France-based Veesual, a leader in virtual try-on technology for fashion brands, has secured $7.5m in funding to fuel its US expansion.

This investment, led by AXA Venture Partners and Techstars, will allow Veesual to establish a US presence, grow its team, and adapt its technology for the American fashion market.

Veesual's virtual try-on platform leverages image generation technology to create realistic simulations of how clothes would look on different body types.

This allows online shoppers to virtually try on clothes before purchasing, improving fit and reducing returns.

Traditionally, showcasing fashion online relies on photoshoots featuring a limited range of models.

Veesual said its technology addresses this by allowing brands to display their clothing on a wider variety of models, catering to diverse body shapes and ethnicities.

E-commerce growth and reduced costs

Veesual's 2D image-based solution is cost-effective and scalable compared to 3D virtual try-on technology.

The company said this makes it an attractive option for brands, particularly as global online sales are projected to reach $8.1trn by 2026.

By implementing Veesual, brands can expect a smoother shopping experience for customers, leading to higher sales and lower return rates.

Strategic partnership with Eileen Fisher

Veesual's US expansion is bolstered by a new partnership with Eileen Fisher, a leading women's fashion brand known for its commitment to inclusivity. 

Eileen Fisher will integrate Veesual's virtual try-on technology into its online shopping platform, allowing its customers to virtually try on clothes before buying.

Veesual's US ambitions

To support its US growth, Veesual plans to open its first US office in New York City in 2025 and recruit senior talent.

Beyond e-commerce, the company aims to expand its services to include displaying generated images on brand acquisition and retargeting channels.

“The global fashion ecosystem is undergoing a seismic shift right now. The industry is increasingly focused on sustainable production, a better, more relevant buying experience and upcycling as a new standard,” said Veesual co-founder and CEO, Maxime Patte.

“At Veesual, we’re meeting those changes by drastically improving how shoppers buy online which creates a more inclusive retail experience while also improving fit and reducing waste.”

This funding round positions Veesual to capitalise on this shift and become a key player in the US fashion technology market.