Mattoboard Raises $2M to Revolutionize Visual Search with AI

MattoBoard Integrates AI with New Funding

MattoBoard, a company specializing in web-based software for interior designers and architects, is venturing into the realm of artificial intelligence. The startup recently announced a $2 million seed funding round on Tuesday. This investment will facilitate the launch of Design Stream, a novel AI-powered tool for visual search and discovery.

Streamlining the Design Process

The company’s core software functions as a “3D Canva,” enabling users to combine over 1,000 virtual materials. It allows for the creation of mood boards and serves as a central location for exploring design concepts across various projects.

Despite the Architecture and Design services industry being valued at approximately $201.97 billion in 2024, MattoBoard identifies the current method of product curation as inefficient. Designers traditionally rely on ordering and awaiting physical samples, which can significantly delay their workflow.

Addressing Waste and Inefficiency

The reliance on physical samples also contributes to substantial waste. It's estimated that the textile industry generates 92 million tons of waste annually, partly due to designers ordering more samples than ultimately needed.

MattoBoard offers a solution by allowing users to present digital concepts to clients before committing to physical samples. This approach promises a faster and more streamlined process.

Introducing Design Stream: AI-Powered Search

An upcoming addition to MattoBoard’s suite of tools is “Design Stream.” This AI tool will empower designers to locate specific products with greater ease, utilizing both natural language and visual inputs.

Designers will be able to describe their vision using everyday language and receive tailored recommendations. MattoBoard intends to develop its own specialized AI models, believing that existing large foundational models are too broad in their application.

Company Leadership and Vision

Established in 2022, MattoBoard is spearheaded by Guy Adam Ailion, the CEO. Ailion is an architect and designer with over two decades of experience, including the design and construction of the acclaimed IO House in London.

He is supported by George Hart, the CTO, a former co-founder of Hometapper, and Sabina Khilnani, the COO.

“Architects and designers expend 40% of their time solely on product and material searches,” Ailion stated to TechCrunch. “I recognized a clear opportunity to disrupt this segment of the A&D workflow, which is overdue for digital transformation. A more effective method for finding, managing, storing, and curating interior materials and products was essential.”

3D Twins and Enhanced Visualization

A key feature of MattoBoard is its utilization of 3D twins for materials. This technology realistically simulates how surfaces and textures interact with light, shadow, and reflections.

By manipulating objects on the board and observing the resulting surface reactions, users gain a deeper understanding of the design’s aesthetic qualities. The platform also allows users to upload images of their own products for inclusion in 3D mood boards.

Consolidating Design Tools

Currently, designers frequently employ a combination of platforms – Canva for design, Pinterest for mood boarding, and Photoshop or 3D renderers for visualization. MattoBoard aims to integrate all these functionalities into a single platform, alongside a robust search capability for discovering and purchasing materials.

The platform is designed to be accessible to users of all skill levels. TechCrunch’s testing revealed a user-friendly interface, making it suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and students alike.

User Base and Future Expansion

Since its launch, approximately 200,000 designers have been utilizing the free version of MattoBoard. A paid Pro subscription, priced at $30 per month, is currently used by over 2,000 designers.

The recent funding round was led by Acrobator Ventures, with contributions from Home Depot Ventures and Masco. The capital will also be allocated to expanding the material database and establishing partnerships with global suppliers, with the ultimate goal of “digitizing every material worldwide,” according to Ailion.