Frank Bartelt schließt sich als neuer Chief Operating Officer (COO) der Spread Group, dem führenden globaler Anbieter individualisierter Fashion- und Lifestyleprodukte, an. Als solcher setzt er den Fokus auf die weitere Optimierung der kundenzentrierten Prozesse, neue Technologien und eine umfassende Erweiterung des Sortiments.
Neben der konstanten Verbesserung der Produktqualität und der Investition in neue Veredlungstechniken sollen auch neue Skalierungspotentiale erschlossen werden. Frank Bartelt möchte dafür technologiebasierte Ansätze beim Marktführer Spread Group ausbauen und in Themen wie Automation und Robotics im Operations Bereich weiter investieren.
Der diplomierte Wirtschaftswissenschaftler kommt nach vierjähriger Tätigkeit als COO von Picanova (The Customization Group). Zuvor war er mehr als sieben Jahre in leitenden Positionen beim Online-Modehändler Zalando tätig. Inspiriert von der Unternehmensgeschichte und der Vision der Gründer der Spread Group will er seine Branchenerfahrung in Sachen Skalierung und Nachhaltigkeit einbringen.
Frank Bartelt sagt zu seiner neuen Aufgabe als COO bei der Spread Group:
„Der Operations Bereich ist für den Großteil der Wertschöpfung verantwortlich und hat daher eine große Verantwortung bei der weiteren Entwicklung der Spread Group. Das Potential der Gruppe ist enorm. Um das weiter zu heben, will ich den Tech-Part stärken, in neue Veredelungstechnologien investieren und für weitere Qualitätsverbesserungen bei allen kundenbezogenen Prozessen sorgen.“
Spread Group-CEO Dr. Julian de Grahl erklärt:
„Mit Frank Bartelt gewinnt die Spread Group viel Expertise für die Weiterentwicklung des operativen Geschäfts. Bei seinen vorherigen Aufgaben in der Branche hat er gezeigt, dass er mit dem Fokus auf technologische Innovationen und den Service-Gedanken, wichtige Impulse für ein agiles Unternehmenswachstum setzen kann. Dieser Ansatz entspricht auch unserer Unternehmensphilosophie. Wir freuen uns darauf, gemeinsam die Spread Group auf diesem Weg weiterzuentwickeln.“
Über Spread Group
Spread Group ist ein globaler Anbieter individualisierter Fashion- und Lifestyle-Produkte. Mit den Marken Spreadshirt, Teamshirts, Spreadshop und SPREAD bietet sie Konsumenten, Unternehmen und Content Creators digitale Services zur Individualisierung von Fashion- und Lifestyle-Produkten an.
Gemeinsame Basis aller Leistungsangebote der Spread Group ist eine flexible Softwareplattform, die eine tiefe vertikale Integrationen entlang der Wertschöpfungskette ermöglicht. Dazu gehören nicht nur Produktdesign, Marketing und Verkauf über Marktplätze und Online-Shops, sondern auch Produktion, Zahlungsabwicklung, weltweiter Versand und Kundenservice.
Mit dem Fashion Tech Fund Spread Ventures investiert Spread Group gezielt in junge Technologie-Unternehmen, die Spread Groups Vision einer nachhaltigeren Fashion-Produktion oder –Distribution teilen.
Der Made-to-Order-Pionier wurde 2002 in Leipzig gegründet und betreibt heute vier Produktionsstätten in den USA und Europa. Im Jahr 2022 fertigte Spread Group für Kunden in mehr als 170 Ländern über zehn Millionen Produkte auf Bestellung und erzielte einen Umsatz von mehr als 175 Millionen Euro.
www.spreadyourstyle.com
www.spreadshirt.de
www.spreadshop.com/de
www.spread.ventures
Pressekontakt
Nora Kulling, Spread Group
t: +49 160 98615695
Spread Group, führender globaler Anbieter individualisierter Fashion- und Lifestyleprodukte, hat Ferdinand von Humboldt zum neuen Chief Financial Officer (CFO) ernannt. Zu den Hauptaufgaben von Humboldts wird es gehören, die Finanz- und Innovationskraft der Spread Group weiter zu stärken und die auf Wachstum, Innovation und Vertikalisierung ausgerichtete Unternehmensstrategie zusammen mit dem Führungsteam umzusetzen.
Ferdinand von Humboldt bringt eine langjährige operative und strategische Finance-Erfahrung in die Gruppe ein. Seine beruflichen Stationen führten ihn von der Strategieberatung Roland Berger über einen Management Buy-out einer ehemaligen Zalando-Tochtergesellschaft zu CFO-Positionen bei global agierenden Tech- und Serviceunternehmen.
Zu seinen künftigen Zielen gehört, die finanziellen Voraussetzungen zu schaffen, um die unter der Leitung von Spread Group-CEO Dr. Julian de Grahl erarbeitete Unternehmensstrategie umzusetzen und den Ausbau der neuen Geschäftsfelder Lifestyle & Fashion (www.spreadyourstyle.com), B2B & Corporate Merchandise (www.teamshirts.de und www.gomula.com) sowie Sports & Live-Entertainment (u.a. “Rock am Ring” und “Rock im Park”) weiter voranzutreiben. Hierzu zählen auch die Umsetzung weiterer M&A Aktivitäten und der Ausbau von Spread Ventures (www.spread.ventures).
Ferdinand von Humboldt sagt zu seiner Ernennung:
„Ich kenne die Spread Group seit meinem BWL-Studium an der Handelshochschule in Leipzig. Spread Group war 2002 die innovativste und disruptivste Start-up-Erfolgsgeschichte in Deutschland. Mit meiner Expertise möchte ich nun den Fokus der Spread Group auf ihre ursprüngliche DNA aus Innovationskraft und Disruption stärken.“
Spread Group-CEO Dr. Julian de Grahl erklärt:
„Wir freuen uns, dass wir unser Führungsteam mit Ferdinand von Humboldt weiter verstärken konnten. Mit Lothar Reiff und Frederik Brakel konnten wir bereits im letzten Jahr viel Branchenerfahrung dazugewinnen. Der starke Corporate Finance Background von Ferdinand wird uns helfen, die Umsetzung unserer strategischen Initiativen weiter voranzutreiben. Wir freuen uns hierbei auf die aktive Mitgestaltung und strategische Expertise von Ferdinand.“
Über Spread Group
Spread Group ist ein globaler Anbieter individualisierter Fashion- und Lifestyle-Produkte. Mit den Marken Spreadshirt, Teamshirts, Spreadshop und SPREAD bietet sie Konsumenten, Unternehmen und Content Creators digitale Services zur Individualisierung von Fashion- und Lifestyle-Produkten an.
Gemeinsame Basis aller Leistungsangebote der Spread Group ist eine flexible Softwareplattform, die eine tiefe vertikale Integrationen entlang der Wertschöpfungskette ermöglicht. Dazu gehören nicht nur Produktdesign, Marketing und Verkauf über Marktplätze und Online-Shops, sondern auch Produktion, Zahlungsabwicklung, weltweiter Versand und Kundenservice.
Mit dem Fashion Tech Fund Spread Ventures investiert Spread Group gezielt in junge Technologie-Unternehmen, die Spread Groups Vision einer nachhaltigeren Fashion-Produktion oder –Distribution teilen.
Der Made-to-Order-Pionier wurde 2002 in Leipzig gegründet und betreibt heute vier Produktionsstätten in den USA und Europa. Im Jahr 2022 fertigte Spread Group für Kunden in mehr als 170 Ländern über zehn Millionen Produkte auf Bestellung und erzielte einen Umsatz von mehr als 175 Millionen Euro.
www.spreadyourstyle.com
www.spreadshirt.de
www.spreadshop.com/de
www.spread.ventures
Pressekontakt
Nora Kulling, Spread Group
t: +49 (0)341 594 00 5381
Next Gen Fashion Tech Brings Customisable Merch to #G2Army
G2 Esports is bringing made-to-order merch to its teams’ supporters with Spread Group’s cutting edge print-on-demand technology. The worldwide licensing deal includes G2 Esports and their mascot G2 Sam. Merch will also be available on Amazon.
G2 Esports’ 40m-strong community can now enhance its sense of belonging with customisable clothing. Players compete in League of Legends, VALORANT, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Rocket League, Rainbow Six Siege, Fortnite and Sim Racing.
Made-to-order merch means the #G2Army can choose a style, fit and colour to suit them, within their esport’s brand guidelines. Spread Group’s global reach means G2 Esports can connect with its worldwide community with this offering. It is the top most talked about and watched esports club with over 50% of its fans in EMEA.
Fans can celebrate the skill and professionalism of their favorite team and players with delightful items like a team poster, hoodie or beanie. Plus G2 Sami features too, with Many Moods of Sami on t-shirts and other merch.
Supporters can buy via Spreadshirt, or have the option to buy direct from Amazon, where customisation will also be possible.
Sven Burscher, Spread Group’s Head of Licensing said:
“Made-to-order merch is a perfect fit for gaming and esports. Pro and amateur gamers, along with their fans, can develop their sense of community with team merch. Print-on-demand makes customisation possible, so everyone get an item they are proud to wear.”
He continues:
“Made-to-order also has impressive sustainability credentials as nothing is created until it is ordered. This reduces waste and because consumers are invested in their order, and their team, the returns are very low; below 2%. It offers gamers, fans and brands a new, sustainable aspect merch”.
Full list of products:
T-Shirts, Long Sleeves Shirts, Hoodies, Sweat-Shirts, Zip Hoodies, College Jackets, Drawstring Bags, Tote Bags, Drawstring Bags, Shoulder Bags, Waist Bags, Mugs, Water Bottles, Lunch Boxes, Stickers, Caps, Beanies, Hats, Pillowcases, Posters, Magnets, Coasters, Trousers (leggings)
Full list of brands and links: https://bit.ly/3PUybcL
Download-Link Pictures:
About G2 Esports
G2 is the most entertaining esports organization in the world – end of discussion. Known for having the best players and rosters, the company has dominated the global stage since its inception in 2015, securing countless major tournament victories, several industry awards and exciting partnership collaborations in the process. Entertainment is the essence of everything G2 does, with the esports brand rated number one for social engagement through multiple regions worldwide.
During its eight years of domination, G2 has built a global fanbase of over 40 million fans spanning EMEA, North America, Asia and Latin America. Boasting an Instagram following of 1.3 million and Twitter followers in excess of 1.2 million, the G2 community follows every twist and turn of the most captivating stories created by the organization within the esports scene and beyond.
International household name brands are increasingly recognising the opportunities that esports can offer to tap into an engaged new audience and are partnering with G2 as a credible way to be part of this movement. G2 currently counts the likes of Logitech, Red Bull, Herman Miller, Oakley, Ralph Lauren, Jägermeister and Mastercard amongst its strategic commercial partners.
Over 150 players, content creators, and employees are at the heart of G2, taking the team from an esports brand at its core to a global, recognisable, lifestyle and entertainment brand.
More information is available at: https://g2esports.com
About Spread Group
Spread Group is a global provider of customized fashion and lifestyle products. With the brands SPREAD, Spreadshirt, Teamshirts and Spreadshop, Spread Group offers consumers, companies, and content creators digital services for the individualization of fashion and lifestyle products. The common basis of all Spread Group service offerings is a flexible software platform that enables deep vertical integrations along the value chain. This includes not only product design, marketing and sales via marketplaces and online stores, but also production, payment processing, worldwide shipping and customer service. The made-to-order pioneer founded in 2002, in Leipzig, Germany, now operates four production sites in the U.S. and Europe and has annual revenues of over 175 million Euros. Spread Group has more than 20 million customers in over 170 countries.
Press Contact
Nora Kulling, Spread Group
t: +49 (0)341 594 00 5381
Next Gen Merch: Sustainability and a Sense of Belonging within Brand Guidelines
Leipzig/London, 13th September 2023 – Over 20 brand names under Hasbro Licensed Consumer Products will become available on the next generation fashion platform, Spreadshirt. By adding this impressive new signing, Spread Group – the parent company of Spreadshirt – looks to exceed expectations in 2023.
The deal will cover brands from PEPPA PIG and MONOPOLY to DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, in addition to the newly beloved BLYTHE, featured alongside all-time favourites MR. POTATO HEAD and MY LITTLE PONY.
There’s even something for the tabletop gaming lover too. As DUNGEONS & DRAGONS came to the big screen, Hasbro will offer Dungeons and Dragons: Honour Among Thieves merchandise via Spread Group. MAGIC: THE GATHERING will also benefit from customisable styles.
Fans will be able to choose from MONOPOLY umbrellas, Transformers: EarthSpark ‘Unity is Power’ caps and G.I. JOE sweatshirts. Additionally, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS fans can emblazon their hoodies with the maxim ‘Fight Tyranny, Defend the Oppressed, Ask Nothing in Return.
Sven Burscher, Spread Group’s Head of Licensing said:
“Choosing their own styles offers fans a new aspect to their merch. Our made-to-order technology impresses Gen Z with its sustainability credentials. Being able to tweak their item gives fans a strong sense of loyalty to the brands they love. It can also all be done within the brand merch guidelines. We’re delighted to be working with Hasbro to bring this merchandise to market”.
Sustainability is an increasingly important element in merchandising deals. Underpinning Spread Group’s offering to brands is its print-on-demand technology. This reduces waste because no item is printed until it is ordered. So, there’s no overstocking or discarded sizes. It also brings down the likelihood of returns, as customers invest in a style and size to suit them.
Hasbro brands already available at Spread Group include:
- PEPPA PIG
- TRANSFORMERS
- My little Pony
- Power Rangers
- Furby
- DUNGEONS & DRAGONS
- Magic The Gathering
- Monopoly
- PJ Masks
Additional Links:
About Hasbro
Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands.
Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.
About Spread Group
Spread Group is a global provider of customized fashion and lifestyle products. With the brands SPREAD, Spreadshirt, Teamshirts and Spreadshop, Spread Group offers consumers, companies, and content creators digital services for the individualization of fashion and lifestyle products. The common basis of all Spread Group service offerings is a flexible software platform that enables deep vertical integrations along the value chain. This includes not only product design, marketing and sales via marketplaces and online stores, but also production, payment processing, worldwide shipping and customer service. The made-to-order pioneer founded in 2002, in Leipzig, Germany, now operates four production sites in the U.S. and Europe and has annual revenues of over 175 million Euros. Spread Group has more than 20 million customers in over 170 countries.
Press Contact
Nora Kulling, Spread Group
t: +49 (0)341 594 00 5381
TeamShirts becomes the official jersey sponsor of the Handball-Bundesliga team SC DHfK Leipzig. With the beginning of the 2023/24 season, the teamwear supplier from Leipzig will take over the production and the printing of the DHfK handball team’s apparel.
The new jersey for the upcoming 2023/24 season, featuring the TeamShirts logo on its sleeves, was unveiled at the SC DHfK Leipzig Media Day on Friday, July 14. Starting today, the green and white jerseys will be available in the online shop at www.scdhfk-handball.de/fanshop. Fans can also equip themselves with merchandise to support their team from the stands or from home, keeping with the TeamShirts motto “There’s a team behind the shirts”.
In the “decade of handball”, TeamShirts is excited about the collaborative partnership with SC DHfK and the opportunity to promote handball and give it visibility. At the same time, the cooperation helps the e-commerce company grow in the areas of performance team wear and merchandising
Here’s the official trailer jersey.
Im „Jahrzehnts des Handballs“ freut sich TeamShirts über die partnerschaftliche Zusammenarbeit mit dem SC DHfK und die Gelegenheit, den Handballsport zu fördern und diesem mehr Sichtbarkeit zu verleihen. Gleichzeitig verhilft die Kooperation dem eCommerce-Unternehmen in den Bereichen Performance Teamwear und Merchandising weiter zu wachsen.
Elmar Kühner, Director of TeamShirts:
“At SC DHfK’s matches, there is a phenomenal atmosphere: the team performs at its best and stands united, while the fans are fully engaged. It’s contagious and exactly what we stand for – team spirit and quality.”
Karsten Günther, Managing Director SC DHfK Handball:
“This collaboration is a true milestone in our development, which benefits our members, partners, and fans in particular. TeamShirts’ clear commitment to SC DHfK makes us very proud, and I look forward to many exciting joint projects and creations.”
Related Links
- More images can be found here
- SC DHfK Fanshop
- TeamShirts Website
- DHfK Website
Spread Group, leading global provider of customized fashion and lifestyle products, appoints Nora Kulling as its new Vice President Marketing. She is an experienced marketing and brand expert who will further develop the marketing strategy and brand-building process and drive the development of specialized marketing teams.
Prior to joining the Spread Group, Kulling held executive positions for marketing and branding in various companies for ten years, including almost eight years at Mister Spex – most recently there as Head of Brand Management. From her point of view, it is “more important than ever to produce relevant content to get closer to your target group and build a connection with the brand. The days of scaling via pure performance marketing without a stringent brand strategy are over. Brands without clear positioning will be punished by consumers.”
Right at the start of her job in March 2023, she was involved in the launch of the new fashion and lifestyle brand SPREAD. For the associated marketing campaign, a radically different communication approach was chosen compared to the Spreadshirt umbrella brand. “For the SPREAD marketing campaign, very clear brand positioning was important to us. Therefore, in line with the target group (Gen Z and Y), we focused entirely on social media and entertainment networks. In addition, we foregrounded the community idea,” says Kulling.
Nora Kulling says about her new task and focus:
“After extremely successful expansion over the past 20 years, we need to break new ground for further sustainable growth and diversify the marketing mix. I would like to effectively shape this process of change, which can only be successful with the right communicative orientation. My goal is to further strengthen Spread Group as a relevant fashion tech player and to develop love brands with high recognition value, likeability and brand loyalty. I am looking forward to the great design opportunities, especially with Spread Group’s focus on brand building, for which I see huge potential. As an end customer, I already have a long personal relationship with the company.”
Spread Group CEO Dr Julian de Grahl explains:
“Creative marketing concepts are important success factors to strengthen and expand our global presence. This includes, in particular, strengthening our content strategy and building branding and social media expertise. We are therefore looking forward to Nora’s fresh look and expertise.”
Photo Material for Download
- Nora Kulling, VP Marketing (jpg, Copyright Spread Group)
SPREAD: The next generation fashion & lifestyle brand with a radically new approach, offering what Genzennials like most: individualization and personalization. The global launch will happen in Berlin on Friday, April 28th, during Gallery Weekend. With a surprise campaign starring some of Berlin’s coolest DJs, Musicians, actors and artists. And a big bash of 800 selected guests at a secret location.
The SPREAD USP, “created to create,” is a fashion revolution! Customers can select their own personal design on demand using a “creative toolbox” which includes bold graphics, prints and embroideries. And exclusive artworks designed by collaborating artists.
All made to order and delivered within the next days.
The first SPREAD drop is a cool and unique streetstyle capsule. A curated selection of unisex, everyday essentials and powerful, iconic styles. Inspired by contemporary urban culture, it is cool, relaxed, oversized: hoodies, crew necks, t-shirts, long sleeves, zip hoodies, sweatpants and shorts. Produced in Portugal and made from 100% organic cotton. All styles exclusively available globally at the new SPREAD online shop: spreadyourstyle.com
The SPREAD story starts in Berlin, with an ambitious plan to spread globally. Masterminded by Lothar Reiff, Chief Product & Brand Advisor for SPREAD GROUP and a well known fashion and lifestyle visionaire. Together with the young SPREAD team of fashion designers, graphic artists and specialists, headed by Michael Kampe, Creative Director Fashion of SPREAD GROUP (formerly Armedangels Creative Director). SPREAD GROUP Chief Commercial Officer is Frederik Brakel (formerly Zalando and Central Group Europe / KaDeWe).
SPREAD engaged renowned Creative Director Donald Schneider to develop the innovative communication, “from local to global.” With a community-building launch campaign concept, for which he and his team worked together with upcoming star photographer Vitali Gelwich and stylist Claudia Hofmann. Featuring the “Berlin Squad” campaign stars:
- AARON ALTARAS, actor & musician @aaronaltaras
- DANIA, musician & model @ddaniamacias
- LSDXOXO, musician & DJ @lsdxoxo
- MAGO DOVJENKO, artist @iammago
- VTSS, musician & DJ @vtss.pl
Artist Mago Dovjenko, photographer Vitali Gelwich and artist Jeroen Erosie designed special artworks exclusively for this first SPREAD collection. More collaborations are being planned.
Friday, April 28th, the launch campaign will start on all social media channels, with lots of buzz and media coverage. Berlin will get plastered with the #spreadberlin campaign posters. And in the evening, there will be a big launch party for 800 selected guests at a secret location. Orchestrated by Berlin nightlife impresario Henok Tsehaye. With a cool booking of hot music acts and DJs, like Dania, Alcatraz, Nunguja, Bill Kouligas, Josh Johnson, Anyang Anyang, Rafi Sinn, and special surprise performances.
Dr. Julian de Grahl, CEO of SPREAD GROUP:
“With SPREAD, we are utilizing our proven made-to-order technology in a disruptive way and are creating a unique, digital fashion and lifestyle brand. At the core of it is our successful USP of personalization and individualization. Which is exactly what the fashion world is longing for, including digitalization and sustainability. And what the Genzennials value most: personality and consciousness.”
SPREAD THE WORD! SPREAD YOUR STYLE! SPREAD: good vibes, awareness, warmth, creativity, individuality, from Berlin to the world.
PHOTO & VIDEO MATERIAL FOR PRESS: campaign photos (photographer: Vitali Gelwich), campaign videos, campaign posters, BTS photos
Spread Group is the exclusive and official merchandise partner of Rock am Ring and Rock im Park. For at least two years, the global provider of customized and sustainable fashion products will make an appearance with their consumer brand Spreadshirt. Following recent collaborations with Netflix and Universal Products & Experiences, Spread Group will for the first time distribute fanwear in the live entertainment sector, on-site and through online shops. With additional merchandising products that complement the online offering, the fashion-tech company Spread Group will also keep the festival feeling alive in the aftermath of the event.
In doing so, Spread Group will take over the design creation and production of all merch products for Rock am Ring and Rock im Park for the 2023 and 2024 festival seasons. Online sales will take place via the official websites of Rock am Ring and Rock im Park with integrated online shops, as well as on Spreadshirt’s marketplaces. In addition, products will be distributed on the Rock am Ring (#RAR2023) and Rock im Park (#RIP2023) social media platforms, such as the YouTube Merch Shelf.
The online offers allow visitors to get their festival package with T-shirts, hoodies, caps, tote bags, drinking bottles and mugs before the festival weekend. From June 2 to 4, more than 160,000 music fans are expected to attend the two festivals. Spread Group has received an exclusive license from eventimpresents GmbH & Co. KG c/o CTS Eventim AG & Co KGaA.
Frithjof Pils, Managing Director Eventim Live:
“In Spread Group, we have found a strategic partner that will enable us to provide a comprehensive online availability of a diverse merch portfolio, in addition to an attractive merch offering on site. I am sure that this cooperation with its associated offer will help us succeed in conveying the unique festival feeling and the shared passion for Rock am Ring and Rock im Park.”
Dr. Julian de Grahl, CEO Spread Group:
“With the exclusive license of Rock am Ring and Rock im Park, we are continuing our path of offering high-quality designs to customers in the fanwear segment with convincing, sustainable product quality. The multichannel approach with sales on site and through online shops facilitates a multifaceted portfolio with diverse campaigns, while offering the opportunity to rethink and expand festival merch as such.”
Photo Material for Download
- Model photo Rock am Ring Organic T-Shirt Icons and Organic Hoodie Shothole Skull (jpg, Copyright Spread Group)
- Model photo Rock am Ring Organic T-Shirt Guitar Angel red (jpg, Copyright Spread Group)
- Model photo Rock am Ring Organic Totebag Skull in Space (jpg, Copyright Spread Group)
- Model photo Rock am Ring Organic T-Shirt Icons front (jpg, Copyright Spread Group)
- Product photo Rock am Ring Organic T-Shirt Icons back (png, Copyright Spread Group)
- Product photo Rock am Ring Organic T-Shirt Icons front (png, Copyright Spread Group)
- Product photo Rock am Ring Organic T-Shirt Guitar Angel red (png, Copyright Spread Group)
- Product photo Rock am Ring Organic Hoodie Shothole Skull (png, Copyright Spread Group)
- Product photo Rock am Ring Organic Totebag Skull in Space (png, Copyright Spread Group)
Related Links
The fashion AI startup “SAIZ” has secured a pre-seed investment from Spread Ventures in its first financing round. The newly founded VC fund “Spread Ventures” (part of Spread Group) will participate in the Berlin-based company SAIZ as lead investor with a six-figure sum. SAIZ is an AI-based solution to reduce returns in the fashion industry. It is the business idea of the two founders Svenja Tegtmeier and Marita Sanchez de la Cerda.
The fashion AI startup “SAIZ”
Returns are a key problem for the fashion industry, especially for online retailers. More than half of online purchases are returned due to problems with size and fit. This not only creates significant costs for brands and retailers, but also accounts for a large portion of the industry’s CO2 emissions. SAIZ addresses this problem by using Artificial Intelligence and NLP to optimize sizes and fits for fashion brands – recommending the right size to customers based on their body measurements and preferences. The B2B SaaS platform also provides real-time data analytics and insights that help companies make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. As a first-of-its-kind solution, SAIZ creates product-specific 3D measurements for each garment and matches them with each customer’s body measurements.
The two founders previously founded a fashion label themselves. They used AI and data analysis to translate their experience in the fashion industry into an innovative size and fitting solution for the e-commerce and fashion industry, which they further developed together with well-known brands and online retailers.
The Spread Ventures x SAIZ investment
The financing at SAIZ is Spread Ventures’ first investment and a milestone for the company and the industry. The lead investment has been joined by other angel investors from the fashion and e-commerce industries – a reflection of the potential of the solution and the strength of the team behind it. The fresh capital will be used to accelerate product development, expand the team and drive growth.
SAIZ is poised to transform the fashion industry and help brands reduce returns, improve customer satisfaction and become more sustainable.
Marita Sanchez de la Cerda, co-founder of SAIZ on the investment from lead-investor Spread Ventures:
“SAIZ and Spread Ventures are a perfect match. We are super excited to build a sustainable fashion tech future together with a lead investor with the same ambitions.”
Robin Nitsch, Head of Ventures and Innovations at Spread Group on the investment in SAIZ:
“SAIZ is the first solution that actually works and is proven to reduce returns. As a result, fashion brands and retailers can not only save on logistics costs, but also reduce their CO2 footprint at the same time. SAIZ fits perfectly with our mission to establish sustainable solutions in the fashion industry and to support Spread Group in its transformation into a fashion tech company. With our investment and close partnership, we can combine personalized products with perfect fit, something that has not been found in the market so far.”
New VC fund “Spread Ventures”
The newly founded investment fund Spread Ventures is Europe’s first VC that specializes in fash-ion tech startups in the pre-seed and seed phase. Commenting on the investment strategy, Robin Nitsch, Head of Ventures and Innovations, says: “We are looking for the best teams in Europe (and beyond) to invest in technology-based startups with innovative solutions for a more sustainable fashion and e-commerce industry. The fashion industry is at an inflection point – pushed by new web3 technologies and ESG requirements, sustainability awareness of consumer generation Z and legislators. These trends and technologies will significantly change the fashion industry in the coming years, from 3D product design to greener materials and production processes to virtual collections, social commerce and circularity solutions. With our startup partners, we want to develop answers to these market trends, share our industry knowledge and test new concepts at scale.”
Related Links
Photo and Video Material
- Photo 1: SAIZ founders Svenja Tegtmeier and Marita Sanchez de la Cerda with Robin Nitsch, Head of Ventures and Innovation (jpg, Copyright Spread Group)
- Photo 2: SAIZ founders Svenja Tegtmeier and Marita Sanchez de la Cerda (Copyright Spread Group)
- Photo 3: SAIZ founders Svenja Tegtmeier and Marita Sanchez de la Cerda in spread x SAIZ Hoodies (jpg, Copyright Spread Group)
- Video: Spread Ventures x SAIZ
About Spread Ventures
Spread Ventures GmbH is the first European early-stage venture fund to focus on pre-seed and seed investments in fashion tech companies, supporting them with operational industry exper-tise from the e-commerce and print-on-demand business. The company is a subsidiary of Spread Group, a technology-enabled global provider of individualized fashion and lifestyle products. Spread Ventures scouts and invests in technology-based start-ups with new solutions for a more sustainable fashion and e-commerce industry. The focus is on B2B and B2C startups in the areas of Fashion Tech // Digital Fashion & Metaverse // New Textiles & Circular Fashion // Creator Economy.
Contact: Robin.Nitsch@spreadgroup.com (Head of Ventures and Innovations)
Production-on-Demand Supports Sustainability and Customisation Goals
Merchandise featuring characters from Universal Products & Experiences will be made available via the online marketplaces of fashion tech company, Spread Group. Fans will get a sense of belonging through customisation. They can choose from popular character images and quotes on clothing, accessories, home & living products, as well as stationery.
Spread Group’s ability to bring ideas to market quickly has resulted in collections of Universal Products & Experiences iconic brands being recently launched on the platform. Films, TV shows and cartoons, including 80s classics and 21st century favourites will all have merch made-to-order. Fans can customise The Big Lebowski ‘The Dude Abides’ T-shirts, Back to the Future sweatshirts, DreamWorks Animation Spirit ‘Stay Wild!’ stickers and cushions, and long-sleeved tops with ‘Amity Island Beach Instructions’ designs from JAWS.
Fans of Universal will benefit from Spread Group’s ability to allow variation and a nimble approach to getting designs online. Merch ideas can be created from scratch or Spread Group can adapt existing concepts and bring them to life on fashion and lifestyle products online.
In the summer of 2022, Illumination’s Minions: The Rise of Gru designs were launched in time for the film’s release. These included yellow t-shirts with Minions and hanging-on-the-clothes-line stickers. Special Christmas designs were created and launched in time for the important Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping days.
Universal Products & Experiences’ brands now available at Spread Group include The Big Lebowski, Knight Rider, and from Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment – Back to the Future, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, JAWS, and Jurassic World, as well as DreamWorks Animation’s Spirit, Trolls, and Dragons.
Sven Burscher, Spread Group’s Head of Licensing said:
“This collaboration shows how customisation and made-to-order technology can deepen fans’ loyalty to the shows, films and cartoons they love. It increases a sense of ownership because they get a delight item in a style, size and colour that suits them. Brands can offer this service whilst still retaining the integrity of their merch guidelines”.
Tobias Schaugg, Spread Group CFO commented:
“Spread Group’s Licensing Division has continued to grow rapidly, and we expect to exceed predictions in 2023. This international collaboration shows how digital fashion can support licence holders in offering their fans something new and exciting. Universal Products & Experiences are giving their worldwide followers the chance to be involved with the brand and show their enthusiasm in real life”.
Product Details
Minions Ugly X-mas Sweater – Blah
Kids’ Premium Organic T-Shirt
The Spreadshirt Collection stands for best-possible print results on top-quality products. A huge range of sizes makes sure that our gear fits everyone, big and small. Fair and sustainable. Very durable. 150 g/ m². Material: 100% cotton (from organic production).
The Big Lebowski – Dude
Women’s Premium Organic T-Shirt
Our classic T-shirt is now available in organic threads, soft to the touch and full of clean conscience. Durable fabrics. 150g/m². Material: 100% cotton (from organic production).
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Since 1982
Unisex Organic Hoodie
This hoodie is a do-good icon of environmental soundness that will both benefit the planet and your green conscience. Rugged fabrics: 300 g/m². Material: 85% cotton (from organic production), 15% polyester (from recycled materials).
JAWS Amity Island Beach Instructions
Women’s Premium Longsleeve Shirt
Our Premium Longsleeve Shirt is the safe choice in any weather as it keeps you warm on cooler days and is still light enough to wear when it gets warmer. Fair and sustainable. Durable fabric: 150 g/m² Material: 100% cotton.
Back to the Future DeLorean Destination Time Logo
Men’s Premium T-Shirt
The Premium T-shirt offers an sheer infinite choice of combination opportunity with other items. Fair and sustainable. Durable fabrics. 150 g/m².
Sustainability is an important element of this deal. Underpinning Spread Group’s delight items is print-on-demand technology. This reduces waste because no item is printed until it is ordered. So, there’s no over-stocking or discarded sizes.
Image Links
Model photo Minions (Minions Franchise © Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.)
Model photo Minions XMas (Minions Franchise © Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.)
Model photo E.T. (E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial © Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Model photo JAWS and The Big L (JAWS © Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Big Lebowski © Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.)
Model photo Back to the Future (Back to the Future © Universal City Studios LLC and Amblin Entertainment, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Additional Links
Spreadshirt Licensed Fanwear Overview
Official The Big Lebowski Showroom