Alta Raises $11M to Revolutionize Fashion Tech

Alta: An AI-Powered Personal Styling Agent Secures $11 Million in Seed Funding

Jenny Wang, a 28-year-old technology professional, consistently returned to a singular concept throughout her career – the development of a personalized styling solution. This agent would assist users in selecting appropriate attire and making purchases, factoring in their financial constraints, lifestyle, prevailing weather conditions, and scheduled events.

Previous Attempts and Technological Advancements

Wang had previously attempted to realize this product vision on several occasions. However, she explained to TechCrunch that the necessary AI technology hadn't reached sufficient maturity. With recent advancements, she announced the launch of Alta, her long-awaited company, several months ago. This was followed today by the announcement of an $11 million seed round, spearheaded by Menlo Ventures.

The Alta Product: A Virtual Stylist

The resulting product, reminiscent of the film “Clueless,” functions as an AI stylist and personal shopper. It provides outfit recommendations and allows users to virtually “try on” looks using a personalized avatar. For instance, a user could inquire about the ideal outfit for an event like TechCrunch Disrupt, and the AI would generate suggestions and a curated lookbook.

Building a Digital Closet

Users populate their digital wardrobe by uploading photos of existing clothing, forwarding purchase receipts, or utilizing the extensive Alta database. The platform also enables users to experiment with potential purchases, combining them with items already present in their virtual closet.

Competition and the Future of AI Styling

Several companies, including Whering and Cladwell, are also exploring the potential of AI in styling, all aiming to replicate the iconic computer-aided outfit selection scene from “Clueless.” Wang positions Alta as part of a new generation of consumer technology, focused on enhancing the effectiveness of styling and shopping.

She noted that established players like Google Shopping and Pinterest are also investigating AI applications. However, Wang believes that future consumer experiences will necessitate novel technical architectures and user interfaces.

Expert Backing and Strategic Partnerships

Alta benefits from the support of prominent figures, including Meredith Koop, stylist to Michelle Obama, who contributed to the training of Alta’s AI algorithms.

Investor Lineup

Additional investors include Benchstrength; Algaé Ventures, backed by the Arnault family of LVMH; Phenomenal Ventures, founded by Meena Harris, Kamala Harris’ niece; Anthology, the venture capital arm of Anthropic; and a diverse group of angel investors. These include Tony Xu, CEO and co-founder of DoorDash, supermodels Jasmine Tookes and Karlie Kloss, Jenny Fleiss, co-founder of Rent the Runway, and Manish Chandra, CEO and co-founder of Poshmark.

Wang’s Background and Network

Wang emphasized the importance of alignment in her fundraising efforts, leveraging a network cultivated through her diverse experiences in the technology sector. A Harvard-trained engineer, she has made investments in other companies, served as a technical advisor, and held positions within investment firms.

Previously, she completed an internship at DoorDash and volunteered with Karlie Kloss’ “Kode With Klossy” podcast.

Continuous Development and Team Growth

“I continue to actively code daily and learn from our team and technical advisors,” Wang stated. The newly acquired capital will be allocated to team expansion and further research and development. “Our team is consistently refining our in-house models and improving the user experience based on community input,” she added.

Strategic Alliances and Global Expansion

Alta has already established a partnership with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), extending its services to the organization’s members. Wang relocated from San Francisco to New York to facilitate the technology’s development. She noted New York’s proximity to Paris, highlighting the support of LVMH and tech influencer Zita d’Hautville in expanding into the European market.

Furthermore, Alta is collaborating with Marie Kondo to extend its reach into Oceania and the Pacific region.

Future Plans: Retail Partnerships

The company intends to pursue partnerships with retailers globally.

“A significant number of innovative consumer AI companies are emerging in NYC,” Wang observed, adding that she has assembled a team possessing both strong technical skills and a passion for fashion. She considers this venture to be the realization of a long-held dream.