Carbon38 was born from an innovative idea, a spontaneous contest entry, a fake website, and 14 post-it notes.


Today, we are—

2011

In November, Katie Warner Johnson attended the Women 2.0 Startup weekend and purchased our URL—www.www.shopcarbon38.com.

2012

In January, we launched the official Carbon38 Instagram. 

Wondering why we posted a picture of Tilapia? Same.

2013

In January, we started conducting business from a one-bedroom apartment and hired our first employee.

In July, we began fundraising.

In September, we received our first check for $100K from the Winklevosss Twins—yes, those twins.

In November, we launched as an E-commerce site focusing only on activewear. 

2014

In February, we brought our total fundraising to $1 million.

In September, we leased an office in West Hollywood with desks and computers for all 9 employees.

2015

In September, we started our Series Seed fundraising, raising $11 million.

In November, we launched the first exclusive Carbon38 Branded Label Collection—a mix of active, elevated basics, and signature prints.

2016

In August, our exclusive Takara Shine was born (to date, we’ve sold over 500,000 pairs).

In November, we hit the other coast and opened a pop-up shop on Los Angeles’ famous Roberston Blvd.

In December, we launched our first collaboration with "Love Me" artist, Curtis Kulig.

2017

In January, we partnered with award-winning designer Jonathan Simkhai for our second collaboration.

In March, we launched our first line of ready-to-wear pieces—The Met Collection.

2018

In January, a new investor contributed $15 million.

In December, we grew up and moved to our Culver City offices.

2019

We made a name for ourselves in the world of luxury fashion, partnering with a new wave of high-end labels and designers.

2020

In March, the global pandemic began.

We sold our Culver City offices, set up shop as a remote team, and threw ourselves into learning how we could best serve our customers and community. 

2021

In March, we partnered with Girls Inc, of Greater Los Angeles.

In August, we launched a collaboration with EleVen by Venus Williams—our first tennis collection.

In September, we re-platformed to Shopify.

In October, we partnered with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to raise funds for the world's most promising research and awareness campaigns. 

IT'S TIME FOR SOMETHING NEW

2022

In March, we announced our rebranding, including a new logo, a new feel, and a new us.

2024

By recognizing the potential and success of e-commerce and retail collaborations, BC Brands has acquired Carbon38, ushering in an exciting new era in activewear.

Why the name

Carbon38?

“I always loved chemistry as a subject and was thoroughly enthralled by the periodic table. I knew I needed a name to encompass all the unforeseen that was to come. As Carbon is one of the most abundant elements in our bodies, it felt compelling for the business I was beginning to create. I added on a number sequence, and our name was born.”

—Katie Warner Johnson
Co-Founder - Carbon38