Bengaluru-based textile CDMO STCH has raised an estimated $5.5–$7 million in a pre-Series A round led by agritech-focused investor Omnivore, with participation from Kae Capital and White Venture Capital. Founded in 2025 by former Zetwerk executives Narahari Payala and Aseem Chitkara, the startup aims to modernise fabric development and supply chains for global apparel brands.
AI-led fabric development and sourcing
Positioned as a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisation, STCH focuses on industrial execution rather than fashion design. Its proprietary “fabric GPT” analyses images and product descriptions to interpret trend direction and technical specifications such as texture, GSM, weave, and finish. The system then generates a production-ready fabric brief, or “recipe,” for partner mills.
By reducing trial-and-error in sample development, STCH says it has compressed concept-to-production timelines to about 45 days. The platform also matches brands with suitable mills, helping lower sourcing costs by up to 20%. STCH follows an asset-light model, operating through a network of partner mills across India and Bangladesh with more than 1,000 machines, enabling distributed production and supply-chain resilience.
Sustainability roadmap and commercial traction
Sustainability is a core focus, with ongoing work on biodegradable and recycled material blends. The company is developing cotton-based alternatives designed to mimic polyester-like handfeel, aimed at reducing microplastic shedding associated with synthetic fibres.
Despite a low-profile launch, STCH reports an order book exceeding $15 million. Its customer roster includes Shein, Crocodile, Being Human, Roman, Joe Browns, and CP Brands, with primary markets in the UK, Europe, and the US. Backed by strong demand for faster, cost-efficient, and sustainable fabric solutions, the company targets Rs 100 crore in revenue by FY27 while reinforcing India’s role in global textile manufacturing.
