Alta raises $11M to bring ‘Clueless’ fashion tech to life with all-star investors

Jenny Wang, a 28-year-old tech visionary, has long been captivated by the concept of a personal styling assistant. This innovative idea aims to assist users in selecting outfits and making purchases that suit their budget, lifestyle, weather, and calendar. Despite her numerous attempts to create such a product in the past, she found that the AI technology of the time fell short. However, with advancements in AI, Wang recently unveiled her dream venture, Alta, and has now successfully raised $11 million in a seed funding round led by Menlo Ventures. Alta's product is reminiscent of the classic film 'Clueless,' providing users with an AI-driven stylist and personal shopper that offers outfit suggestions and allows them to visualize these looks through personalized virtual avatars. For instance, if a user is unsure about what to wear to an event like TechCrunch Disrupt, they can consult Alta for tailored recommendations and view a curated lookbook. Users can upload their existing wardrobe by taking photos, forwarding purchase receipts, or tapping into the Alta database. The platform also enables users to experiment with new clothing purchases, mixing and matching items with their own wardrobe. While other companies like Whering and Cladwell are exploring the AI styling space, Wang sees her venture as part of a new wave of consumer technology focused on enhancing the efficiency of styling and shopping. Wang has garnered support from notable figures in the fashion industry, including stylist Meredith Koop, who has contributed to training Alta's AI. The funding round features investments from a diverse group, including the Arnault family of LVMH, Phenomenal Ventures, and angel investors like Doordash CEO Tony Xu and supermodels Jasmine Tooks and Karlie Kloss. Wang emphasized the importance of alignment in her fundraising journey, leveraging her extensive network developed through her various roles in tech. With a background in engineering from Harvard and experience in many tech roles, including a stint at Doordash and volunteering on Karlie Kloss’ podcast, Wang is hands-on with Alta’s development. She stated that the new funding will help expand the team and enhance research and development efforts, as they continuously refine their in-house models based on user feedback. Alta has already partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) to offer its services to members. Wang, who has relocated from San Francisco to New York for this venture, noted that being closer to Paris—a fashion capital—benefits their expansion efforts, particularly with the support of LVMH and tech influencer Zita d’Hautville. Furthermore, Alta is collaborating with organization Marie Kondo to extend its reach into Oceania and the Pacific. The startup is also looking to establish partnerships with retailers globally, as Wang believes that many groundbreaking consumer AI companies are emerging from New York City. This startup represents Wang's vision come to life, merging her passion for technology and fashion.