London-based fashion powerhouse Urbanic has secured a monumental $150 million in Series C funding, igniting its tech-infused growth strategy and propelling its socially responsible fashion designs to a global stage.
The investment, spearheaded by notable backers such as Switzerland’s Mirabaud Lifestyle Impact & Innovation Fund, the New York-based D1 Capital Partners, Jam Fund, and several global investors and European luxury families, is set to revolutionize the fashion landscape.
Urbanic, at the forefront of a transformative mission within the fashion industry, is poised to deploy cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. This infusion of funds will fortify the brand’s commitment to a socially responsible approach embedded throughout its value chain.
At the heart of Urbanic’s technological prowess is a robust engine that harnesses the power of AI and machine learning models. This engine, supported by a proprietary large language model (LLM) trained on diverse codebases, boasts the ability to systematically generate fashion designs, AIGC-based creatives, and content. Moreover, it aims to elevate supply chain efficiency for the fashion industry as a whole.
James Wellwood, a key figure in Urbanic’s leadership as a partner, reflected on the brand’s journey since its 2019 inception, stating, “We launched Urbanic with the simple idea that clothing does not need to be expensive to be differentiated, stylish, and socially responsible.” Wellwood emphasized the brand’s ongoing commitment to groundbreaking technology and strategic partnerships with manufacturers and suppliers adhering to the highest international working standards, thus safeguarding both people and the planet.
Expressing gratitude for the support from investors, Wellwood highlighted how the funding will significantly accelerate Urbanic’s capacity to introduce new designs and clothing across global markets.
In tandem with its commitment to social responsibility, Urbanic has rolled out the Urbanic Oasis initiative. This collaborative effort with the NGO Florestas Inteligentes aims to plant one million trees in Latin America. Looking ahead, Urbanic envisions extending this initiative to more developing countries in the next five years, solidifying its position as a beacon of innovation and ethical fashion in the global market.
