Throughout the year working in technology, Jenny Wang, 28, has found himself stumbling over one idea, a personal styling agent that helps users decide what to wear and buy based on their budget, lifestyle, weather and calendar.
She has tried to build such products many times in the past, but “However, AI technology has not yet matured enough,” she told TechCrunch. That changed, so a few months ago she announced the launch of her dream company, Alta, followed by the announcement of a $11 million seed round led by Menlo Ventures.
Products that feel straightforward from the film “Clueless” are actually AI stylists, personal shoppers, creating costume recommendations and allowing users to try out those looks with personalized virtual avatars. For example, a person can ask Alta what the best outfit is for TechCrunch to get confused, for example, AI will provide suggestions and present a lookbook of the outfit.
Users upload their closets either by taking photos, transferring purchase receipts, or searching for things already in the Alta database. Also, people can drink clothes in their closets and wear clothes they are already trying to mix.
There are others who play in the AI styling space, such as Whering and Cladwell. Everything is about to recreate the magic of that iconic scene in “Clueless.” I think I am part of a new wave of consumer technology and try to make my styling and shopping more effective.
“Existing players like Google Shopping and Pinterest are experimenting with AI,” she continued. “However, the experience consumers will long for and use in the future must be built with new technological architectures and new user interfaces.”
The product is backed by several heavy names, including Michelle Obama’s stylist Meredith Coupe.
Other investors in the company include bench stoning. Algaé Ventures is an investment company backed by Fashion’s prestigious Arnault Family of LVMH. Phenomenal Ventures is a company founded by nie Meena of Kamala Harris. Many angel investors, including Anthroptic’s VC Arm Anthrology Fund, Doordash CEO and co-founder Tony Xu, Super Models Jasmine Takess and Karlie Kloss, borrow Runway co-founder Jenny Fleiss and Poshmark CEO and co-founder Manish Chandra.
Wang used the term “alignment” to describe her fundraising process, leaning heavily towards the networks she had accumulated while working in various technical roles throughout her career. She was an engineer at Harvard University in training, invested in many companies, served as a brand technology advisor and played roles in investment companies.
For example, a few years ago she was an intern at Doordash and previously volunteered for Karlie Kloss’ podcast, “Kode With Klossy.”
“I’m still actively coding every day and I learn from my team and technical advisors,” she said.
Wang said the fresh capital will be used to grow the team and fund more research and development. “Our team is constantly updating our internal model and improving the experience based on community feedback,” she said.
Alta has already acquired a partnership with the American Council of Fashion Designers (CFDA) to provide Alta on a membership basis. The King once lived in San Francisco, but moved to New York to help build technology. “NYC is also a closer flight to Paris than sci-fi,” she said, adding that LVMH and one of her angel investors, tech influencer Zita D’Hautville, are helping to expand across Europe.
Alta is also working with Marie Condo, and the company is expanding in parts of Oceania and Pacific.
The plan is to consider partnering with retailers around the world.
“Many of the most exciting consumer AI companies are starting in NYC,” Wang continued, adding that she has brought together a team that is extremely technical and fashion-obsessed. This startup will make her dream come true.
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