New Delhi: Zyod, a new technology startup based in Gurugram, India, has secured $3.5 million in seed funding led by Lightspeed Venture India Partners. The company provides apparel sourcing and manufacturing services to fashion brands worldwide, aiming to disrupt the traditional supply chain with a 21-day lead time and a minimum order quantity of just 50 pieces.
According to Zyod co-founder Ankit Jaipuria, the startup’s end-to-end service helps brands minimize inventory and reduce inventory risk, which is crucial for success in the fast-paced fashion industry.
As e-commerce continues to grow, consumers increasingly prefer to buy clothes online for convenience. However, fashion brands still struggle with the challenges of sourcing and producing garments quickly enough to keep up with the industry’s rapidly evolving trends and consumer preferences. Meeting the demands of the market can lead to inventory write-offs and threaten profitability, making Zyod’s solution highly attractive.
Since its inception earlier this year, Zyod has already served over 150 clients in 13 countries. Jaipuria declined to disclose specific brand names but revealed that the startup serves three primary customer archetypes. The first consists of smaller direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands that have few alternatives in the current market landscape. The second comprises international importers and wholesalers who have traditionally relied on Chinese suppliers but are now seeking alternative options. Lastly, large brands seeking to expand their product range and adopt a more demand-driven approach make up a significant portion of Zyod’s clientele.
Jaipuria emphasized the importance of enabling a “brand success loop” that encourages brands to fail fast and learn faster. Zyod’s innovative approach to apparel sourcing and manufacturing may be just what the fashion industry needs to stay ahead of the curve and meet the demands of today’s fast-paced, consumer-driven market.