Meet Lalaland: Dutch startup brings 2.1 million euros for an inclusive fashion experience

The world of fashion e-commerce is worth $ 408 billion and is constantly expanding. Both fashion brands and retailers hold several photo shoots each year to publish a new collection, spending about 7.5% of annual revenue.

The Dutch start-up Lalaland aims to reach this market with a cost-effective modeling tool that replaces time-consuming and expensive photo shoots. The Amsterdam-based fashion technology platform has already raised € 2.1 million in funding. The preliminary round of Serie A was led by Orange wings and Unknown group and saw the involvement of angel investors, including a former Nike general manager Bart de WildeAmhard Ford from Google and Thorsten Kochand Christina Calge from Autheos.

The cash injection will be used to stimulate the next stage of its trade expansion and to hire a diverse talent group.

Founded by Michael Musandu and Ugny Rimza in 2019, Lalaland uses artificial intelligence to enable fashion brands and retailers to use hyper-realistic models of every body type, size and skin tone. With these body-friendly avatars, the company aims to create more inclusive, personal and sustainable shopping for fashion brands, retailers and customers.

In addition to creating a highly personalized experience, the company claims that its virtual fashion platform takes only 15 percent of the cost of conventional photo shoots. According to the company, its platform will increase sales, reduce returns and costs, increase conversions and reduce waste for more inclusive shopping and the brand experience.

Lalaland has joined some of the largest fashion retailers in Europe, including Zalando, Wehkamp and Otto.

Founder and CEO Michael Musandu said: “Our product is focused on solving the problems of consumers who feel underrepresented in terms of ethnicity, gender identity and body image. So we want to work with people who can relate to these issues to facilitate positive change in co-creation. “

Founder and CEO of Orange Wings Sean Harris He said: “This is a unique opportunity to help retailers and brands really make a positive difference in the fashion industry and reduce returns and ultimately waste.”

Former Nike general manager and angel investor Bart de Wilde added: “I was at the root of this problem in sports, footwear and clothing, so I can’t stress enough how valuable this will be for our industry.