Urbanic’s $150M Series C to Fuel AI Design Innovation

Urbanic secures $150M Series C to propel AI design, advancing innovation in AI technology

In a testament to the growing intersection of fashion and artificial intelligence (AI), London-based fashion brand Urbanic has successfully closed an impressive $150 million series C funding round. The financing was led by Mirabaud Lifestyle Impact and Innovation Fund in Switzerland, alongside participation from New York-based public-private hybrid investment firm D1 Capital Partners, JAM Fund, and other global investors, including European luxury fashion families.

The infusion of capital is earmarked to propel Urbanic's mission of revolutionizing the fashion industry through its proprietary AI technology and commitment to social responsibility. Founded in 2019, Urbanic has aimed to challenge the notion that clothing must be expensive to be distinctive, stylish, and socially responsible.

James Wellwood, Founding Partner of Urbanic, expressed the brand's vision, stating, "We launched Urbanic in 2019 with the simple idea that clothing does not need to be expensive to be differentiated, stylish, and socially responsible." The funding, he noted, will expedite Urbanic's ability to introduce new designs and clothing, leveraging "groundbreaking technology and partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers who comply with the highest standard of international working conditions that protect our people and our planet."

Urbanic is strategically aligning its focus on AI-generated design and supply chain efficiency, aiming to produce more environmentally and socially responsible fashion. This approach, anchored in AI, promises to enhance efficiency and reduce waste by aligning designs with actual demand. Such eco-friendly initiatives are crucial in fostering environmental responsibility within the apparel industry.

One of Urbanic's ongoing initiatives is the "Urbanic Oasis," a collaboration with the NGO Florestas Inteligentes. This project aims to plant one million trees in Latin America, with plans to expand to more developing countries over the next five years. The company is also actively exploring the use of biodegradable and recycled packaging materials to address the issue of plastic waste, with the ultimate goal of achieving plastic neutrality.

The Series C funding positions Urbanic at the intersection of cutting-edge AI technology and a values-driven approach. This sweet spot is particularly appealing to the Gen Z demographic, a key target for the fashion industry. By combining buzzworthy AI tech with a commitment to environmental and social causes, Urbanic is positioning itself as a leader in the conscious fashion space.

Beyond its environmental initiatives, Urbanic is actively engaged in social activism, collaborating with organizations like EarthAngels Welfare Foundation and Pequeños Hermanos Mexico to boost education for underprivileged youths.