A new technology startup, Doji, has brought in $14 million in seed funding for its virtual try-on service using individualized AI avatars. Thrive Capital led this round and Seven Seven Six Ventures, which is founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, took part as well. With the new investment, Doji will focus on improving its AI technology and broadening the range of its products to make buying online easier and more enjoyable.
Created in 2024 by Dorian Dargan and Jim Winkens, Doji is focused on changing how consumers shop online by giving them the option to make lifelike digital models of themselves. Using six selfies and two full-body pictures, users are able to generate their avatars, which takes about 30 minutes. After the avatars are created, customers can choose and try on a range of clothes using their virtual self, making online shopping more enjoyable and interactive than what they are used to.
The platform uses advanced diffusion models, a type of generative AI, to produce lifelike, photorealistic versions of avatars. Such AI technology provides a better picture of how clothes look and fit on the user, helping address the main hurdle of being able to try clothes on for shoppers online. Shoppers can use the app to show off their different virtual outfits to friends through social sharing, making the experience more interactive and fun for everyone.
Founders at the company have extensive experience in both AI and consumer technology. Before, Dorian Dargan worked on VisionOS at Apple and had a hand in Meta’s Oculus Quest, while Jim Winkens previously researched at DeepMind and took part in generative AI projects at Google. What makes Doji unique comes from the combined expertise they have in artificial intelligence and product designs.
Looking to the future, Doji intends to upgrade its AI to handle more apparel and accessories, which should both improve the results and make the experience more visually appealing. With the rise in online buying and people wanting to shop interactively, Doji is set to gain benefits. The company hopes to revolutionize online shopping by merging smart AI with social elements, giving users an enjoyable and realistic way to shop clothing online.
With the fresh funding, Doji can enhance its growth and make its technology available to more people, contributing to the progress in fashion technology.
