The investment set likes growing brands like Staud — even in a mixed-up consumer economy.

Well-connected financial sources told WWD that the contemporary fashion line cofounded by Sarah Staudinger recently brought a new minority investor on board. 

WWD first reported in February that the company, which at the time counted Christopher Burch of Burch Creative Capital as the largest minority investor, was looking to bring a new backer into the fold. 

Neither Staud officials nor Burch replied to requests for comment on Wednesday.

While it’s not clear who invested in Staud, the why is easier to figure. 

Staudinger has built a brand that is on the lips of fashionistas everywhere and is growing every which way, adding categories like sport and expanding with brick-and-mortar stores, e-commerce and through wholesale accounts. 

It’s been a tough year to get deals done, however.

While 2025 started off with something of a kick as investors hoped the second administration of U.S. President Donald Trump would lead to more business-friendly policies, Trump leaned in heavily on tariffs and spooked the moneyed crowd with a trade war. 

The disruption seems to have helped along some bigger deals, including some surprise connections and buyouts that experts said needed to get done for one reason or another. 

Some new money for Staud proves that underneath the uncertainty, there’s still plenty of appetite to buy into brands that have somehow managed to make their way through the pandemic and the rest of it with plenty of momentum. 

What comes next for Staud might well be shaped by the company’s new partner, how much they paid and just what they bring to the table.