The Portland Business Journal (PBJ) reports that Poler Outdoor Stuff, an apparel startup from Portland, has raised about $4.5 million from an unnamed foreign strategic investor. The funds should be used for international expansion, with the investor's support as a strategic partner. Established in 2011, Poler is meant to address the growing demand among young consumers for well-designed outdoor garments, “away from overly technical products and stodgy brands,” as the managing director puts it, according to the PBJ. Poler has one store in Portland and 15 employees but intends to double the headcount in the next two years. The related filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission indicates that Poler's turnover is in the range of $5 to $25 million. The PBJ reports that several other apparel startups from Oregon have raised capital recently, such as Wildfang and Trew, and more investments are in the making.

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