Contxto – Fast fashion is quickly draining our natural resources. According to the United Nations, almost 20 percent of global wastewater and 10 percent of global carbon emissions are produced by the fashion industry.
So to help consumers stay trendy and consume in a more eco-friendly way, startup Repassa closed R$10 million (~US$2 million). Returning investor Redpoint eventures led the Series A round which was closed in March of this year but announced just recently.
The startup has already directed funding towards product improvement. Correspondingly, app users will be delighted by faster loading times and a perfected algorithm for making product recommendations.
Likewise, as of next month, the startup will expand beyond São Paulo and into more parts of Brazil.
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Repassa and socially-responsible fashion
I wouldn’t use the word “marketplace” to refer to Repassa. And that’s because it doesn’t operate entirely like one.
Vendors looking to sell thrugh Repassa receive a “Sacola do Bem” or “Bag of Good.” They then fill it with as many articles of clothing that they no longer use. When that’s done, they can arrange for the startup to pick up the bag, or they can send it via mail.
From there, the startup reviews the items. Products that are still in good condition are priced and uploaded onto the Repassa platform to be bought. Vendors receive 60 percent of the sale or they can choose to send all proceeds directly to a charitable cause.
Socially-responsible and easy on the environment… two pressing concerns that help explain why Redpoint returned to Repassa.
Fashion startup trends in Brazil and beyond
Just as the fashion industry is ever changing in cuts and colors, the world of startups working with clothing is shifting too. And recent investments illustrate these trends.
For one, the types of products consumers purchase are changing. Either because they’re more eco-friendly or socially responsible—buyers are getting behind them.
For example, Mexican Someone Somewhere and its platform of artisan-crafted products raised over a million dollars in funding this year to launch into the United States.
There is this more recent case of Brazilian Repassa slowing down the toxic effects of fast fashion on the environment not to mention contributing to charitable causes.
Likewise, e-commerce is also pushing fashion to new digital heights.
Houpa for one raised funding this year to improve the online shopping experience. It’s also encouraging community building by acting as a social media platform for fashionistas in Brazil.
Meanwhile, Nike buddied up with Argentine Mercado Libre last month to reach more online shoppers in Latam last month.
Related articles: Tech and startups from Brazil!
-ML
