French fashion tech startup BLNG has secured $3 million in funding to accelerate its commercial launch and bring generative AI technology to the jewelry industry.
The funding round was led by Speedinvest, with additional support from Cove Fund, eSeed, and Focal. This investment will allow BLNG to expand its teams in Europe and the U.S., enhance its AI-powered tools, and prepare for the wider release of its subscription-based app.
Founded by Valérie Leblond, a former Cirque du Soleil executive, and Dumëne Comploi, formerly with Disney Imagineering, BLNG AI offers a suite of tools designed to help jewelry professionals create products more efficiently. The company’s technology turns simple jewelry sketches into photorealistic designs, drastically reducing the time and effort required in the design process.
BLNG’s technology is already being tested by major luxury brands. The company won the LVMH Innovation Award for Data and Artificial Intelligence solutions at Viva Tech and earned a spot on Vogue Business’s 2024 list of “100 Innovators,” highlighting its rising influence in the $482 billion jewelry market.
“We’ve eliminated the endless revisions and long rendering times that have traditionally slowed the design process,” said Valérie Leblond, Co-founder and CEO of BLNG.
“Our technology brings sketches to life with remarkable accuracy, allowing creative teams to quickly visualize their ideas. This gives them more time to innovate and collaborate, rather than waiting for manual changes. With our funding and the upcoming app launch, we aim to make these powerful tools accessible to jewelry creators of all sizes, from luxury brands to independent designers.”
The launch of BLNG’s AI technology is timely, as the jewelry market faces challenges like falling diamond prices and increasing pressure on brands to innovate. Many luxury brands are turning to AI to streamline their design and production processes. A recent report from Bain & Company found that 78% of large luxury brands have identified AI as a top strategic priority for the next three years.
“We were impressed by BLNG’s passion and the potential of their solution, along with their strong relationships with top luxury brands,” said Max Wilhelm, partner at Speedinvest. “The jewelry market is at a pivotal moment, and BLNG is in the perfect position to lead this technological shift.”
Related topics:
- Gold Price Surge Affects CNY Jewelry Stores
- David Webb Jewelry Acquired by Investment Firm Middle West Partners
- 182-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline to Be Auctioned in Hong Kong
