Nov 13, 2014

Friends (8) November 13, 2014    1 Views    0 Comments VIDA, an e-commerce platform, has raised $1.3 million in seed funding from investors including Google Ventures, The Valley Fund, Universal Music Group, Beehive Holdings, Slow Ventures and Jesse Draper. VIDA, which has just launched, offers a selection of scarves and tops with unique designs using direct-to-fabric digital printing. VIDA also offers literacy programs for its factory workers. Press Release VIDA, an e-commerce platform that unites socially responsible shopping with a unique manufacturing model to bridge the gap between designers, artists, producers and consumers, announces today the launch of the company. VIDA also announces a $1.3M round of seed funding from investors including Google Ventures, The Valley Fund, Universal Music Group, Nanon and Don Mattrick’s Beehive Holdings, Dave Morin’s Slow Ventures, and Jesse Draper, which will be used for recruiting and product development. The company launches with a luxurious selection of scarves and tops with unique designs from global designers. The use of direct-to-fabric digital printing allows VIDA to produce one-of-a-kind items at scale and manufacture in response to demand. By working directly with textile mills and factories, and removing inefficiencies and waste from the system, VIDA offers quality products at sensible prices. For their factory workers, VIDA offers literacy programs and an opportunity to learn to read, write, and do basic math, so they can build a better life for themselves and their families. VIDA discovers artists from all disciplines, including painters, photographers, graphic designers, sculptors, architects, textile artists, and print designers. The artists are located across the globe and get the opportunity to connect with both manufacturers and consumers and make a living from their passion. VIDA designers include: Elle Magazine’s ‘Up and Coming Fashion Designer from Sweden’, Emma Lundgren; Vogue.com’s ‘Top 10 fashion Grads to Watch’, Cigdem Keskin from Turkey; and Tokyo-based ‘Top Hat Designer of the Year,’ Honoyo Imai. Manufacturing partners include: Karachi-based fashion labels and manufacturing houses, Sania Maskatiya and FNKAsia. “We are using innovations in design and technology to collapse the distances between designers, artists, and producers from around the globe and produce beautiful, original products that uplift and inspire our shoppers and create beauty every step of the way,” said Umaimah Mendhro, founder & CEO of VIDA. “We are turning commerce on its head and reimagining the industry for the thoughtful, global citizens of the modern world.” “VIDA’s approach to e-commerce connects shoppers directly with designers and makers to create unique pieces, at scale,” said Google Ventures partner Dave Munichiello. “Umaimah and her team have tapped into an emerging trend where consumers favor options that allow them to feel more deeply engaged with the people who design and create the products they use every day.” VIDA launches with 75+ individual designs available across five product categories: • 100% silk modern short-sleeve top – $65 • 100% silk modern sleeveless dress top – $75 • Cashmere-modal scarves – $75 • 100% modal scarves – $40 • 100% silk square scarves – $95 VIDA is headquartered in San Francisco. Founder & CEO, Umaimah Mendhro along with co-founders, Alexandra Day Golden and Cameron Preston bring unique expertise in technology, e-commerce, and fashion. About VIDA Founded in 2014, VIDA brings mindful global citizenship and an impeccable sense of taste to style-seekers around the world. Through carefully selected artistic partnerships and responsibly produced clothing and accessories, VIDA is bridging the gap between artists, producers, and consumers. VIDA’s unique relationships with manufacturers and artists around the world ensure that craftspeople at every level are paid a living wage. By only producing products that are purchased, VIDA is able to keep a finger on the pulse of demand while empowering consumers and creators. Learn more about VIDA at www.shopvida.com Leave a Reply