Venturing into Fashion Tech

Peter Jeun Ho Tsang unpacks his top 5 key takeaways from the VC Series in conversation with Rohan Bansal. He unpacks:No set path into fashion and retail tech venture capital – success requires building relevant experience and perspective rather than specific qualifications.The power of networks and relationships, crucial for both founders and investors to opening doors for funding and partnerships.Creating a winning pitch deck is essential when investors spend just three minutes reviewing it – clearly answer "why now" and "why you".Despite $3 billion in equity financing in 2024, there's a surprising lack of specialized fashion tech VC funds and a $20-30 billion annual funding gapSmart money versus hype – seek investors who provide strategic value beyond capital through connections to clients, experts and industry insights--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Lack of Fashion & Retail Tech Funds:The fashion tech sector raised nearly $3 billion in 2024, yet there's a surprising lack of specialised VC funds focusing on this growing market despite proven exits and significant market potential. In this final guest episode with Rohan Bansal, he chats with Peter on what some of the blind spots are for many investors.The Struggle with Specialised VC Funds:• Generalist VCs lack specialised expertise in fashion industry dynamics and operations.• Traditional investors struggle to build the right networks for strong deal flow and exit opportunities.• An estimated $20-30 billion annual funding gap exists in fashion tech and closing this gap requires collaboration between corporate investors, government subsidies, accelerators and public funding.Connect with Rohan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rohan-bansal-50328179/--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

The Perfect Investor Pitch Deck:The perfect investor pitch deck combines storytelling, market understanding, and founder credibility to stand out in the competitive venture capital landscape. Venture capitalists typically spend just over three minutes reviewing each deck, with only 1% securing funding. In this episode Peter and Rohan breakdown what makes a great deck and the red flags that investors see.Tips & Tricks Explored in this Episode:• Storytelling is crucial as humans connect with narratives and founders must demonstrate how their experience is relevant to the problem they're solving.• Market sizing should be realistic and calculated using a bottom-up approach.• Red flags include co-founders with too-similar backgrounds and unrealistic growth projections• A disorganised pitch deck often reflects disorganised thinking, and the questions "Why now?" and "Why you?" must be convincingly answered.Connect with Rohan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rohan-bansal-50328179/--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

The Lifecycle of Fashion Tech Startups:This episode with guest speaker Rohan Bansal, he discussed with Beyond Form CEO Peter Jeun Ho Tsang the differences between early stage and growth stage companies and what it takes to secure funding at each level. Early-stage v.s. Growth Stage Fashion Tech:• The lifecycle: Pre-seed rounds typically fund companies with just an idea, while seed rounds support those with early traction and some revenue.• Series A represents a critical graduation point where investor expectations significantly change and growth stage companies need to demonstrate not just revenue growth but also a path to profitability.• Revenue expectations: European markets typically expect higher revenue thresholds (€150-200K) for seed funding compared to US markets. It's harder to get VC funding in 2025.• The investment landscape has shifted from "growth at all costs" to "growth with profitable costs" and fashion tech startups need to build positive signals to investors before fundraising.Connect with Rohan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rohan-bansal-50328179/Send us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Rohan's journey into the VC industry: Rohan Bansal shares his journey into the venture capital world, sharing how his nomadic childhood across eight countries equipped him with the global perspective crucial for successful investing in fashion and retail tech.What you'll hear about VC investing:• Living in different countries provided Rohan with unique insights into market idiosyncrasies and consumer behaviours.• VC roles are highly competitive:  over 450 applications for each associate position and 40% of new VC hires in 2024 came from startup or tech backgrounds.• Key technologies transforming fashion retail include: AI for shopping personalisation, demand forecasting, and smart factories with IoT solutions for sustainable and cost-efficient production.• Emerging VCs should focus on long-term trends rather than following hype cycles and being a sector specialist could help outperform generalists in terms of investment returns.Connect with Rohan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rohan-bansal-50328179/Send us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

As we close out 2024, this year's final episode is joined by Yoobin Jung, a VC at Plug and Play, where she along with our host Peter break down the fashion tech booms and busts that happened throughout the year. They discuss:• AI's transformative impact on fashion design: Generative design tools are accelerating prototyping and reshaping brand identities, but raise ethical concerns about potentially replacing junior designers.• The sustainability challenge: AI could help align production with demand, potentially addressing the persistent issue of overproduction in the fashion industry.• Luxury brands and AI adoption: High-end fashion houses are cautiously approaching AI, grappling with complexities of clothing structures and concerns about AI-driven overconsumption.• Recommendation algorithms: Effectiveness varies between Europe and South Korea, prompting questions about enhancing consumer experiences versus fuelling overconsumption.• Regulatory landscape: EU policies like Extended Producer Responsibility aim to promote circularity, yet industry readiness is questionable, as evidenced by Renewcell's bankruptcy.• Future of luxury e-commerce: The resale market is gaining prominence, with potential lessons from South Korea's Kakao platform on integrating digital and physical retail experiences.Contact Yoobin on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yoobinjungSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

We wrap up our 'Build It' podcast series with a reflective finale. Host Peter Jeun Ho Tsang tell us his top 5 key takeaways from navigating business growth, how to get through challenging times as a fashion tech startup, through to tech and humans coming together. This episode highlights the passionate voices featured throughout the series and how the call for a strategic collaboration between brands, investors, and innovators to not only sustain emerging technologies but to also foster their growth. This episode isn't just a summary; it's a map charting the path forward in the fashion tech realm.Connect with Peter on LinkedIn.Send us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Setting Up a Fashion Store in the 90s:Today's episode we're with Afsal Koya, CEO of Raza Clothing which is a fashion store and label in the USA that uses AIMIRR's virtual try-on technology. Afsal's transformation from a computer scientist to a streetwear brand founder is an unusual one. We hear his journey that started in a small Ohio store back in 1992, Afsal shares how he navigated the evolving landscape of fashion trends to launch his own brand, emphasising the importance of learning and teamwork in driving retail innovation.AIMIRR and Virtual Try-On:AIMIRR's AI-powered magic mirror is currently installed at Castleton Square Mall, Indiana and we hear how Afsal worked with AIMIRR CEO Pritesh Kanani to get the technology up and running. This episode unpacks the insights collected to date, in particular how it's been a hit with the younger crowd and how the seamless AR shopping experience has boosted the store's foot traffic. Does that mean in-store VTO technology is ripe for mass adoption?Find out about Raza Clothing: razaclothingstore.comFind out about AIMIRR's technology: aimirr.comSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Fashion's Fit Dilemma: Today's episode features fashion garment technologist and fit expert Katy Schildmeyer. As online shopping increases, the challenge of ensuring accurate garment fit remains ever-present. Katy and Peter Jeun Ho discuss the pressing need for enhanced fashion education, particularly in the communication of fit and the creation of garments that cater to all body types, including the aging population. They reflect on the historical transformation from shopping experiences of the 90s, to the rising return rates in online retail today which can be more than 30% for some fashion brands. Ensuring Data Integrity to Find the Fit Truth:The interview examines the integration of AI into fashion tech. Accurate data is crucial, and Katy emphasises the importance of truthful data in training AI models to avoid misguided innovations. We spotlight industry leaders like COS, Tapestry, and Japanese denim companies, commending their practices towards better fitting products. But how does one find the truth in fit? Find out in this episode.Connect with Katy: linkedin.com/in/katherineschildmeyerKaty features Beyond Form startup AIMIRR in her research: aimirr.comSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

What Failing in Fashion Looks Like: We welcome back Beatrice Newman, Head of Education at Beyond Form, where we discuss what it means to fail in fashion, what failure looks like, lessons that can be learned, and why it's still a taboo subject. Beatrice shares her personal failures whilst building her brand, Korlekie, from mis-understanding the customer to financing a commercial collection. Lessons Learned Whilst Failing:From funding challenges to the art of effective go-to-market strategies, we dive into the realities, challenges, and fails that fashion startups often face. Reflecting on Beatrice's experience, we underscore the importance of learning from missteps to better define one's brand identity and carve a sustainable path forward. We redefine failure not as an end, but as a stepping stone to growth. Connect with Beatrice: linkedin.com/in/korlekieFind out more about Beyond Form Education: beyondform.io/education/overviewSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a fashion tech innovation platform. We build, invest, and educate fashion tech entrepreneurs and startups. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at podcast@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

MODE Pivots into Beyond Form Education:Beatrice Newman, the creative force behind online fashion education platform Mode, chats in this episode what it means to pivot a fashion business. Exclusively on today's episode she reveals the launch of Beyond Form Education, a groundbreaking initiative bridging the gap between academia and the fashion industry.Data-Driven Pivoting in the Fashion Industry:We discuss how data-driven decisions and user feedback are revolutionising fashion education in a post-pandemic world. As the desire for in-person experiences resurges, Peter and Beatrice share insights on creating a global learning canvas that spans entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, and design.Episode highlights:The power of adaptability in reshaping fashion education.Leveraging data and feedback for pivotal business decisions.Bridging the academia-industry gap in the fashion world.The importance of a supportive team and continuous learning.Exploring diverse opportunities beyond traditional fashion roles.Learn about Beyond Form Education: beyondform.io/educationConnect with Beatrice: linkedin.com/in/korlekieSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Inheriting a traditional fashion factory in Pakistan:Raised amidst the rich tapestry of a family-owned garment production business, Shahid Butt now helms his father's empire Shahkam Industries in Lahore, Pakistan. This episode offers a unique perspective on the balancing act between maintaining cultural heritage and embracing the cutting-edge transformations shaping the garment industry today. Shahid challenges preconceived notions of Pakistani manufacturers and invites listeners to reconsider the opportunities in partnering with local manufacturers.Digitising a factory:Shahid discussed with Peter the complexities of managing a vertically integrated knitwear operation, a challenge compounded by external factors like fluctuating taxes and environmental limitations. He shares his insights on transitioning from instinctual decision-making to data-driven strategies, revealing the pivotal role of AI and technology in modernising Shahkam Industries. We explore the pressures and privileges of inheriting a family business, as well as running the group's private label One Retail, and Shahid's vision for preparing it for future generations with advanced technological integration.Find out more about Shackham Industries: www.shahkam.comSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

From Mumbai to Microsoft to Body Sizing:Today's episode feature's Pritesh Kanani, founder & CEO of AIMIRR. From his early days in Mumbai to steering technological advancements at Microsoft, we hear Pritesh's journey to developing virtual try-on solution. Initially kickstarted by his mother's wish to see his future wife in a wedding dress remotely, the solution came to life that is now deployed by fashion retailers online and offline around the world.Patenting the AI-Powered Body Scanning Software:Pritesh reveals the intricacies of the U.S. patenting process and how their patented sizing algorithm is set to redefine virtual try-on solutions with its ability to produce results with a 99% accuracy. Pritesh is so confident in fact that his solution can reduce online returns by 40% and increase average order values by 20%. Listen to this episode to hear what makes him so confident.Learn more about AIMIRR: aimirr.comGet in contact with Pritesh on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/priteshkananiSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Launderd's Fundraising Journey:12 months on since we heard how Chelsea Van De Kamp, founder of Launderd, planned to launch her fashion repair and restoration platform, she's now back on the show but this time with all guns blazing as she begins her fundraising journey. Chelsea shares why fundraising now is the right time for the company and her strategies for using storytelling to captivate investors. Her candid reflections on Launderd's progress offer a compelling look into the evolving landscape for women in entrepreneurship.Hear Chelsea's original fundraising pitch to investors.Lessons Learned from Investors:Mastering the art of pitching to investors is not easy. Something Chelsea reveals that she underestimated. Especially pitching to traditional investors and the unique hurdles she faces in a male-dominated venture capital landscape. She shares tactics for aligning her presentations with investor priorities like scalability and ROI, her experiences in various pitching formats, from speed dating events to formal meetings, and the growing support for female founders in the investment world. If you're looking to fundraise on the west coast of USA, this episode is for you!Check out Launderd: launderd.comConnect with Chelsea and hear her new investor pitch: linkedin.com/in/chelseacolecompassSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

The Financial Scam:Have you ever found yourself tangled in a financial scam, when all you were trying to do was fuel your entrepreneurial dreams? Brian Yurachek, the founder and CEO of New York Culture Club, reveals his own unfortunate experience with an advance fee scam during his quest for a business loan to finance his fashion tech startup. We unravel the emotional turmoil that Brian endured and the resilience he had to muster up to get through it, a cautionary tale underscoring how startups, particularly those without substantial credit histories, are vulnerable to scams. Financing Fashion Tech:We explore the delicate balance between equity fundraising and debt financing, with insights into how emerging technologies like blockchain and NFTs are reshaping fundraising landscapes. In the previous episode we heard how Brian's passion is fuelling the build of his fashion IoT solution, but that passion overrode his vigilance. In a world where scams lurk around every corner, Brian's experience is a potent reminder of the need for thorough verification before parting with money. We discuss practical strategies to safeguard your business, such as cross-checking information and maintaining direct communication with financial institutions. Our chat also highlights the significance of prioritising product development over securing finance prematurely. Find out more about NYCC: nycultureclub.com/Connect with Brian: linkedin.com/in/brianyurachekSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

From Wall Street to Fashion Tech:What happens when a Wall Street finance pro decides to revolutionise the fashion industry? Join us as we chat with Brian Yurachek, the CEO of New York Culture Club, who ditched the stock exchange for the fashion industry. His journey is not just a career pivot, but a demonstration of how most entrepreneurs find their internal power of creativity and courage to step outside their comfort zone and build something they're passionate about. In this case for Brian fashion IoT. We talk practical strategies for navigating startup challenges, emphasising the importance of prioritising tasks and focusing on build activities that drive growth.Culture is Code:Brian's mantra: culture is code. New York Culture Club is pushing the boundaries of digital rights management by embedding microchips in fashion items to offer unprecedented transparency and storytelling. This episode explores the idea of turning consumers into "prosumers" who co-create with brands, adding layers of value and authenticity to their purchases. Brian shares his insights on how culture is becoming a new currency for self-expression, challenging the status quo and inviting us all to contribute to this cultural renaissance. In essence he believes by building fashion IoT solutions it'll shake up fashion's traditional landscape. Find out more about NYCC: nycultureclub.com/Connect with Brian: linkedin.com/in/brianyurachekSend us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Producing Knitwear in Karachi: Today's episode takes us to knitwear manufacturing straight from Karachi with Ahmed Altaf, CEO of AM Group, who shares his invaluable journey from academics to leading a family-run knitwear facility. Gain insights into what life is like in Pakistan's largest city and learn why Pakistan is a critical player in the global apparel market. Ahmed debunks common myths about working with knitwear manufacturers and highlights the benefits of a vertically integrated factory setup. Transforming Outdated Processes: The adoption of the WiMetrix system, sparked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, has revolutionised transparency and efficiency in AM's operations. For Ahmed, driving the shift towards a data-driven approach, redefining quality control, and setting new standards in the industry is what will keep his factory and his industry alive. Counting behemoths like Walmart as their clients, and receiving the Responsible Sourcing Certificate from the retailer, sheds light on the expectations and demands that brands are making on Pakistani fashion manufacturers. But is it working? Find out in this episode. Find out more about AM Group: am-group.com.pk Connected with Ahmed on LinkedIn.Send us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

We're back with a brand new series 'Build It', digging deep into how fashion tech startups are building their companies from the ground up. Join Peter as he sits down with Abdul Moiz Sajjad, CEO of WeMetrix, to explore how data can change the way fashion factories can be infinitely more efficient. Abdul shares invaluable insights into how AI solutions like his are reshaping one of Pakistan's most vital economic sectors, textiles and garments, which contributes a massive 59.5% to the nation's exports. In this episode, we learn the inefficiencies plaguing the fashion supply chains and how it's impacting wider global issues such as sustainability and ethics.  Abdul emphasises the importance of reimagining processes rather than sticking to incremental changes, and why real-time factory analytics is a must for factories of the future.Discover WiMetrix's solution at wimetrix.comGet in contact with Abdul on LinkedIn.Send us a textSupport the show--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Wrap Up with 5 Key Fashion Tech TakeawaysWe wrap up our 'Applied' podcast series with a reflective finale. Host Peter Jeun Ho Tsang tell us his top 5 key takeaways from navigating business growth, how to get through challenging times as a fashion tech startup, through to tech and humans coming together. This episode highlights the passionate voices featured throughout the series and how the call for a strategic collaboration between brands, investors, and innovators to not only sustain emerging technologies but to also foster their growth. This episode isn't just a summary; it's a map charting the path forward in the fashion tech realm.Connect with Peter on LinkedIn.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Why Agricultural Waste?Shikha Shah, with her rare blend of scientific expertise and compassionate leadership, tells us her transition from consultancy to building biorefineries to turn plant waste into textiles usable for the fashion and beyond. Coming to the realisation that if there's enough food in the world, then there's also enough waste in the world that can be reusable in some way. For Shikha after several years of research cracked the scientific formula that enables plant matter to be broken down and then transformed into fibre like structures.  Biorefineries, Material Innovations, and PatienceHowever, science is not enough and it's about understanding the perseverance, patience, and funding required to navigate the complex fashion supply chain and material innovation landscape.  Deploying biorefineries takes time and a lot of money. The keyword here is patience, and Shikha pulls apart what fashion brands must be doing in order to support material innovators in the longer term.  Beyond commercial issues, Shikha is integrating integrating kindness into the core of business, a principle that she believes is especially transformative for fashion tech entrepreneurship. Shikha and AltMat are featured in chapter 3 of the book Fashion Tech Applied.  Check it out.Connect with Shikha on LinkedIn.Check out AltMat.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Incubating Inside Microsoft's GarageWhen host, Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, first met Dr. Kitty Yeung she was a quantum physicist by day and a fashion technologist by night. Kitty's fashion tech journey was structured via a global Microsoft hackathon where she and a group of intrapreneurial colleagues decided to take on the mammoth task of solving fashion's overproduction problem by developing a software enabling on-demand production with a minimum order quantity of 1 unit. But is that even possible? From On-Demand Production to 3D AssetsHaving moved on from the Microsoft project, Kitty shares her insights from her role as a Senior Director of AI at Browzwear, where she's continuing to tackle the industry's problem through the lens of 3D assets. Kitty is taking it even further with her next startup,  Wear It, combining AI, 3D assets and Gen AI into a digital wardrobe solution ready for social media. Kitty's foray into AI-generated clothing blurs the lines between algorithm and artistry, setting a new standard for global markets from the West to the East. Kitty is featured in chapter 3 of the book Fashion Tech Applied.  Check it out.Connect with Kitty on LinkedIn.Check out Wear It.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

AI & Pattern CuttingWhilst the art of fashion pattern cutting is still rooted in flat drawings done by hand, artificial intelligence is bringing the practice into contemporary design and produce development processes.  N-Hega is a company that taps into AI to help brands to achieve results such as lay planning optimisation, waste reduction, and bringing the physical into the digital. In this conversation, host Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, speaks to Marketing & Product Development Director of N-hega on why digital pattern cutting is an important part of the fashion supply chain.Digitising Pattern CuttingCounting clients like Rag & Bone and H&M, and more left-field like NASA, N-Hega's N-Scan Premium Scanner and N-Shot camera systems are bringing teams into the digital world. With teams that are not necessarily digital, the power of AI is truly demonstrated by making it so easy for non-digital pattern cutters to use. Eli gives us insights as to why she thinks digital pattern cutting is part of the future of fashion design and product development. Eli and N-Hega are featured in chapter 3 of the book Fashion Tech Applied.  Check it out.Find out about N-Hega here.Connect with Eliane on LinkedIn.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Building Tech Better Retail ExperiencesJoining Von N. Ruzive and Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, co-authors of Fashion Tech Applied, are Hillary Littleton, Head of Marketing at FIT:MATCH,  Elina Minina, CBDO at Cappasity, and Charles Wilders, CEO at Showcase X, to discuss how retail experiences are being augmented by technologies.  The panel unpacks how tech like 3D modeling, AI, and augmented reality are reconfiguring the online and offline retail experiences. From creating your digital twin to find that impeccably fitting garment, to the role of AR holograms in building consumer trust, and why it's a combination of tech that will be make better shopping journeys.  Fashion Stores of the FutureThe panel shares invaluable insights from extensive R&D, proving that the success of tech in fashion hinges on solving genuine customer pain points and providing a shopping experience that feels personal and powerful. We confront the real struggles brands face, from budgetary restraints to the steep learning curve in harnessing these technologies.  The episode looks into a future where your shopping journey might be led by your smartphone, and we unravel how generational shifts are leading brands to recalibrate for a tech-savvy audience. What does your fashion store of the future look like?This episode was originally recorded as a webinar on LinkedIn live.Find out out about guest speakers in the links below:Hillary Littleton from FIT:MATCHElina Minina from CappasityCharles Wilders from Showcase X*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Turning Ideas into Fashion Storytelling DiamondsJonathan Chippindale made his luxury marketing name in the world of fine jewellery at De Beers prior to launching his creative tech studio, Holition.  The magnetic pull of Jonathan's "Willy Wonka-esque" genius, has allowed him to tap into the transformative power of digital storytelling in the luxury space. His philosophy of 'human connections first, technology second' champions  Holition's digital campaigns that tug at the heartstrings. In this episode, host Peter Jeun Ho Tsang delves into how Jonathan creates these beautiful fashion campaigns for some of the world's biggest brands.Using Creative Technologies EffectivelyLouis Vuitton, Hermes, Tommy Hilfiger, Dunhill, Burberry, the list goes on. Holition's client list is not only impressive, but are willing to take technological leaps of faith with Jonathan and his team when it comes to crafting their digital marketing campaigns.  In this episode we gain insight as to how he manage to convince the brands to take this leap with him, the mega trends that are shaping the fashion marketing industry, and why Jonathan believes that technology should be an invisible thread in any campaign. With all this in mind, Holition breathes life into fashion narratives, and dreams up projects like the Tommy Hilfiger & Roblox Sep 2022 fashion show; becoming vital reference points in the ever-evolving landscape of fashion tech.Jonathan and Holition are featured in chapter 4 of the book Fashion Tech Applied.  Check it out.Find out about Holition here.Connect with Jonathan in LinkedIn.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

From Engineering to FashionImagine a world where your clothes are as easy to recycle as paper and plastic. That's the vision Cedric Vanhoeck, founder and CEO of Resortecs, is turning into reality, and in this latest episode, host Peter Jeun Ho Tsang and Cédric discuss how Cedric's original career path of engineering led him to sorting out one of the fashion industry's biggest problems:  products designed and destined for the landfill.  Dismantling Products Stitch by StitchResortecs' proprietary technologies, Smart Stitch and Smart Disassembly, are the linchpins in making garment recycling a frictionless part of the fashion supply chain with threads that dissolve in machines what can be described as giant ovens. Cédric takes listeners through how the tech works and how brands such as Bershka and Decathlon have launched collections using the Reortecs system. But will this be enough? We dissect the implications of EU regulations and  how many brands will likely find legislative loopholes to avoid going full scale with circular solutions.Cédric and Resortecs are featured in chapter 3 of the book Fashion Tech Applied.  Check it out.Find out about Resortecs here.Connect with Cédric on LinkedIn.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Becoming Dean of Academic Strategy at London College of Fashion The North West of England is not necessarily associated with fashion, but the small town where John Lau grew up is where it all began.  From reading his first copies of Vogue, to working in America and China in John's early fashion career, to now becoming the Dean of Academic Strategy at London College of Fashion, John shares how he uses all of these experiences to shape the future of fashion education.  Embedding Tech & Innovation into Fashion EducationJohn offers us a peek into how London College of Fashion secures its top-notch ranking by nurturing groundbreaking programs that cater to the global market. Listeners will be familiar with the Fashion Innovation Agency from previous episodes, but tech and innovation are being embedded throughout LCF's DNA. John and Peter bring all of this together by dissecting what fashion students and upskilling professional need to do stand out in a highly competitive fashion industry. It's more than what you think!John and LCF are featured in chapter 2 of the book Fashion Tech Applied.  Check it out.Find out about London College of Fashion here.Connect with John on LinkedIn.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Building Virtual Fashion StoresThe promise of an £80K deal that would never have happened until Olga met her technical co-founder on LinkedIn. Emperia was born. Specialists in building virtual stores for fashion brands, Olga and Peter dig deep into the retail, marketing, and creative strategies necessary to bring virtual spaces to life that resonate with a new generation of shoppers. Olga tells us firsthand how Emperia is not just adapting to the digital age but actively shaping its future, especially with the dawn of the Apple Vision Pro and Emperia's newly released 'creator toolkit'.What Fashion Brands WantWe unpack the challenges and triumphs of designing digital worlds for top-tier brands such as  Dior, Lacoste and L'Occitane, and Olga takes us through success stories highlighting the need for data-driven insights to make their clients happy. 20-minute engagement time anyone? That first £80K contract has subsequently turned into many clients along with a Series A fundraising round of $10M - Emperia seems to be doing something right in the virtual retail space. Tune in now to find out what it took to get there. Olga and Emperia are featured in chapter 5 of the book Fashion Tech Applied.  Check it out.Find out about Emperia hereConnect with Olga on LinkedIn*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Fashion's Big Fit ProblemThis episode features Vadim Rogovskiy, CEO of 3DLOOK,  in which he takes us through how he discovered that fashion is the industry with the biggest pain to get body measurements and fit right. Starting from a tech perspective, in which he confesses is not necessarily the best process for starting a business, Vadim takes listeners though why fashion brands are struggling with fit.AI Powered Body Measurements3DLOOK's patented AI technology has the potential to reduce consumers buying ill-fitting clothes and its innovative approach can streamline the consumer experience.  Serving over 100 brands including Reformation and Bershka, the mobile technology combines virtual try on, body data analytics, and sizing recommendation to overcome the retail challenges.And as a little bonus, Vadim is also a VC investor with his micro fund,  which he talks us through what makes a great fashion tech founder and what he's looking for within teams to convince him to write cheques. Find out about 3DLOOK hereConnect with Vadim on LinkedIn*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Turning Textile Waste into Recycled Fibres:Pauline Guesné, co-founder of Refact, once a corporate consultant now turned entrepreneur shares her story of a little French girl dreaming big. Those dreams developed into the desire to do something for the world and in this case fashion, having been shocked by the industry's wasteful nature. Pauline and her team have invented a novel process that utilises a combination of mechanical and chemical recycling processes to break down used garments into reusable fibres. Pauline shares in this episode how that magic happens and the drastic shift it could enact for fashion to become circular.The Industry's Appetite for Recycled Fashion:This episode peels back the layers of the glamorous facade to expose the urgent need for a circular economy in fashion. Alarmingly in this conversation Pauline tells host, Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, how the larger fashion players are just not biting and the truth about VC investors still prioritising short term returns over long term humanity's need for advancement. What will these commercial and market challenges mean for circular solutions like Refact?Find out about Refact hereConnect with Pauline on LinkedIn*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Human Creativity & TechnologyJoining Von N. Ruzive and Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, co-authors of Fashion Tech Applied, are Yigit Alp Elmas CEO of T-Fashion and Koen Warmerdam co-founder of Aware, to discuss how tech is impacting the creation of fashion products. The conversation unpacks how human creativity is still a vital part of the design process and tech will not replace humans, but rather how the individuals with the tech skills will be the ones thriving.  We confront the industry's resistance to new technologies and emphasise the importance of shifting mindsets to adopt these innovations that promise to refine industry processes. The Future of Fashion Design & Product DevelopmentWith the emergence of tech such as Gen AI, digital product passports, and data-driven platforms, this episode shines a light on the importance on how they can be integrated into the fashion value chain and bring value in the creation of new fashion products. The panel forecasts a 'phygital' future where the physical and digital realms of fashion converge. What do you think will be the future of fashion design and product development?This episode was originally recorded as a webinar on LinkedIn live.Find out about Aware here and T-Fashion here.Connect with Koen here and Yigit here.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

The Beginning: Queue-less Payment SystemsThe Beginning of the MishiPay story starts with our very own host's retail experiment, The Dandy Lab, in central London. The two kickstart Mustafa Khanawala's entrepreneurial journey in designing the store without queues and from here the fledgling scan-and-go technology becomes a full payment solution deployed at retail stores like Flying Tiger UK, Muji, and more. The episode explores the difficult first years getting over the hurdle of small pilots to full nationwide integrations and MishiPay securing their series B fundraising round.Redesigning the In-store ExperienceThe conversation takes a turn towards the psychological aspects of retail, as we delve into theft prevention and the intriguing strategies that transformed modest pilot programs into full hardware and software product offerings. Mustafa reflects on the milestones that marked MishiPay's ascent to a million transactions every month, the pursuit of profitability, and going global which MishiPay is now found across USA and Middle East. Listeners get to hear how the MishiPay team have managed to achieve all of this, parting with actionable insights for anyone working retail tech. Find out about MishiPay here.Connect with Mustafa on LinkedIn.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

One of the OGs of London's Fashion Tech SceneMatthew Drinkwater, the force behind the Fashion Innovation Agency, part of London College of Fashion, is arguably one of the OGs that set the London fashion tech scene in motion over a decade ago. In this interview with host Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, Matthew shares his journey to building the agency from scratch drawing his part experiences in retail and working with brands in Japan. Starting with fashion wearables and eventually pivoting to immersive tech, we hear how Matthew used his learnings to now by working the likes of Mulberry, Lucas Film, and Microsoft.Immersive Tech In FashionIn this episode Matthew elaborates on what immersive tech can do, thinking digital fashion, virtual retail experiences, virtual stores, and more. With  FIA's unique positioning between education and commercial, we discuss what this means for fashion brands, students, and industry professionals that want to tap into immersive tech.Connect with Matthew on Linkedin.Find out about the Fashion Innovation Agency: fialondon.com *EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Why Blockchain and Fashion? Rakesh Ramachandran and Peter Jeun Ho Tsang unravel the complexities of blockchain technology and its potential pivotal role in the fashion industry. They reflect on the anticipated shifts towards decentralisation and automation in fashion production, in which Rakesh believes that blockchain brings promise of a transparent and sustainable fashion ecosystem. With his startup QBrics, Rakesh helps listeners understand what is blockchain, how his low-code platform enables better digital workflows, and the ways the technology can be applied to fashion. Fashion's Truth EngineFeatured in chapter 3 of the book, Fashion Tech Applied,  Rakesh makes a case for blockchain platforms functioning as a 'truth engine' that ensures data integrity and trust. Hear Rakesh's analogy of a garment's life akin to revealing the 'karma' of clothing, and discuss how this emerging tech equips consumers with the power to make ethical and sustainable choices. However, this is not without challenges from larger fashion corporations and the like. Find out about QBrics: qbrics.comConnect with Rakesh on LinkedIn. *EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*offer ends end of June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Pivoting to Digital FootwearEver wondered how a brand can pivot from crafting exquisite physical footwear to mastering the digital fashion? Nicolas Romero of Futures Factory tell us how he did that in the midst of the NFT and crypto boom of 2021 and 2022, which led him to securing $2.5M in VC funding. Find out in this episode if it's worked, and what's driving him and his startup forward.Another Pivot to 3D PrintingNicolas discusses with Peter how blockchain technology and NFTs became the bedrock for his brand's unique crowdfunding approach and how they're ensuring product transparency and authenticity. However, this wasn't enough and 3D printing is next on the cards for Futures Factory. We delve into the importance of community building across platforms and the vital role it plays in guiding product development and maintaining brand resilience. Nicolas shares candid insights on his favorite digital fashion trends, his strategic investments at Futures Factory, and offers sage advice for aspiring entrepreneurs venturing into the realm of fashion tech and footwear. Check out Futures Factory here.Get connected with Nicolas on LinkedIn here.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer ends end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

IFA Paris' ambition to intertwine heritage and innovation In this first official episode of the Applied Series where we talk to featured fashion industry professionals on the book  Fashion Tech Applied, Jean-Baptiste Andreani, group CEO of IFA Paris, takes us through how French fashion heritage is being transformed by technology.  We discuss how the school based in Paris, born from a love story in 1982, recognised the need to integrate more forward-thinking innovation subjects into their courses, and how global fashion education is embracing teaching new-age skills with traditional ones.Integrating tech and innovation into fashion educationJean-Baptiste takes us through how the next wave of creatives is being armed with the arsenal of a tech lab – think body scanners, fabric scanners, and 3D printers, all integral to learning by doing. We confront the cultural resistance to change, particularly in France, and shine a light on the exciting possibilities that await when tech-savvy graduates infuse traditional fashion settings with fresh ideas.  This episode is a must-listen for fashion students, students-to-be, and any professional in academia.Connect with Jean-Baptiste on LinkedIn.Find out more about IFA Paris.*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners on the printed or ebook of Fashion Tech Applied. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer valid until end june 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Fashion Tech Applied is ReleasedThe first episode of 2024 and it's a big announcement! Discover the future where fashion meets technology in "Fashion Tech Applied," the new book released by Beyond Form CEO, Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, and consultant, Von N. Ruzive. This episode is your invitation to step behind the scenes of their 18-month journey of researching and writing this foundational book uncovering how technology is  being applied to the fashion industry. They share the emotional rollercoaster of crafting a book, from the initial excitement to the perseverance needed to cross the finish line, to receiving the final copy in their hands - which you can now have a copy in your hands too!Chapter by ChapterThe co-authors take us through chapter by chapter what to expect in this 6-chapter book. Von shares first-hand her experience integrating AR into his brand, offering a glimpse into the immersive potential and how other fashion brands can also tap into the technology. We look at the opportunities and complexities of such innovative technologies, documented in various case studies, interviews from fashion tech professionals, and beautiful images throughout the book.  Find out the highlights for the authors and what they want you to take away from reading the book.Listen now along with your copy of Fashion Tech Applied. Follow here for more information on how to purchase your copy and the book tour: https://www.beyondform.io/book*EXCLUSIVE OFFER* -20% discount for podcast listeners. Purchase your copy at Springer here using the discount code*: 08cWPRlx1J7prE*Offer available until end June 2024Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Join Peter Jeun Ho Tsang and special guest Ben Hanson, a seasoned expert in the field and Editor-in-Chief of The Interline , in the final episode of 2023 as they reflect on the whirlwind of tech trends shaping the fashion industry. From the meteoric rise and sudden fall of NFTs to the potential impact of generative AI on design, the conversation explores the highs, lows, and uncertainties in the world of fashion tech. Gain insights into the challenges, opportunities, and the evolving role of AI in creative processes. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast or a tech aficionado, this episode promises to unravel the complex dynamics of Fashion Tech.Downfall of NFTs: scrutinize their actual relevance, and voice our skepticism on how they address challenges like policing digital creation and safeguarding intellectual property. AI isn't infallible, but trust us, the future isn't bleak. AI's ethical implications in fashion, addressing biases, and promoting diversity. Shedding light on the evolving consumer experience, we touch on the rise of mixed realities in fashion retail, exploring virtual stores and digital twins. Highlighting the significance of interconnected supply chains, the vital role of technology and consumer demand in enabling it, the crucial aspects of transparency, the role of digital IDs, and the challenges brands face in achieving sustainability goals. Looking ahead Hanson predicts a surge in the adoption of 3D design in fashion, citing its potential to revolutionize the entire value chain. The forthcoming Digital Production Report for 2023 is teased, promising insights into why 3D design will be a pivotal factor in fashion tech trends for the upcoming year. Check out our Website for the downloadable PDF to accompany this episode!www.beyondform.io/podcasthttps://www.theinterline.com/Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Mastering Digital Pattern Making with Andromeda Olsen NalumPeter sits down with Andromeda Olsen Nalum, a seasoned digital pattern making expert who's worked with some of Paris' biggest luxury houses including Yves Salomon.  Andromeda's technical expertise spans across Lectra, Browzwear, and Vetigraph and today's episode discusses the nuances between traditional methods and the dynamic realm of digital fashion design. From common designer faux pas to the technical disparities between standard and digital pattern making, we navigate the complexities of these software.Crafting the Future Stitch by Pixel: “If you don't know how to pattern make, knowing a software is not actually going to help you”Pattern making is a craft according to Andromeda. She highlights the importance of precision in digital pattern making, emphasizing the balance between visual aesthetics and technical accuracy.  Listen in to gain practical advice on transitioning to digital workflows, such as recommendations for software choices, training, and the crucial role of hybrid approaches. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in pattern making.Connect with Andromeda on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/andromeda-olsen-nalum-29a91412a/Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Navigating Challenges in China's Digital Landscape: Brand LocalizationJoin Jimmy Robinson, CEO of Ping Pong Digital, as he navigates China's unique digital landscape shaped by the Great Firewall. We explore the evolution of the Chinese Internet, emphasizing its mobile-centric growth, prominently characterized by app-based infrastructure. Jimmy takes us through the challenges faced by Western brands, emphasizing the need for authentic localization and the imperative to resonate with the local audience. He emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural nuances, embracing local platforms, and the art of crafting authentic narratives tailored to Chinese consumers. The Fashion Digital Marketing Tech StackWe focus on the 'Tech Stack' that fashion brands should use when developing a story for the Chinese market.  Shedding light on the country's experimentation with metaverse technologies, VR fashion shows, and its pioneering role in adopting innovations, Jimmy predicts a forthcoming demand for authenticity and moral stances, particularly from the emerging Gen Z and Alpha consumer base.  Listen to PingPong Digital's podcast, 'Insight China' here.Connect with Jimmy on Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jrr87Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Fashion Tech's Coming of AgeIt's here, to close the Founder Series, Beyond Form's CEO, Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, finally shares his entrepreneurial journey. From growing up in fashion with his family's garment factories in China, to studying fashion and then eventually setting up his own companies,  Peter has seen it all. In the search for life meaning lead Peter to uncover why and how the fashion industry was and is broken, and the potential of how technology can transform a $3 trillion industry. We find out in this episode the growth of fashion tech, signaling a transformative shift in designing, producing, and experiencing fashion. The inception of Beyond Form and  what it takes to build a fashion tech startup The conversation highlights the void of tech and innovation in fashion compared to other industries and the challenges faced in persuading major fashion brands to embrace change. This fear has ripened the abundance for fashion tech around the world to come onto the market, everything from AI design, to re-commerce, digital fashion, and more. This is why Beyond Form exists. What does Peter believe which fashion tech will survive and what does he look for when deciding which startups to work with at Beyond Form? Find out in this episode.Connect with Peter on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/peterjeunhotsangSupport the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Charles' Intense Progress and Joining Startup Bootcamp Fashion TechWe welcome back to the podcast show Charles Wilder, CEO of  OuttaWRLD, where he opens up about his personal and professional growth since we last spoke to him 8 months ago. He shares insights as to why he's decided to pivot to focus on B2B for fashion brands, his preparations for the upcoming Startup Bootcamp Demo Day in December 2023, and his approach to honing public speaking skills.  He also shares how forming alliances with fellow startups on the program have been a game-changer for his venture.Digital Fashion in  4K High DefinitionHow can digital fashion get even better? Experiencing it in 4K high definition in AR with the latest OuttaWRLD platform updates. Charles takes us through why the technical breakthroughs are opening up doors to his first pilots with fashion's mega brands, how such activations can push brands forward, and where the AR space is going to be taking the industry.For entrepreneurs eyeing the digital fashion space, this conversation is a treasure trove of exclusive wisdom.

Everything Repair and CareChelsea's favourite wardrobe pieces evoking nostalgia is what sparked her interest in prolonging the life of her fashion products. But the USA's underdeveloped repair and care market seems to be still in the stone ages, causing multiple friction points for the everyday American consumer. Chelsea wanted to find out why this is. We'll be analyzing the demographic trends that are causing this uprising, especially among Generation Z, the problem with 'mom & pop' stores, and numerous concrete examples of brands that are leading the "repair revolution", an increasingly important aspect of our clothing consumption. The USA's Aftercare Opportunity The golden state of California (Chelsea's home and the subject of the research) offers a fascinating case study in how lifestyle can be fused into a desired aesthetic, opening a vista for businesses willing to adopt an aftercare model. We dissect the critical role of garment repair services in reducing environmental harm and maximizing our apparel value, and why there are high rejection rates of clothing items from resale platforms. Finally, we ponder on how the unification of various tech platforms can build a more sustainable fashion future. Find out more about Chelsea's research contacting her on Linkedin.Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

When Jules met AndreaCould you imagine an industry that's ready to make a circular leap, leveraging AI and data to manage surplus stocks and optimize clearance campaigns? Andrea and Jules, the founders of Finds, certainly can.  That's how their shared vision brought them together to launch an impact startup in Paris; Andrea having the experience in fashion and Jules having the entrepreneurial experience to make it work. Solving Surplus Stock Issues with AIWith host, Peter Jeun Ho Tsang, the discussion delves into the AGEC law and its repercussions for the fashion industry, along with the solutions Finds provides to centralize stock management, doing away with the cumbersome and monotonous Excel sheets. We shed light on the role of AI in solving sustainability issues and making informed data-driven decisions. However, fashion is still taking its sweet time adopting sustainable innovations and we find out why this is. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the circular fashion, entrepreneurship, and sustainability.Listen to Andrea's episode about their Techstar journey: https://shorturl.at/vJX06Find out more about Finds: finds.solutions/Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Dr. Huamin Wang's Research WorldPicture the future of fashion on your screens, where virtual garments behave just like the real ones, thanks to the power of 3D simulation and GPU computing. That's the intriguing world we're exploring with Dr. Huamin Wang, Chief Scientist at Style3D, a pioneer in the digital fashion software space. We traverse through a captivating conversation, discussing the technology shaping the industry, the landscape of the global fashion design software market, and how Huamin's journey of cutting-edge research has brought him to the forefront of digital fashion. Style3D's Next Technical Advancements in Digital FashionEver wondered how artificial intelligence could revolutionize the digital fashion industry? With Huamin we take a closer look at the precision required to translate real fabrics into digital ones,  how GPUs are improving accuracy and speed in the creation of digital fashion 3D assets, and the role of motion capture and simulation algorithms for the human body to effectively render in the digital realm. Join us on this journey as we explore the path towards a more visually realistic and beautiful digital fashion landscape.Find out more about Style3D: linctex.comVisit the Style3D Linkedin PageThis episode has been created in paid partnership with Style3D.Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Launching SWOP at Age 53Many people are too fearful of starting a new adventure later on in life, but no in the case of Lars Richter who decided to launch digital fashion platform, SWOP, at age 53. In this episode he shares his transition from working in a corporate giant like Lego to entrepreneurship. He asserts that there's never a 'right' time to embark on this journey; the key is to seize the moment, take the plunge and just do it. Lars shares wisdom on the value of combining experience with youthful energy, to his vision for a future where users can design their own digital fashion.Leveraging Generative AI in Digital FashionSWOP, is harnessing the potential of generative AI to create pixel-perfect digital fashion. Lars envisions a future where users can carry their digital fashion with them, regardless of their physical location, unleash creativity using artificial intelligence, and having fun with with features like 'face swop'. Lars shares how the SWOP team are integrating gen AI into the platform and why he think it's going to be the next advancement for digital fashion.Visit SWOP and play with their digital fashion tools.Contact Lars on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lars-richter-6984b6b0/Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Entrepreneurship: A New Concept in PakistanEntrepreneurship is a relatively new career path in Pakistan. The idea of being an entrepreneur had not crossed Sehrish's mind until she was well into her university years. Right out of university, she attempted to take on a few different desk jobs, but without the thrill of risk and reward. It wasn't until she came face to face with a wedding dress reseller that she saw where her true passion lies: in sustainable, cost effective fashion.  BizB was born.Breaking the Taboo of Pre-Loved, Second Hand FashionUntil recently buying second hand fashion was a big taboo in Pakistan. But Sherish knew from her own personal experience that there were a huge number of women holding on to clothes they no longer wanted and an even larger number of women wanting to fill their wardrobes. BizB is now a successful leading resale platform in Pakistan with thousands of users and tens of thousands of garments.  In this episode learn how she's managed to crack Pakistan's 200+ million market with pre-loved fashion.To join, shop, and learn more visit the BizB website.Get in contact with Sehrish: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sehrish-raza-bizbSupport the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Grappling Business as a Fashion Designer?As a creative, focusing on business issues can be daunting. This is how our guest speaker, Beatrice Newman, felt when her father urged her to take a business course after getting her degree in fashion design. However, she quickly learned that business and fashion are intertwined and gaining business skills as a designer can make or break a brand. Using her love for heritage techniques and crochet, she has successfully built her brand Korlekie to what it is today, being featured in numerous publications and dressing some of the biggest celebs in the world. Educating Future Fashion EntrepreneursBut she still had an itch to make a contribution to the fashion industry in a different way. Having grown in both business and fashion, she saw the vision of a course designed by a creative for creatives that took all of the things she learned from both school and entrepreneurship. In this episode we will take an in depth look at the things Beatrice has learned in her 10 plus years of entrepreneurship, and how that has helped her build her second venture, MODE, an online education platform. To learn more about MODE & sign up for your first course visit the MODE website. Get in contact with Beatrice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/korlekieSupport the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Deciding When To Leave Your Regular Job & Start Your Own VentureHow do you know when the right time to leave is? Arie Katz has had to ask himself that question multiple times along his entrepreneurial journey. From making the decision to leave one start up to begin his own, to deciding when to part ways with multiple founders, his journey has been full of questions and taking risks to answer them. In this episode, we sit down with Arie and break down these tough decisions he's made and how exactly he came to the conclusions that led him to continue towards developing his business, RoundRack. Pushing Through & Developing Round RackArie's journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Especially when your co-founding partners are not the people that you thought would be able to get the startup to the next stage. Arie unravels tough decisions that have forced him to pivot, realign, and evolve his business strategy, including parting ways with this co-founding team. Although now a solopreneur, Arie gives insights as to how he's making an impact with RoundRack, next generation materials, and sustainable fashion.  To learn more and get in touch with RoundRack visit their website. Connect with Arie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariekatzSupport the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Experimenting with Artificial Intelligence from an Early Age At just 16 years old Yigit Alp Emas was already experimenting and harnessing the power of AI technology, winning technical competitions pitched against competitors twice his age. But there was something missing: a purpose. He saw opportunities to make real changes to the world and decided to find solutions to problems. At the heart of his motivation lies a personal connection—the sight of his mother's struggles within the fashion industry and the sting of a failed business.AI: The Future of Trend Forecasting Fast forward, Yigit is applying his AI skills to fashion trend forecasting and generative design. He's showing brands how they can use T-Fashion technology to predict upcoming trends and base their product releases using objective insights and data. By doing so brands can reduce waste, gain time, and overall improve how they are delivering the right product at the right time to their customers.  In this episode Yigit takes us through how he's create the AI magic and what it will do for the future of fashion.Visit the T-Fashion Website to learn more about this platform. Connect with Yigit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yigitalpSupport the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

Shifting From Corporate Consulting to Fashion Tech Startup Starting her own business servicing corporate clients, Lisa Laterza was still missing one key element: passion. Growing up in Italy, one of the fashion capitals of the world, Lisa's interest in fashion and all things glamorous was instilled in her from a young age. Moving to Milan and then to Monaco (arguably the glitziest place in the world) Lisa traded business suits for evening gowns, inspiring her to bring the glitz & glamour of fashion to everyday styling. Bringing Style to Your Fingertips with Glam You UpTaking her passion for fashion and business, Lisa began her venture into the fashion world by starting Glam You Up, an AI-powered styling tool.  List shares with us in this episode:How colour palettes can be matched to the body tones of the user to create fashion styling recommenations.How such personalization tools can advance the retail experience, resulting in better brand engagement, enhanced sell-through rates, and reduced online return rates.What a founder needs to do bring a fashion tech startup to life, especially being a mother too.Visit the Glam You Up website and download the mobile app on the Apple Store or Google Play.Connect with Lisa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-laterza-34180749Support the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io

How do you seduce fashion's mega brands to work with you? In this episode Juan Carlos Martinez takes us on a journey on he's managed to do just that. Leaving Familiarity Behind for EntrepreneurshipFrom dentistry school to fashion school [to the dismay of his father], Juan has taken risk after risk to follow his dreams of changing the fashion industry. Landing his dream job, he proved to himself, and his father, that he had a place in the fashion world, but that wasn't enough. Juan saw a future in digital fashion and the power it could hold for designers and brands, and so he took another risk by quitting his day job and starting his own venture to bring digital fashion to the forefront of fashion. Digital Fashion, Generative Design, and Fashion's Mega BrandsIn 2015 nobody took Juan or digital fashion seriously, but little did they know that a worldwide pandemic in 2020 would make them need to implement this innovation and use Juan's help to do so. Now, Juan works with some of the biggest mega brands in fashion including Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Levis, and Under Armour to name a few. In this episode we learn how Juan managed to seduce them, which he's now evolving into a generative design platform with AiiD.Connect with Juan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinezjcVisite the AiiD websiteSupport the Show.--------The show is recorded from Beyond Form, a venture studio building & investing in fashion tech startups with ambitious founders. We'd love to hear your feedback, so let us know if you'd like to hear a certain topic. Email us at hello@beyondform.io. If you're an entrepreneur or fashion tech startup looking for studio support, check out our website: beyondform.io