In a significant development, the fashion tech startup Zelig has successfully secured $15 million in Series A funding to support the launch of its groundbreaking AI-powered virtual try-on and styling technology (VTO-S). Leading this funding round is international financial services firm Hilco Global, with participation from global luxury investor Bezikian Zareh, propelling Zelig to a valuation of $100 million. Co-founded by Sandy Sholl and Adam Freede, the brains behind MadaLuxe Group, Zelig is poised to use this capital infusion to enhance its personalization capabilities and expand its feature set.
A Game-Changing Virtual Shopping Experience
Zelig’s pioneering technology offers consumers an unparalleled virtual try-on experience, allowing them to create different looks and visualize themselves in various outfits while shopping online. Sandy Sholl, Zelig’s CEO, explains, “This first-of-its-kind solution empowers consumers with greater confidence in their selections, enabling more informed purchase decisions, ultimately boosting the Average Order Value (AOV) and reducing returns. Moreover, Zelig equips brands with valuable data insights to automate personalized marketing efforts that foster customer retention and loyalty.”
Shopping Meets Cutting-Edge Technology
Zelig’s patented technology ushers in a new era of hyperpersonalized online shopping, replicating the in-store fitting room experience. This B2B2C technology platform harnesses AI, machine learning, and computer vision to present shoppers with high-quality images showcasing how clothes, footwear, and accessories would complement their body type. Through an interactive interface, shoppers can swap out items and transform their looks instantly. They can also save their complete outfits and share them with friends.
From Models to Your Own Image
Initially, shoppers can select one of Zelig’s models from a diverse range of photos featuring individuals with varying body types, skin tones, and hair colors. However, Zelig has plans to empower users to upload their own photos soon, allowing them to virtually try on and style outfits and individual items using their personal images.
Data-Driven Insights for Retailers and Brands
In addition to enhancing the shopping experience, Zelig’s technology grants retailers and brands access to invaluable shopper journey data. It offers them an enhanced understanding of how customers combine clothing, shoes, bags, sunglasses, and other accessories to craft complete looks.
Backing from Industry Veterans
Jeffrey B. Hecktman, CEO of Hilco Global, expresses his confidence in Zelig, saying, “Sandy Sholl and Adam Freede are innovators in the luxury fashion business, and Hilco Global is proud to partner with them again.” He emphasizes that Zelig stands out because it was founded by fashion experts who possess a deep understanding of the industry’s challenges.
A Stellar Advisory Board
Zelig’s advisory board comprises accomplished executives with extensive experience in technology innovation and luxury. This includes Michelle Lee, former VP of Artificial Intelligence at AWS and Under Secretary of Commerce and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and Kirk Posmantur, Co-Founder of 25 Madison and Chairman & CEO of Axcess Worldwide.
About Zelig
Zelig is a trailblazing B2B2C fashion tech company that is transforming the online shopping experience by seamlessly merging virtual try-on and styling capabilities. Their technology leverages AI, machine learning, and computer vision to empower shoppers to visualize how clothing, footwear, and accessories would complement their unique body type. Shoppers can experiment with different outfit combinations and styling options to create, save, and share complete looks. Founded in 2020 by Sandy Sholl and Adam Freede, co-founders of MadaLuxe Group, North America’s leading luxury distributor.
TL;DR
- Zelig secures $15 million in Series A funding for its AI-powered virtual try-on and styling technology.
- The funding round is led by Hilco Global and includes participation from Bezikian Zareh, valuing Zelig at $100 million.
- Zelig’s technology offers hyperpersonalized online shopping, recreating the in-store fitting room experience.
- Shoppers can visualize outfits, swap items, and share complete looks, while retailers gain valuable shopper data insights.
- The company plans to allow users to upload their own images for virtual try-ons.
- Zelig’s advisory board includes tech and luxury industry experts, and its founders have a deep understanding of the fashion industry.
- Co-founded in 2020 by Sandy Sholl and Adam Freede, Zelig is set to revolutionize online fashion shopping.
Hi, I’m Oren, founder at BIGINTRO, a content strategy agency that helps B2B companies drive growth. We develop search, social, PR, and content marketing strategies tailored to business goals. I also have a dog named Milo.