Smartex
Overview
Smartex, a Portuguese startup founded in 2018, focuses on reducing textile waste using artificial intelligence. The company integrates camera and computer vision technology into textile machinery to automate flaw detection, aiming to improve sustainability and yield in textile production. Smartex has raised approximately $30.2 million from investors, including Amazon, H&M Group, Tony Fadell's Build Collective, and Lightspeed Venture Partners. The startup is headquartered in Porto, Portugal, and was co-founded by Gilberto Loureiro, Antonio Rocha, and Mario Cunha.
Recent Developments
- July 2025: Smartex's technological advancements and recent funding boosts have furthered its impact on the textile industry, securing partnerships with industry giants to reduce waste and enhance factory operations.
- November 2024: Smartex was selected for AWS's Compute for Climate Fellowship, part of a strategy to fight climate change using AI-powered solutions. This provided Smartex access to AWS's advanced computing services, reinforcing their capabilities to improve textile manufacturing efficiency.
- May 2023: The company announced plans to extend its operations to Asian markets, including Bangladesh and Vietnam, focusing on immediate return on investment by proving material savings and efficiency gains.
- 2022 Funding Round: Smartex raised $24.7 million in a Series A funding led by Lightspeed Venture Partners and Tony Fadell, emphasizing the company's growing influence and expansion efforts in the sustainability domain.
- H&M and Amazon Partnership: These collaborations have not only provided significant financial backing but also increased credibility and reach within the global textile market.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Porto, Portugal |
| Founders | Gilberto Loureiro, Antonio Rocha, Mario Cunha |
| Revenue | Confidential |
| Profits | Confidential |
| Key Investors | Lightspeed Venture Partners, Build Collective, H&M Group, Amazon |
| Industry | Textile Technology |
| Number of Employees | 97 |
Early History
Smartex was born out of a deep understanding and personal connection to the textile industry. Co-founder Gilberto Loureiro, having spent his early years in textile factories, recognized the inefficiencies of manual fabric inspection, which led to substantial waste. Loureiro's vision for automating this process through AI and machine learning took shape after earning a Master’s degree in physics. He joined forces with Antonio Rocha and Mario Cunha, combining expertise in technology and textiles to create Smartex. Recognizing the industry’s unaddressed technological needs, the founders focused on developing a robust AI solution capable of real-time flaw detection in fabrics, eliminating waste and enhancing production efficiency.
Company Profile and Achievements
Smartex positions itself as a leader in AI-driven textile inspection technology. The startup utilizes machine vision to identify defects during fabric production, significantly reducing waste. This technology halts production instantaneously upon detecting errors, preventing defective fabrics from continuing through the production line.
- Major Achievements:
- Over 1 million kilograms of fabric saved from waste due to the "Golden Stop" system.
- Partnerships with major retailers like H&M Group and strategic investors like Amazon, boosting industry credibility.
- Recognition as a TIME Best Invention and inclusion in AWS’s Compute for Climate Fellowship to enhance product development and sustainability initiatives.
- Successful pilot programs in large Asian textile markets, enhancing global reach and impact.
Current Operations and Market Position
Smartex currently operates at the intersection of technology and textiles, aiming to transform traditional manufacturing processes through digital solutions. The company leverages high-tech cameras and AI to ensure high precision in defect detection. Their products increase yield efficiency and reduce material wastage, offering a return on investment through cost savings in raw materials and operational efficiency. By expanding into economically significant regions like Asia, Smartex is positioning itself as a pivotal force in the push for a more sustainable global textile industry.
Conclusion
Smartex's innovative approach to reducing textile waste stands out in an industry notorious for its environmental impact. With substantial backing from high-profile investors and partnerships with major retailers, the company is well-positioned to drive significant change. By expanding into major textile hubs globally, Smartex aims not only to enhance sustainability efforts but also to set industry standards for efficiency and environmental responsibility. As it continues to develop its technology and market reach, Smartex is poised to play a crucial role in redefining the future of textile manufacturing.