Whizzo, a materials science manufacturing startup, has secured $4.2 million in seed funding led by Lightspeed, with participation from BEENEXT. The company plans to utilize this capital to accelerate research and development in materials science, establish a cutting-edge design lab for fashion-engineered textiles, and bolster its supply chain across India, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
What Does Whizzo Do?
Founded in 2024 by Shrestha Kukreja, a former Zetwerk executive and an IRMA alumnus, Whizzo is revolutionizing textile manufacturing through a comprehensive approach that integrates innovation, sustainability, and advanced materials science. The startup specializes in developing proprietary textile blends, incorporating cellulosic and polymer-based fibers, to cater to the diverse needs of various industries while significantly reducing time-to-market.
“Our vision is to establish Whizzo as an intellectual property-driven leader in fashion-engineered and technical textiles,” stated Kukreja. “By creating unique blends and employing a cross-border Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) model, we aim to address critical gaps and transform the textile industry through innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity.”
Industry Growth Potential
India’s technical textiles market, valued at $45 billion in 2026, is projected to experience substantial growth, reaching $123 billion by 2035. This growth is primarily driven by sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and defense.
“Technical textiles and man-made fibers represent the future of the textile market,” remarked Romit Mehta, VP-Investments at Lightspeed. “India is on track to become a global hub of innovation in this sector, fueled by strong government support and visionary entrepreneurs.”
Mehta further emphasized, “Shrestha is a remarkable leader, possessing the ambition and expertise necessary to build an ‘India to the world’ narrative in this space. We are delighted to collaborate with Shrestha and the Whizzo team on this transformative journey, as they leverage advanced materials science and a full-stack manufacturing approach to position India at the forefront of technical textiles.”
A Vision for the Future
Saksham Pant, Principal at BEENEXT, commented on the funding, stating, “India’s textile industry boasts a rich history, and it necessitates innovation to address contemporary challenges such as sustainability and efficiency. Whizzo is spearheading this transformation through advanced technology and eco-conscious practices. Underpinned by Shrestha’s vision and expertise, the company is poised to establish India as a leader in technical textiles within the next decade.”
This funding round marks a significant milestone for Whizzo, enabling the company to accelerate its growth trajectory and solidify its position as a key player in the evolving landscape of the global textile industry. By combining cutting-edge materials science with a focus on sustainability and a robust global supply chain, Whizzo is well-positioned to revolutionize the way textiles are designed, manufactured, and utilized.
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