
Key Points:
·Business expansion: Obtained authorization from internet celebrity Dan Bilzerian to launch the Ignite brand; added two new product lines for e-cigarettes and athletic wear.
·Product planning: Positioning e-cigarettes in the high-end market; distribution in convenience stores in the second half of the year; athletic wear to first focus on sports equipment category.
·Market validation: Coupang platform sells out of 25,000 e-cigarette pre-orders; Group's sales reach 88.6 billion Korean won (637.9 million US dollars) in 2024.
According to a report by Fashionbiz on June 24, the South Korean brand development company Open Run Project is actively expanding into new business areas. By acquiring the intellectual property rights of the American e-cigarette brand "Ignite," the company is officially entering the convenience store e-cigarette and sportswear market.
Ignite was founded in 2017 by social media influencer Dan Bilzerian. The luxury e-cigarette brand is set to launch in the second half of 2025 in South Korea, with plans to be available in 5000 convenience stores. The product features a high-end design and is made of stainless steel to align with the brand's image.
Before officially launching, the Open Run Project conducted pre-sales on the Coupang platform, with 25,000 units selling out. CEO Park Bu-taek of the company stated:
"We believe that this product is also competitive in the Korean market. It not only has a high-end positioning that has not yet appeared in the local market, but also boasts outstanding quality and visual design."
Currently, brands under the Open Run Project include Drawfit, Odd Studio, Noir, Minab, and Lizur. In 2024, the company achieved sales of 88.6 billion Korean won (approximately 63.79 million US dollars) and operating profit of 12.1 billion Korean won (approximately 8.71 million US dollars).
We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.
Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn
Notice
1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.
2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.
4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.
Copyright
This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.
For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.
We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com