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Db (company)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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]

Db
FormerlyDouchebags
IndustryLuggage
Founded2012
Founder
Headquarters
Oslo
,
Norway
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
ProductsSports 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:

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 Benjamin Ortega: Three collections with french filmer & youtuber Benjamin Ortega were launchedbetween 2019 and 2021.[37]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Db Journey targets the global market". Eksfin. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  2. ^ "DB Equipment AS Certifies as a B Corporation" (Press release). Db. 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2024-12-05 – via GlobeNewswire News Room.
  3. ^ a b "Go Anywhere In Db's Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo "Discoverberry Bundle" Car". Hypebeast. 2021-11-27. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  4. ^ Moon, Brad. "Review: Db Equipment's The Artist Vegan PU Leather Backpack". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  5. ^ a b Russell-Cowan, Oli (2022-11-29). "Truls Brataas, Db Journey Founder". Rad Season. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  6. ^ 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.
  7. ^ a b Bohannan, Sydney (2023-06-05). "Big Wig: Eric Bascle, Db CEO". Boardsport SOURCE. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  8. ^ "Db Archives". Carryology. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  9. ^ a b "Dangerous Bacon". ANTI. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  10. ^ "Superlønnsomme drittsekker". finansavisen.no.
  11. ^ "Truls Brataas - Drivkraft". NRK Radio (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  12. ^ a b c d "Jon Olsson: Freeskier, YouTuber and Douchebags founder (Net worth)". ISPO.com. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  13. ^ "Douchebag designed to transport skis with ease". New Atlas. 2012-01-09. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  14. ^ Jon Olsson (2012-01-17). The Douchebag. Retrieved 2024-12-10 – via YouTube.
  15. ^ "Db Journey aims to emerge as world's preeminent luggage brand". FashionNetwork.com. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  16. ^ "Db Is Checking In on Chaotic Airport Moments for Summer Campaign". Hypebeast. 2024-05-31. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  17. ^ Lyon, Lee (2016-11-11). "Douchebag Snowroller: Best Ski Bag Out There". SnowBrains. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  18. ^ Catino, Erme (2016-09-26). "Roll on with Db Equipment". www.powder.com. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  19. ^ Novac, Dragos. "Douchebags adds Aksel Lund Svindal as onwer in the company". Nordic 9. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  20. ^ "Truls Brataas - Drivkraft". NRK Radio (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  21. ^ Tellefsen, Tonje K. (2021-05-28). "Db Equipment ble en internasjonal suksess nærmest over natten:". www.kapital.no (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  22. ^ a b c "Red Dot Design Award: Ramverk Pro Luggage". www.red-dot.org. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  23. ^ "Db Journey | new name same quality". Packyard. 2021-03-22. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
  24. ^ Hernandez, Magda (2021-02-16). "Scandinavian Luggage Brand Db Unveils Surfboard Bags". Shop-Eat-Surf. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  25. ^ HQ, Carry (2021-02-18). "Db Bring Their Award-Winning Innovation To Surf Bags". Carryology. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  26. ^ Paul, Taylor (2021-02-16). "Why Are Jordy Smith, Sage Erickson, and More Investing in this Luggage Company?". Stab Mag. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  27. ^ 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)
  28. ^ "Scandinavian Luggage Brand DB Restocks Its All-New Ramverk Pro". Hypebeast. 2023-07-17. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
  29. ^ "Db lanserar väska för den som ska ta med brädan på semester". Cafe.se (in Swedish). 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  30. ^ "Db Drops Four New Bags Including an Update to its Iconic Ramverk Pro". Hypebeast. 2024-05-02. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  31. ^ Nilsson, Pontus (2024-05-08). "Db lanserar sin första skateväska". Dopest (in Swedish). Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  32. ^ "LVMH Fund Invests in Norwegian Luggage Brand Db Bags". The Business of Fashion. 2024-12-05. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  33. ^ Socha, Miles (2024-12-05). "LVMH Luxury Ventures Fund Takes Minority Stake in Norwegian Luggage Brand Db". WWD. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  34. ^ EY Norge (2018-12-05). Truls Brataas i Db Equipment AS - EY Entrepreneur Of The Year-finalist 2018. Retrieved 2024-12-10 – via YouTube.
  35. ^ Db (2023-10-24). "DB Equipment AS Certifies as a B Corporation". GlobeNewswire News Room. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  36. ^ "Douchebags Launches Limited Jon Olsson CamoCollection". PezCycling News (Press release). 2017-06-28. Retrieved 2024-12-05.
  37. ^ Jon Olsson (2019-08-04). DOUCHEBAGS GETTING BENNIFIED!!! | VLOG⁴ 26 (Part 1). Retrieved 2025-01-17 – via YouTube.
  38. ^ "Introducing The Db x Chris Burkard Limited edition". Db Europe. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
  39. ^ Bowden, Tanner (2023-09-27). "Chris Burkard Teamed Up With Db to Make His Ideal Camera Bag". Field Mag. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
  40. ^ 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)
  41. ^ ""The Best Left-Back in the World" Now Has a Luggage Range in His Lucky Color". Highsnobiety. 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2025-01-17.
  42. ^ Berggren, Marcus (2024-12-16). "Db och Polestars nya samarbete: Väskor för entusiasten". Högsta Växeln (in Swedish). Retrieved 2025-01-17.
  43. ^ 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= has generic name (help)