Sagamore Ventures investing in Treason Toting Co.

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Sagamore Ventures, the venture capital subsidiary of Plank Industries, has invested in local accessory maker Treason Toting Co. in an effort to promote local manufacturing.

Founded in 2013, Treason makes leather and canvas tote bags, duffel bags, wallets and other accessories. The company recently announced a new product line available at its retail location in Baltimore’s Fells Point neighborhood.

The company was founded by Baltimore natives Jason Bass and Aaron Jones.

Sagamore Ventures will provide Treason with the resources to manufacture nearly all of its products in Baltimore, increase production speed and increase brand awareness of the Treason Toting brand.

“With this investment in Treason Toting Co., we are excited to raise the profile of a brand born right here in Baltimore,” said Tom Geddes, CEO of Plank Industries. “Beginning with its move to City Garage and its new retail location in Fells Point, we will help Treason Toting keep and grow its operations in Baltimore, creating many local jobs over time and inspiring other minority entrepreneurs. This is central to our mission.”

Treason Toting’s first product, ‘The Gordon,’ a weekender duffel bag, debuted in 2013. The company has since expanded its offerings to include wallets, key chains and other products designed to be both durable and fashionable – for members of what Bass and Jones describe as the “creative class.”

“Our products appeal to the office worker that carries his tools of trade in his bag while trekking from work to play but is always prepared for the unexpected opportunity,” said Bass, one of the founders.

With Sagamore’s investment, Treason will be given the opportunity to increase distribution channels and improve quality control by bringing in-house many of the projects the company previously made overseas. All bags are currently prototyped and manufactured inside Treason’s 1,680-square-foot factory space the company has leased inside City Garage in Port Covington.

Sagamore Ventures Managing Partner Demian Costa said he saw Treason as an opportunity to invest in the local manufacturing sector.

“Treason Toting Company was founded with an incredibly authentic story,” Costa said. “Jason and Aaron have created an amazing product that exemplifies the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Baltimore City.  We are very excited about this new partnership, and look forward to helping grow this brand nationally while continuing to shine a light on great things happening in Baltimore.”