In a major step towards reshaping the global textile industry, Whizzo, a cutting-edge materials science startup, has raised $4.2 million in a seed funding round led by Lightspeed. The round also saw participation from BEENEXT, a global venture capital firm. With this fresh capital, Whizzo aims to accelerate its growth by advancing its materials science R&D, building a state-of-the-art design lab for fashion-engineered textiles, and strengthening its supply chain operations across key regions like India, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
But what exactly is Whizzo doing that’s so groundbreaking, and why does it matter for the future of textile manufacturing? Let’s dive in.
What is Whizzo and How is it Changing the Textile Industry?
Whizzo was founded in 2024 by Shrestha Kukreja, a former executive at Zetwerk, and an alumnus of IRMA, who is also a gold medalist. The startup is bringing a full-stack approach to textile manufacturing, which combines materials science, innovation, and sustainability to create textiles that meet the needs of industries today and in the future.
Whizzo is not just another textile company. It’s redefining how textiles are made by using advanced materials science to develop proprietary textile blends. These blends are made from cellulosic fibers (from plants) and polymer-based fibers (from synthetic materials) to create textiles that are highly functional, eco-friendly, and quick to market.
What sets Whizzo apart is its ability to create customized textile solutions that meet specific needs of diverse industries—whether it’s for fashion, healthcare, infrastructure, or defense. This approach significantly reduces time-to-market, giving businesses a faster and more efficient way to get the textiles they need, without compromising on quality or sustainability.
Why Whizzo’s Vision is So Powerful
Shrestha Kukreja, the visionary behind Whizzo, has big plans for the future. According to Kukreja, the ultimate goal is to position Whizzo as an IP-driven leader in fashion-engineered textiles and technical textiles—two areas that are seeing massive growth globally.
“Our vision is to use proprietary blends and a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) model to bridge critical gaps in the textile industry. We aim to lead the charge in transforming the textile space by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity,” Kukreja said.
The global textile industry is on the verge of a transformation, driven by both technological advancements and an increased focus on eco-conscious practices. Whizzo is uniquely positioned to lead this revolution, with an emphasis on creating materials that are both innovative and sustainable.
The Market Potential for Technical Textiles
India is becoming a hotbed of innovation in the textile sector. With a market valued at $45 billion in 2026, India’s technical textiles market is expected to triple to $123 billion by 2035. This growth is expected to be driven by a range of industries, including healthcare, infrastructure, and defense, where the need for high-performance textiles is rapidly increasing.
Technical textiles, unlike conventional textiles, are designed for specific functional uses. They are often engineered to meet the performance demands of industries such as healthcare (for surgical gowns and wound dressings), construction (for geotextiles), and defense (for bulletproof vests and fire-resistant fabrics).
As Shrestha Kukreja points out, “The textile industry is at the intersection of technology and sustainability, and it’s poised for explosive growth. With the right focus on innovation, India can lead the world in the development of technical textiles and materials.”
Lightspeed and BEENEXT Back Whizzo’s Vision
The $4.2 million funding round was led by Lightspeed, a global venture capital firm, and supported by BEENEXT, which sees great potential in Whizzo’s approach to advanced technology and eco-conscious practices. Both investors are betting on Whizzo to become a key player in the global technical textiles market.
Romit Mehta, VP of Investments at Lightspeed, praised Whizzo’s potential: “Technical textiles and man-made fibers are the future of the textile market. With strong government support and a visionary leader like Shrestha, Whizzo is well-positioned to lead the charge and establish India as a global epicenter of innovation in this sector.”
The focus on sustainability and advanced materials science is a major draw for investors. Saksham Pant, Principal at BEENEXT, emphasized, “India’s textile industry is one of the oldest in the world, but now it needs innovation to meet modern challenges. Whizzo is driving this transformation through cutting-edge technology and eco-conscious practices. The company is set to make India a leader in technical textiles in the next decade.”
Whizzo’s Expansion Plans: India and Beyond
The funds raised by Whizzo will be used to take the company to the next level. The startup plans to establish a state-of-the-art design lab that will focus on fashion-engineered textiles—a rapidly growing niche in the textile industry that merges design with technology. This lab will be the birthplace of some of the company’s most innovative materials, offering a place to experiment with new fiber blends and sustainable production techniques.
Additionally, Whizzo aims to expand its supply chain infrastructure across several key regions, including India, Vietnam, China, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. These countries are central to the global textile supply chain and offer a strong base for Whizzo to scale its operations and cater to the growing demand for technical textiles and sustainable fabric solutions.
The startup’s approach to building a global supply chain ensures that they can deliver textiles with a focus on quality, cost-effectiveness, and speed, all while adhering to eco-friendly production standards.
Why Whizzo’s Innovation is Crucial for the Future of Textiles
The textile industry has long been criticized for its environmental impact, particularly in terms of water usage and waste. But Whizzo is changing that narrative by combining advanced materials science with sustainability at every step of the process. From using eco-friendly fibers to creating custom textile blends that reduce waste and improve efficiency, Whizzo is leading the way toward a more sustainable and responsible textile industry.
This focus on sustainable innovation is crucial as consumers and businesses alike are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint. With Whizzo’s technology, the industry can move away from traditional, resource-intensive textile manufacturing and adopt new, more responsible practices.
What’s Next for Whizzo?
With $4.2 million in fresh funding, Whizzo is primed for rapid growth. The startup is focusing on R&D, scaling its supply chain, and setting up its new design lab. These efforts will not only help the company scale but also place it at the forefront of the growing technical textiles market.
With the global textile industry on the brink of a transformation, Whizzo’s emphasis on advanced materials science, sustainability, and speed to market could make it the leader in fashion-engineered and technical textiles.
Conclusion: Whizzo is the Future of Textile Manufacturing
Whizzo is proving that the future of textile manufacturing isn’t just about making clothes—it’s about innovating materials, creating sustainable solutions, and positioning India as a global leader in the technical textiles market. With cutting-edge technology and a visionary team, Whizzo is poised to change the way textiles are made—and the impact it could have on industries worldwide is huge.
