Business Name: Sign in to view listing at https://fih.com/listing/4896532
Business Website: Sign in to view listing at https://fih.com/listing/4896532
Business Start Date: 2016
Business Location: Lebanon (source) + London, UK (operations)
Business Valuation: $4,890,000 USD (lowered from $6,150,000 USD)
Employee Number (Including Owners): 15
Business Model: Amazon FBA, Direct-to-consumer (D2C) eCommerce
Industry: Stationery/Notebooks, Sustainable Goods
Percentage Being Sold: 100%
Sales (TTM): $1,933,117.00
Net Profit (TTM SDE): $512,725.00
Sales Breakdown (by source): Amazon 80%, Website 10%, B2B 10%
Sales Breakdown (by country): 55% Europe, 45% North America, and <1% ROW
Business Multiple (TTM Revenue): 2.53x
Business Multiple (TTM EBITDA): 9.54x
Social Media Followers: 50K+
Paying Clients (TTM): 85,000+
Traffic (TTM): 1,707,400+
Tag Line: High Growth Historical Sustainability-Focused Notebooks eCommerce Brand doing $1.9M sales/year from diversified revenue channels! ! 

Executive Summary

The business is a premium eco-conscious stationery brand committed to sustainability, ethical production, and superior craftsmanship. The company specializes in high-quality, 100% vegan notebooks and journals that offer an unparalleled writing experience.

Founded in 2016, the business has grown rapidly, experiencing a 304% five-year growth and achieving a valuation of $9.5 million. The brand has earned the prestigious EU V-Label certification and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) approval, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.

With global distribution via its website, Amazon, and specialty retailers, the business has positioned itself as a market leader in sustainable stationery. The brand also donates 2% of its proceeds to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) UK, underscoring its dedication to conservation.

The business is at an exciting turning point, presenting a unique opportunity for strategic buyers looking to acquire a pioneering brand in the premium sustainable stationery market. As the world’s first and only fully vegan-certified notebook brand, the business has built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, eco-conscious innovation, and a loyal, engaged community. With the rising demand for sustainable, high-quality stationery, the brand is uniquely positioned for global expansion.

With a strong commitment to sustainability, the company offers a diverse range of products that cater to environmentally conscious consumers. Its combination of FSC-certified materials, biodegradable components, and meticulous design has made it a preferred choice for creatives, professionals, and journalists. The business has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, strong retail partnerships, and a thriving direct-to-consumer model, making it an attractive asset for investors seeking a purpose-driven brand with long-term market potential.

This is a rare opportunity to scale an established, values-driven business with a clear competitive edge in the sustainability space. We are currently evaluating offers from select partners who align with our vision and can bring the operational scale and resources to propel the business into its next phase of growth.

Business Overview

History and Mission

The business was founded by a Forbes “Thirty Under Thirty” honoree, who comes from a long lineage of paper manufacturers dating back over 200 years. The company was started as a side project while he was working at Rolls-Royce Aerospace but quickly became a full-fledged business.

The business aims to revolutionize the stationery industry by offering environmentally friendly, ethically sourced, and superior-quality writing products that do not compromise on luxury. The brand operates on a strong sustainability ethos, ensuring that its materials and processes have minimal environmental impact.

Location

The business operates primarily as an e-commerce business, shipping products worldwide. It has established partnerships with major retailers across the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

Vision

The company envisions becoming the leading global brand in sustainable stationery, inspiring consumers to make eco-friendly choices without sacrificing quality.

Sustainability Commitments

The business is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact through various sustainability initiatives:

• 100% Vegan Certification: The first and only notebook brand with EU V-Label certification.

• FSC-Approved Paper: Ensures responsible sourcing of materials.

• Zero Animal-Based Products: No animal-derived adhesives or materials used in production.

• Carbon Offset Initiatives: The company offsets its carbon footprint by investing in environmental projects.

• Sustainable Packaging: Uses recyclable materials and eco-friendly alternatives in packaging.

• 2% of Proceeds Donated: Contributions to WWF UK to support conservation efforts.

Key Achievements & Metrics

The business has demonstrated impressive growth and impact in the sustainable stationery industry:

• 304% Five-Year Growth Rate: A testament to brand success and customer demand.

• £6 Million Valuation: Reflecting strong financial positioning.

• Over £35,000 Donated to WWF UK Since 2019: Supporting endangered species and conservation projects.

• Global Presence: Products sold in the UK, US, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

• 100% Recyclable Products: Ensuring minimal environmental waste.

Products and Services

The business offers a range of high-quality, eco-friendly products that cater to writers, artists, professionals, and environmentally conscious consumers.

Notebook Collections

• Wildlife Collection: Available in nine colors, featuring debossed animal motifs that highlight endangered species. A portion of proceeds supports wildlife conservation.

• Earth Collection: Designed for bullet journaling, this collection features five colors, each symbolizing a fragile ecosystem in need of protection.

• Pro Collection: Ideal for professionals and creatives, offering heavier paper suitable for watercolors and illustrations. Features a sleek black textile cover with cactus or bee motifs.

Additional Products

• Pens: Made from biodegradable plastic, featuring smudge-free, water-based pigment ink for a smooth writing experience.

• Backpacks: Crafted from five post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, combining sustainability with functionality.

• Gift Cards: Available for consumers looking to share the experience with friends and family.

Market Opportunity

Industry Trends

• Growing consumer demand for sustainable and eco-friendly products.

• Expansion of the premium stationery market, driven by increased remote work and creative journaling.

• Rising interest in mindfulness and self-care products.

• Increased corporate demand for eco-friendly office supplies.

Competitive Advantage

• The only fully vegan-certified notebook brand with EU V-Label certification.

• Strong brand recognition and high customer loyalty.

• Established global retail footprint and scalable e-commerce operations.

• Proprietary high-quality paper blends that prevent smudging, bleed-through, and smearing.

• Strong engagement through influencer partnerships and content marketing.

Marketing and Sales Strategy

Brand Positioning

The business positions itself as the only premium notebook brand committed to 100% vegan and sustainable production while delivering a luxurious writing experience.

Sales Channels

• Online Store: Direct-to-consumer model

• Amazon: A key distribution partner, ensuring global accessibility.

• Retail Partnerships: Specialty stationery stores and eco-conscious retailers in key international markets.

Promotional Activities

• Social Media Engagement: Strong presence on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

• Partnerships: Collaboration with WWF UK to enhance brand credibility.

• Loyalty Programs: Incentives for repeat purchases and referrals.

Financial Overview

Historical Financial Performance

Revenue Model

• Retail Partnerships: Presence in over 100 retail locations.

• Direct-to-Consumer (DTC): Strong online sales through the company website and Amazon.

• Corporate & Bulk Orders: Custom notebooks for organizations and events.

• Subscription Model: Repeat customers through loyalty programs and seasonal launches.

• International Distribution: Growing markets in Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

Operations

• Supply Chain: Focus on sustainable sourcing of materials and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.

• Distribution: Global shipping capabilities to serve customers worldwide.

• Customer Service: Dedicated support team to handle inquiries and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Multi-channel revenue streams ensuring financial resilience.

Expansion Opportunities

• Increase penetration in North American and European retail markets.

• Expand into complementary product categories (planners, pens, accessories).

• Enhance marketing and customer acquisition strategies.

• Leverage sustainable brand positioning to attract corporate partnerships.

• Develop digital products (notetaking apps, e-planners) as a supplementary revenue stream.

• Strengthen B2B partnerships for sustainable office supplies.

Risk Factors

Market Competition: The stationery industry is highly competitive, with well-established brands offering premium notebooks. However, the business differentiates itself through its exclusive focus on sustainability and superior product quality.

Supply Chain Challenges: Dependence on responsibly sourced materials may pose challenges in procurement, particularly amid global supply chain disruptions.

Economic Fluctuations: Changes in economic conditions could impact discretionary spending on premium stationery products.