STCH: Advancing Fabric Development with AI

STCH, a startup dedicated to fabric development and textile manufacturing powered by AI, has secured $7 million (approximately Rs 66 crore) in a pre-Series A funding round spearheaded by Omnivore, with contributions from Kae Capital and WVC. These funds will be allocated towards enhancing AI functions, establishing a fabric research and development lab, strengthening manufacturing alliances, and improving delivery in key markets.

Founded in 2025 by Narahari Payala and Aseem Chitkara, who previously held positions at Zetwerk, STCH operates a contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) platform tailored for fashion enterprises. The company’s emphasis lies in fabric innovation and sourcing, steering clear of consumer-oriented AI applications.

Its platform evaluates product images and descriptions to ascertain fabric characteristics like texture, weight, and finish. Following this analysis, it aids in recreating similar materials by collaborating with local manufacturing partners. STCH asserts that it can transition a fabric from concept to production within about 45 days and mainly collaborates with brands in the UK and Europe. Manufacturing activities are conducted through partner factories across India and Bangladesh.

Earlier this year, Whizzo, a startup focused on materials science-based manufacturing, which was established by former Zetwerk executive Shrestha Kukreja, successfully raised $15 million in a Series A funding round led by Fundamentum.