Textile tech startup STCH raises $5.5M in pre-Series A round led by Omnivore

STCH, a tech startup focused on the textile segment, has raised $5.5 million in a pre-Series A round of funding led by Omnivore. The round also saw participation from Kae Capital and WVC.

Bengaluru-headquartered STCH will use the capital to expand its AI capabilities, R&D, and partnerships with textile mills and global fashion brands. The startup operates under the contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) model.

Founded in 2025 by Narahari Payala and Aseem Chitkara, STCH is building AI-driven fabric R&D and a manufacturing platform to help global fashion brands develop and deliver trend-aligned, high-performing, sustainable fabrics at scale.

Thie startup says it leverages AI to identify global fashion trends, develop sustainable fabrics, and deliver them through its controlled manufacturing network across India and Asia. The AI platform allows for selection of sustainable fibres and improves the supply chain network.

STCH says it has an order book in excess of $15 million from brands across the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States.

The founders of STCH, Narahari Payala and Aseem Chitkara, were previously with Zetwerk and have expertise in the textile segment.

According to STCH Co-founder & CEO Narahari Payala, much of the AI innovation in fashion is focused on the front end but the real opportunity lies deeper in the supply chain, where manufacturing is centered in Asian markets.

“Fabric, in particular, is the most critical yet least optimised layer. With improving trade dynamics, including free trade agreements with the UK and Europe as well as easing tariffs from the USA, we believe this is a defining moment to build a globally leading, AI-native textile innovation powerhouse from India,” said Payala.

Omnivore Managing Partner Mark Kahn said, “Narahari and Aseem bring rare depth as they understand both the materials science and the supply chain realities of getting sustainable textiles to market at scale. India has the raw materials, the mills, and now - with STCH - the AI-native platform is set to become the world’s leading source of sustainable textile innovation.”