The French fashion and lifestyle brand’s early stage investment arm, Kitsuné Ventures, launched Nov. 29 and will invest in businesses across fashion, media, hospitality and technology, the company said.

Its first beneficiary is Brooklyn-based designer Connor McKnight, who worked as a designer for Bode and Kith before launching his own label during the pandemic. Under the deal, McKnight will retain full ownership of his namesake brand, and receive advice from the Kitsuné team as he grows his business. Kitsuné Ventures has the right to receive equity in the future, when the brand raises more capital.

Kitsuné co-founder Gildas Loaëc and general manager for America Vinod Kasturi began investing in McKnight’s brand in April, which allowed the designer to show his Spring 2022 collection during New York Fashion Week in September.

Kitsuné Ventures marks “the next evolution” of the brand, Loaëc said in a press release. “We have spent much of our time understanding cultural movements, identifying cross-disciplinary young talents and have been active mentors wherever we can be helpful to new designers who reach out. It is an exciting next step to back this up with capital.”