Horse Pilot
From Startup to Global Leader
Founded
2010
Industry
Sports & Recreation
Size
30 employees
Location
Paris, France
Silvr Use Case
Growth Financing
Founded in 2010 by Aurélien Guillon, Simon Dewavrin, and Guillaume Janin, Horse Pilot is revolutionizing the equestrian equipment industry. With a commitment to innovation, sustainability, and style, the brand has grown from a small startup to a significant player in the global equestrian market. Their journey exemplifies how strategic financing can fuel growth and innovation in a niche industry.
The Challenges
Cash Flow Management and Inventory Financing
Managing cash flow is a significant challenge for Horse Pilot due to balancing inventory needs with product development. With over 280 products, the wide product range and the strong seasonality of the equestrian market further complicate this, as significant capital is tied up in inventory throughout the year.
Marketing Investment
Establishing the Horse Pilot brand in a traditional market requires substantial marketing investment. Building brand awareness through social media advertising is crucial but financially demanding, especially for international expansion efforts.
Expansion and Financing for Growth
Supporting rapid growth and expanding into new markets are critical challenges for Horse Pilot. Growing at an average rate of 40% annually, the company requires flexible financing solutions to sustain its growth trajectory and support these expansion initiatives.
"One of our biggest challenges was building brand awareness, which meant investing heavily in social media advertising. We knew it was crucial for our growth, especially in international markets, but financing these campaigns was a constant struggle."
Aurélien Guillon, Marketing Manager and Co-Founder
The Solution
Strategic Financing for Marketing
Horse Pilot partnered with Silvr to secure dedicated funding for their advertising campaigns, focusing on social media marketing. This targeted investment significantly increased their digital marketing efforts, especially in international markets.
Flexible Loan for Seasonal Demands
Utilizing Silvr's quick and adaptable business loan, Horse Pilot effectively managed seasonal fluctuations in cash flow and inventory needs. This flexibility allowed them to maintain optimal stock levels and meet customer demand throughout the year.
Diversified Financing Approach
By leveraging Silvr's financing solutions, Horse Pilot was able to spread and diversify its financial resources. This reduced its reliance on traditional funding methods and provided a more balanced financial strategy to support its growth and expansion efforts.
“With Silvr, we were able to quickly receive financing for our ads and stock. It's ideal for adapting to seasonality. It also allows us to spread and diversify our sources of financing. We significantly increased our advertising spend using Silvr's loan for our ads.”
Aurélien Guillon, Marketing Manager and Co-Founder
The Results
Increased Marketing Reach and ROI
Intensified marketing campaigns significantly increased brand visibility internationally, particularly on social media. The enhanced marketing efforts quickly yielded excellent returns on investment, demonstrating the effectiveness of their targeted approach.
Accelerated International Growth and Revenue
Focused investment in digital marketing contributed to Horse Pilot's expansion into over 40 countries. While specific figures aren't provided, the company's growth to 6 million euros in annual revenue suggests a significant positive impact on sales and overall growth.
“Intensifying the marketing campaigns was a good way to increase our visibility abroad. We quickly saw an exceptional ROI on these campaigns. Silvr's financing played a crucial role in making this possible.”
Aurélien Guillon, Marketing Manager and Co-Founder