with athletes & designers.
- Db x Jon Olsson: In 2017, Db introduced the Limited Jon Olsson CamoCollection.[36]
- Db x Aksel Lund Svindal: A special edition Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo with a rooftop tent in collaboration with Porsche and Aksel Lund Svindal.[3]
- Db x Benjamin Ortega: Three collections with french filmer & youtuber Benjamin Ortega were launchedbetween 2019 and 2021.[37]
- Db x Chris Burkard: A sling bag for traveling photographers.[38][39][40]
- Db x Marcelo Viera: A full travel collection i Marcelos lucky color.[41]
- Db x Polestar: A travel collection.[42][43]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Db Journey targets the global market". Eksfin. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "DB Equipment AS Certifies as a B Corporation" (Press release). Db. 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2024-12-05 – via GlobeNewswire News Room.
- ^ a b "Go Anywhere In Db's Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo "Discoverberry Bundle" Car". Hypebeast. 2021-11-27. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Moon, Brad. "Review: Db Equipment's The Artist Vegan PU Leather Backpack". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ a b Russell-Cowan, Oli (2022-11-29). "Truls Brataas, Db Journey Founder". Rad Season. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ a b c "What's in a Name? Douchebags Demonstrates that Sometimes Great Product Wins All". Snowsports Industries America. 2017-12-15. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ a b Bohannan, Sydney (2023-06-05). "Big Wig: Eric Bascle, Db CEO". Boardsport SOURCE. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "Db Archives". Carryology. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ a b "Dangerous Bacon". ANTI. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "Superlønnsomme drittsekker". finansavisen.no.
- ^ "Truls Brataas - Drivkraft". NRK Radio (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ a b c d "Jon Olsson: Freeskier, YouTuber and Douchebags founder (Net worth)". ISPO.com. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "Douchebag designed to transport skis with ease". New Atlas. 2012-01-09. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Jon Olsson (2012-01-17). The Douchebag. Retrieved 2024-12-10 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Db Journey aims to emerge as world's preeminent luggage brand". FashionNetwork.com. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ "Db Is Checking In on Chaotic Airport Moments for Summer Campaign". Hypebeast. 2024-05-31. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Lyon, Lee (2016-11-11). "Douchebag Snowroller: Best Ski Bag Out There". SnowBrains. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Catino, Erme (2016-09-26). "Roll on with Db Equipment". www.powder.com. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Novac, Dragos. "Douchebags adds Aksel Lund Svindal as onwer in the company". Nordic 9. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Truls Brataas - Drivkraft". NRK Radio (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Tellefsen, Tonje K. (2021-05-28). "Db Equipment ble en internasjonal suksess nærmest over natten:". www.kapital.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ a b c "Red Dot Design Award: Ramverk Pro Luggage". www.red-dot.org. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Db Journey | new name same quality". Packyard. 2021-03-22. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ^ Hernandez, Magda (2021-02-16). "Scandinavian Luggage Brand Db Unveils Surfboard Bags". Shop-Eat-Surf. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ HQ, Carry (2021-02-18). "Db Bring Their Award-Winning Innovation To Surf Bags". Carryology. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Paul, Taylor (2021-02-16). "Why Are Jordy Smith, Sage Erickson, and More Investing in this Luggage Company?". Stab Mag. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ News, Matt Kollat last updated in (2022-10-25). "Travelling creatives, listen up! You must see Db's new Ramverk Pro Luggage Collection". T3. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ "Scandinavian Luggage Brand DB Restocks Its All-New Ramverk Pro". Hypebeast. 2023-07-17. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ^ "Db lanserar väska för den som ska ta med brädan på semester". Cafe.se (in Swedish). 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Db Drops Four New Bags Including an Update to its Iconic Ramverk Pro". Hypebeast. 2024-05-02. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Nilsson, Pontus (2024-05-08). "Db lanserar sin första skateväska". Dopest (in Swedish). Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "LVMH Fund Invests in Norwegian Luggage Brand Db Bags". The Business of Fashion. 2024-12-05. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Socha, Miles (2024-12-05). "LVMH Luxury Ventures Fund Takes Minority Stake in Norwegian Luggage Brand Db". WWD. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ EY Norge (2018-12-05). Truls Brataas i Db Equipment AS - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year-finalist 2018. Retrieved 2024-12-10 – via YouTube.
- ^ Db (2023-10-24). "DB Equipment AS Certifies as a B Corporation". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Douchebags Launches Limited Jon Olsson CamoCollection". PezCycling News (Press release). 2017-06-28. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
- ^ Jon Olsson (2019-08-04). DOUCHEBAGS GETTING BENNIFIED!!! | VLOG⁴ 26 (Part 1). Retrieved 2025-01-17 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Introducing The Db x Chris Burkard Limited edition". Db Europe. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ Bowden, Tanner (2023-09-27). "Chris Burkard Teamed Up With Db to Make His Ideal Camera Bag". Field Mag. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ^ Editor, Laurence Fry | Carryology Senior (2023-10-23). "Db x Chris Burkard Limited Edition Collaboration". Carryology. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ ""The Best Left-Back in the World" Now Has a Luggage Range in His Lucky Color". Highsnobiety. 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ^ Berggren, Marcus (2024-12-16). "Db och Polestars nya samarbete: Väskor för entusiasten". Högsta Växeln (in Swedish). Retrieved 2025-01-17.
- ^ Editor, Catherine Baecker-Khoury | Carryology (2024-12-19). "Pursuing the Drive to Explore | Polestar x Db Collection". Carryology. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
{{cite web}}
:|last=
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