In a significant boost to the materials science and textile manufacturing sector Whizzo, a Bengaluru-based start-up specializing in engineered fashion and technical textiles has secured $4.2 million (approximately Rs 36 crore) in a seed funding round led by Lightspeed a prominent international multi-stage venture capital firm.
Funding to Drive Innovation and Global Expansion
The newly raised capital will be utilized to:
✅ Advance research and development (R&D) in materials science.
✅ Establish a state-of-the-art fashion-engineered textile design lab.
✅ Strengthen supply chain infrastructure across key manufacturing hubs in Bangladesh, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and India.
A Vision for Sustainable and Innovative Textiles
Founded in 2024 by Shrestha Kukreja, Whizzo aims to position itself as a global leader in fashion-engineered and technical textiles by leveraging intellectual property-driven solutions. The company is developing proprietary textile blends and adopting a cross-border Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) model to address critical gaps in the textile industry.
Whizzo’s Unique Offerings
Whizzo specializes in creating customized textile solutions using woven, non-woven, and composite technologies for diverse industries, including:
- Medtech: Medical textiles for healthcare applications.
- Packtech: Innovative packaging solutions.
- Indutech: Industrial textiles for technical applications.
- Clothtech: Advanced fabrics for the fashion industry.
The company’s product portfolio includes cellulosic and polymer-based fibres, tailored to meet the specific needs of various sectors.
Global Reach and Expansion Plans
Currently serving 25+ clients, Whizzo is expanding its footprint into Europe and Japan, with plans to onboard 100+ customers across South America, West Asia, and Africa.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
- Romit Mehta, Vice President-Investments, Lightspeed:
“The future of the textile industry lies in man-made fibres and technical fabrics. With robust government backing and forward-thinking entrepreneurs, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global hub for innovation in this field.” - Saksham Pant, Principal, Beenext:
“India’s textile sector, one of the oldest industries, necessitates innovation to address contemporary challenges like efficiency and sustainability. Whizzo is spearheading this change with cutting-edge technology and environmentally responsible methods.”
Driving Sustainability and Innovation
Whizzo’s mission is to revolutionize the textile industry by combining innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity. By addressing critical challenges such as efficiency and environmental impact, the company is paving the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future in textiles.
This funding round marks a pivotal moment for Whizzo as it accelerates its journey to become a global leader in engineered and technical textiles.