South Africa’s FARO Raises $6M to Tackle Textile Waste

STARTUP VENTURE CAPITALJanuary 21, 2025 at 9:14 AM UTC

TLDR

FARO has secured $6 million in funding to scale its model of selling excess inventory from global fashion brands
Investors such as Bloomberg’s JP Zammitt, Presight Capital, and Gharage Ventures participated in the funding round
It plans to scale to 1,000 stores across Africa, Asia, and Latin America within a decade

FARO, a South African recommerce startup, has secured $6 million in funding to scale its model of selling excess inventory from global fashion brands at discounted prices. The company collects unsold stock and defective returns from brands like ASOS, Boohoo, and Levi’s, refurbishes them using its facilities, and resells them at up to 70% discounts.

Operating in a continent where demand for affordable, branded goods is high, FARO targets aspirational buyers who value quality. By focusing on physical stores in South Africa's developed retail market and avoiding e-commerce costs, FARO achieved $2.3 million in revenue from just four stores in 2023.

FARO plans to scale to 1,000 stores across Africa, Asia, and Latin America within a decade. Its strategy includes using AI for inventory management and customer personalization. Investors such as Bloomberg’s JP Zammitt, Presight Capital, and Gharage Ventures participated in the funding round, betting on FARO’s potential in global resale markets projected to hit $350 billion by 2027.

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Key Takeaways

FARO's model tackles two pressing issues: excess inventory in developed markets and textile waste in emerging markets. The startup turns a global surplus into an opportunity by refurbishing unsold fashion items and making them affordable for Africa’s price-sensitive consumers. While e-commerce faces logistical hurdles in Africa, FARO’s focus on physical stores positions it to grow in urban hubs. However, its ability to scale beyond South Africa depends on localized strategies that cater to diverse consumer preferences across regions. This recommerce model offers a sustainable approach to fashion retail in markets where affordability and quality intersect.

Venture Capital

E-commerce

FARO

South Africa

ASOS

Boohoo

Levi's

JP Zammitt

Startup

Recommerce

Presight Capital

Gharage Ventures