Ghst.io Co-CEO Josh Kaplan and Mundi CEO Martin Pustilnick Discuss AI's Role in Modernizing Fashion Distribution

Josh Kaplan, Co-CEO of Ghst.io, and Martin Pustilnick, CEO of Mundi, recently engaged in a discussion highlighting how artificial intelligence is transforming the traditionally "analog and archaic" fashion industry. The conversation, shared by venture capital firm USV, focused on Ghst.io's journey to becoming an AI-native distribution platform that powers the modern retail economy. This dialogue underscores a growing trend of technological innovation addressing long-standing inefficiencies in fashion logistics and trade.

Ghst.io operates as an AI-native B2B marketplace designed for the discreet buying and selling of surplus and wholesale inventory for leading brands across apparel, footwear, beauty, and home goods. The platform utilizes AI for optimal pricing, volume forecasting, and streamlined logistics, offering a solution to the industry's persistent inventory challenges. Founded in 2021 by Josh Kaplan and Dee Murthy, Ghst.io has rapidly scaled, securing a $40 million Series C funding round in October 2024, led by L Catterton, with participation from existing investors including USV.

Mundi, led by Martin Pustilnick, focuses on providing financial services for cross-border trade, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Pustilnick's company aims to reduce risks in international B2B transactions by offering immediate payments to exporters, even if importers pay later. This financial innovation complements platforms like Ghst.io by facilitating smoother global transactions, crucial for an industry with complex international supply chains.

The collaboration between technology platforms like Ghst.io and financial innovators like Mundi addresses critical pain points in the fashion sector, from managing excess inventory to streamlining international payments. By leveraging AI and data-driven insights, these companies are not only enhancing operational efficiency but also creating new revenue opportunities and fostering a more agile and responsive retail ecosystem. The ongoing integration of AI is poised to continue reshaping the fashion industry's distribution and trade landscapes.