Global clothing manufacturer Hi-Tech Apparel has purchased a majority stake in UK software startup Unmade as it grows. The software company makes it possible for fashion labels like Ralph Lauren and sporting firms like New Balance and Decathlon to sell bespoke apparel on demand.
By “turning designs into manufacturing-ready data, lowering minimum order quantities, reducing waste, and boosting manufacturers’ responsiveness,” brands can take advantage of this technology.
Hal Watts, Kirsty Emery-Laws, and Ben Alun-Jones created the award-winning digital firm in 2014. Prior to that, the company had raised £15 million from investors including Octopus Ventures, Felix Capital, MMC Ventures, Local Globe, and Connect Ventures.
Having previously invested, Decathlon will continue to be a shareholder following the transaction, “with Unmade retaining the autonomy to work with any brand or manufacturer.”
According to the firm, the transaction gives Thailand-based conglomerate and supplier Hi-Tech Apparel “a huge opportunity to build a digital-first, globally distributed manufacturing model to meet customer demand.” It is valued at ten times its revenue.
Leading the way in personalised and customised garments, Unmade’s UK-based team comprises CEO Hal Watts and COO Simon Rea. They will remain with the company to “further develop the industry’s leading digital solution, boosted by a significant cash injection to propel growth with a series of new hires.”
Hi-Tech’s production and logistics experience and Unmade’s technology will now be combined as a result of their partnership “to create a market leading solution for brands and retailers looking for a better approach to teamwear and customisation.”
Additionally, Hi-Tech’s “significant resources, expertise and customer base” will be available to Unmade’s staff. With yearly sales exceeding $300 million, Hi-Tech Apparel claims to “share Unmade’s vision to automate the manufacturing process.”
