Mango invests in 3D printing firm Ziknes via startup accelerator
Roberta HERRERA
Fashion giant Mango
The Barcelona-based fashion group established Mango StartUp Studio in 2022, a platform aimed at reinforcing its innovative spirit by supporting emerging firms across various sectors, particularly focusing on technology and sustainability. Currently, it has invested in five startups, including Recovo, specialized in surplus fabric resale, and Union Avatars, dedicated to digital identity and avatar development.
Ziknes, founded in 2021, aims to revolutionize architecture and design through 3D printing and robotics, focusing on enhancing efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in manufacturing.
Mango’s investment in Ziknes entails financial support via a convertible participating loan. It also means the startup’s entry into an acceleration program where the company founders “will gain firsthand knowledge of Mango’s operations, allowing them to scale their business model,” as highlighted by the textile group.
“Additionally, the Ziknes team will receive guidance and mentorship sessions from professionals within the company, particularly in product design, specifically furniture design,” they further stated.
As a fashion group, Mango was established in Barcelona in 1984 and currently stands as a key player in the textile sector, present in over 115 markets through 2,566 locations (as of the close of 2022). Economically, it concluded the last fiscal year with a 20.3% increase in sales, reaching €2.688 billion. Moreover, 36% of its business volume was recorded through the online channel.
