Lakai Bought Out

In a significant shift within the skateboarding community, Lakai Limited Footwear—a brand synonymous with core skate culture—has undergone a major ownership change.

In October 2024, the brand was acquired by Inversal, a company known for revitalizing distressed businesses .

The acquisition led to the departure of Carroll and Howard, who were reportedly dismissed after refusing to make cuts to the skate team . This decision marked the end of an era, as both founders had been integral to Lakai’s identity and operations since its inception.

In an effort to preserve the brand’s skateboarding roots, Inversal’s CEO, Marc Roca, brought on professional skateboarder and YouTuber Luis Mora as a co-owner. Mora’s involvement aims to maintain Lakai’s authenticity and connection to the skate community . He has already assembled a new team and released a promotional video titled “Lakai in Tokyo,” featuring skaters Bastien Salabanzi, Roman Hager, Gabryel Aguilar, and Jumpei Tsutsumi.

Despite these efforts, the transition has not been without challenges. Longtime distributor Mosaic ended its partnership with Lakai, effective December 31, 2024, citing changes in ownership and internal restructuring . Additionally, several team riders, including Riley Hawk, have departed from the brand, signaling a period of uncertainty and adjustment .

As Lakai navigates this new chapter, the skateboarding community watches closely to see how the brand will evolve under its new leadership. The hope is that, with Mora’s influence and a renewed focus on core skate values, Lakai can continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of skateboarders.