Special episode: No Ordinary Cloth x Fashion District

In this episode, host Mili Tharakan partners with Fashion District London to bring an insightful discussion on securing investment in the textile and fashion industries. Featuring three seasoned venture capitalists—Gabrielle Swycher (Redrice Ventures), Joseph Aziz (True Global), and Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures)—the conversation explores what investors look for in startups, actionable advice for founders, and the trends shaping the future of sustainable fashion. Whether you're a founder seeking funding or an industry professional curious about investment dynamics, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Fashion District is a hub for fashion innovation in east London. They connect fashion, technology, business and education to provide an ecosystem of support for fashion and textile startups that includes innovation networks, affordable space, business support and investment.

Topics covered on this episode:

1. Investor Expectations:The importance of founder resilience, passion, and purpose in early-stage startups.
   How startups can demonstrate traction, scalability, and market potential to secure funding.
   
2. Actionable Advice for Founders:Tips for crafting a compelling pitch deck and avoiding common mistakes.
   How to identify the right investors by researching portfolios, mandates, and value alignment.
   The significance of building strong networks and understanding your target audience.
   
3. Sustainability and Circularity:Key factors investors assess when evaluating sustainable innovations in textiles and fashion.
   The role of regulation, measurable impact, and integration into existing systems in driving investment decisions.
   
4. Emerging Investment Trends:The rise of circular fashion, re-commerce platforms, traceability technologies, and regulatory-driven opportunities.
   Insights into the challenges and opportunities in biomaterials and new business models.
   

Meet the Expert Guests:

• Gabrielle Swycher (Redrice Ventures): Principal at Redrice Ventures, specializing in early-stage investments in purpose-driven consumer brands and tech across the UK.
• Joseph Aziz (True Global): Investor at True Global, focusing on early-stage consumer and retail startups with a robust network of corporate partners to support scaling efforts.
• Nic Gorini (Spin Ventures): Founder of Spin Ventures, a niche boutique fund dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy through innovative technologies.

Resources:

• Venture Deals by Brad Feld & Jason Mendelson – A guide to understanding venture capital for first-time founders.
• Waste to Wealth by Peter Lacy – Exploring business models behind circular practices.
• Estia Ryan's LinkedIn post on newsletters in consumer sustainability spaces.

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Email me: No Ordinary Cloth

Cover art: Photo by Siora, Photography on Unsplash

Music: Inspired Ambient, Orchestraman