Manchester-based startup Brarista raises £510,000 to enhance women’s lingerie fitting using AI technology, aiming for significant market impact.
A Manchester-based startup, Brarista, is poised for significant growth following a recent funding round amounting to £510,000. The firm, which specializes in using artificial intelligence to assist women in finding the correct bra size, was founded in 2019 by Bella Trang Ngo, a Vietnamese entrepreneur. Brarista began its commercial operations in 2021 and has already engaged in paid pilot programs with retailers such as Lemonade Dolls, Evenly, and Monsera.
Research indicates that a substantial majority of women, approximately 70-80%, wear bras that do not fit correctly. This prevalent issue has driven Brarista to develop advanced machine learning algorithms and vision AI technology designed to help women accurately identify and select their ideal bra size.
The recent investment was led by GC Angels and includes contributions from private investors, as well as a grant from Innovate UK. The funding will enable Brarista to diversify its product offerings, with plans to expand into categories that include maternity bras, swimwear, and post-surgery lingerie.
“We aim to democratise the traditional bra fitting experience, making it accessible and personalised for everyone,” Bella Trang Ngo stated in an interview with BusinessCloud. She emphasized that, “The funding from GC Angels will help us to grow Brarista and reduce the £10bn annual cost of lingerie returns that take place due to poor fit.” Ngo expressed optimism about the potential to empower consumers and make a meaningful impact in the lingerie and fashion markets.
Ranvir Singh, an investment manager at GC Angels, expressed enthusiasm for the investment in Brarista. He remarked, “We’re really excited to support Bella and Brarista – it is a truly innovative solution that combines AI with the kind of expertise that is seldom available on the high street today.” Singh predicted that the startup is on track to fundamentally transform the industry by addressing fit-related challenges that have historically affected both consumers and retailers. He concluded that with the support of GC Angels, Brarista is expected to scale rapidly, influencing markets in the UK and worldwide.
Source: Noah Wire Services
