The team that developed Presso, a self-service dry cleaning machine has raised $1.6 million thanks to interest from the film industry. The film industry spends loads of money to maintain wardrobes and this robotic dry-cleaning machine can streamline the costume cleaning process.
Silicon Valley VC’s Pathbreaker Ventures, AME Cloud Ventures, and 1517 Fund joined the pre-seed round. SOSV and YETI Capital also joined the round.
Presso, founded in 2018 by Perdue University graduates Nishant Jain and Thibault Corens, is based in Atlanta.
Presso’s machine uses EPA-registered disinfectants and pressurized steam to produce dry cleaning-quality garments. Each cycle uses three times less water than a traditional laundering service.
Netflix, HBO, Apple TV, FOX, Disney, Hulu, and Shudder have all approached Presso. The new funding will help the team scale manufacturing as film productions anticipate coming back in full swing in 2021.
Presso says its latest machine can clean and disinfect up to 150 costumes a day, saving a costume department upwards of $1,000 a day in dry cleaning fees.
Presso also sees their technology playing an important part in bringing the hospitality and retail industries back in 2021.
“We’re excited to play an important role in helping other industries recover, and providing new value to brick and mortar retailers, hotels, and conference venues,” Nishant Jain, co-founder and CEO of Presso, said in a statement.