Last month we hosted The Backroom Pitch at the Hyatt Regency London Stratford to give ten startups the opportunity to pitch their businesses to a panel of investors, including VCs, angels, crowdfunding platforms and more, all interested in new sustainable solutions.
The diverse line-up of investors were looking for businesses focused on any part of the fashion value chain that could help the fashion industry become more circular, sustainable, and ethical. In between pitching, the ten businesses had the chance to network with other founders, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Watch the video below to find out more about the businesses and investors who took part.
Set up to support new startups, The Backroom Pitch gave the diverse array of businesses a unique chance to meet investors, share ideas, network, and learn about the current market. The ten fashion and fashion tech startups selected to pitch were:
Bundlee
Bundlee is the UK’s first rental subscription for baby and toddler clothes.
Unhidden
Unhidden is a socially responsible fashion brand for disabled and non-disabled people.
Humanity Centred Designs
Humanity Centred Designs is a material innovation hub that transforms textile waste from manufacturing factories into recycled materials.
Pattern Project
Pattern Project is a South London micro-factory that makes local, Made-to-Order production more cost-effective.
Compare Ethics
Compare Ethics is an AI platform that enables companies to manage, verify and confidently communicate responsible business claims at scale.
Pip and Henry
Pip and Henry is a sustainable footwear brand producing stylish, high-quality shoes for children.
Astra
Astra is a virtual fashion experience where you can compete to win digital fashion NFTs.
SwatchEditor
SwatchEditor is a 3D visualisation browser-based tool that easily converts 2D images onto digital flowing fabric and 3D Assets.
SAGES
SAGES makes high-quality natural dyes from food waste as an environmentally-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes used in the industry.
AMPHIBIO LTD
AMPHITEX is a 100% recyclable waterproof breathable textile developed for the sportswear and outdoor-wear industry as an alternative to Gore-Tex.
With thanks to all of the investors on our panel, including:
Dama Sathianathan, Bethnal Green Ventures
Leo Chandler, Nesta
Irene Maffini, Alma Angels / PDS Ventures
Aarthi Thangavel, TRUE
Shruti Iyengar, Sustainable Ventures
Diarra Smith, Investment Consultant
Sriya Sundaresan (Angel Investor)
Alex Shapiro, The Conduit Connect
Gabrielle Swycher, Redrice Ventures
Lilac Watt, Venrex
Agata Bendik, Plug and Play
Tim O’Callaghan, Crowdcube
Oliver Hammond, Fuel Ventures
Namratha Kothapalli, Speedinvest
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