[EN] Carnet de Mode announces $1.5M Series A, Opens door for international fashion lovers
French startup’s latest fundraising efforts will be used to expand its designer marketplace, launch its multi-brand boutiques segment and further develop international business.
After having successfully completed a smaller seed round in July 2012 with high-profile individuals such as Pascal Chevalier (former Chairman and CEO of Netbooster and now owner of Marie France magazine) and Marie Christine Levet (Founder of Lycos, former CEO of Club Internet, and Partner at Jaina Capital), Carnet de Mode (CDM), an online fashion marketplace based in Paris, France, announces its $1.5M Series A financing, lead by ELAIA Partners with investments from a handful of angels. The proceeds will be used to grow the team, invest in marketing and launch its multi-brand boutiques segment while focusing on international business development.
Founded in 2011 by Arbia Smiti, CDM is providing innovative solutions to fashion lovers worldwide with a direct access to up and coming international designers through its marketplace and allows users to purchase original, ready-to-wear and accessory collections.
The platform offers fresh-faced designers, curated directly by CDM, an opportunity to “be discovered” by potential buyers from across the globe through their plug-and-play own virtual storefront. Since its launch, CDM has realized an increase of more than 50% every month in sales and customers and has continued to publish 30 new designers each month on its platform. The marketplace counts today more than 200 designers stores and 6 000 exclusive fashion items.
“This financing round will enable us to grow our community of customers worldwide and to further develop our services for fashion designers,” commented Arbia Smiti. “We look forward to working closely with Elaia Partners and we truly believe that CDM will benefit from its extensive industry investment experience and deep domain knowledge.”
“CDM’s unique positioning meets a user need that has been unaddressed so far. CDM offers its members the opportunity to build a close relationship with talented emerging designers and soon multibrand boutiques, to become an aficionado of their work and enjoy their eye for style. CDM definitely changes the buying experience!” commented Samantha Jerusalmy, associate at ELAIA Partners “We are facing a strong growth sector, an innovative model of marketplace and an entrepreneur exalted by a subject that she masters perfectly: we are proud to have joined the CDM’s adventure”.
Originally published on May 27, 2013.
