Company Profile: Retraced

Background

Overview

Retraced is a German-based technology company specializing in enhancing transparency and sustainability within the fashion and textile industries. Founded in 2019, the company offers a cloud-based platform that leverages blockchain technology and data analytics to enable brands to trace the entire lifecycle of their products—from raw material sourcing to final production. This approach addresses critical issues related to ethical sourcing, environmental impact, and fair labor practices across global fashion supply chains.

Mission and Vision

Retraced is committed to transforming the fashion industry by providing tools that promote transparency and sustainability. Their mission is to empower brands to manage their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts effectively, ensuring that products are produced ethically and sustainably.

Industry Significance

In an era where consumers demand greater accountability from brands, Retraced plays a pivotal role in helping fashion companies meet these expectations. By offering a platform that ensures supply chain transparency, Retraced enables brands to build trust with consumers and comply with evolving regulatory requirements.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Supply Chain Transparency: Provide brands with comprehensive visibility into their supply chains to ensure ethical and sustainable practices.

Regulatory Compliance: Assist companies in adhering to international sustainability regulations and standards.

Consumer Engagement: Enhance brand-consumer relationships by offering verifiable information about product origins and manufacturing processes.

Areas of Specialization

Fashion and Textile Industries: Tailored solutions addressing the unique challenges of these sectors.

Sustainability Management: Tools and analytics to monitor and improve environmental and social impacts.

Key Technologies Utilized

Blockchain Technology: Ensures data integrity and traceability throughout the supply chain.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Automates data collection and analysis, providing actionable insights.

Primary Markets Targeted

Fashion Brands: Companies seeking to enhance supply chain transparency and sustainability.

Textile Manufacturers: Suppliers aiming to demonstrate compliance with ethical standards.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Seed Rounds:

January 2020: Raised $314,000.

February 2021: Secured $1.22 million.

Series A Round:

September 2024: Raised €15 million ($16.6 million).

Notable Investors

Partech: Led the Series A funding round.

Alante Capital, Alstin Capital, Samaipata, F-Log Ventures: Participated in various funding rounds.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to enhance the platform's capabilities, particularly in AI and process automation, to make supply chain sustainability more efficient and effective. Additionally, the investment will support the development of a user-friendly European Digital Product Passport (DPP) to empower consumers and improve brand engagement.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Blockchain Integration: Utilizes Oracle Blockchain Platform to ensure data integrity and traceability.

AI-Powered Analytics: Employs AI to automate data collection and provide insights into supply chain practices.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Analyzes supply chain data to identify risks and opportunities for improvement.

Machine Learning Algorithms: Enhances predictive capabilities for sustainability assessments.

Leadership Team

Lukas Pünder: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director.

Philipp Mayer: Co-Founder, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Product Officer & Managing Director.

Peter Merkert: Co-Founder, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Information Security Officer.

Roman Houlbreque: Director of Partnerships.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The fashion industry's increasing focus on sustainability has led to a growing demand for supply chain transparency solutions. Regulatory pressures and consumer expectations are driving brands to adopt technologies that provide verifiable information about their products' origins and manufacturing processes.

Competitor Analysis

TrusTrace: Offers a platform for supply chain traceability and compliance, focusing on the fashion industry.

Worldfavor: Provides sustainability management solutions across various industries, including fashion.

Provenance: Utilizes blockchain to verify product claims and enhance transparency for brands.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Retraced has established partnerships with over 150 fashion brands, including:

Desigual

Victoria's Secret

Pangaia

Calzedonia

Tom Tailor

Marc O'Polo

These collaborations enable brands to connect and collaborate with over 15,000 suppliers, fostering a more transparent and sustainable industry.

Operational Insights

Strategic Considerations

Retraced's focus on integrating blockchain and AI technologies positions it uniquely in the market. By offering a comprehensive platform that addresses both regulatory compliance and consumer engagement, Retraced differentiates itself from competitors.

Competitive Advantages

Comprehensive Platform: Combines supply chain transparency, sustainability management, and consumer engagement tools.

Technological Integration: Leverages advanced technologies to provide reliable and verifiable data.

Strong Partnerships: Collaborates with a significant number of brands and suppliers, enhancing its industry influence.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

Platform Enhancement: Continue developing AI and automation features to improve efficiency.

Regulatory Compliance: Adapt to evolving global regulations to assist clients in maintaining compliance.

Consumer Engagement: Develop tools like the European Digital Product Passport to empower consumers and strengthen brand relationships.

Opportunities for Expansion

Global Reach: Expand services to new markets facing increasing regulatory pressures.

Industry Diversification: Apply platform capabilities to other industries seeking supply chain transparency solutions.

Positioning for Future Objectives

Retraced's commitment to innovation and collaboration positions it to lead the industry in providing comprehensive sustainability and transparency solutions. By continuously enhancing its platform and expanding its partnerships, Retraced aims to drive meaningful change in the fashion and textile industries.