Predicting Fashion Trends and Solving the Massive Waste Problems in the Industry Using AI: Newrope, Inc.

Established in 2014, Newrope, Co., Ltd. is a company that has gained attention for providing AI tools for apparel businesses. They are developing and selling tools such as "#CBK scnnr (Cubki Scanner)" and "#CBK forecast (Cubki Forecast)".
 
#CBK scnnr is a tool that uses AI to tag product images and staff snapshots, automatically associates and displays similar items, and suggests coordinated outfits.
 
Furthermore, the fashion AI trend analysis service, #CBK forecast, is a tool that can predict trends six months in advance. It is touted as a solution to the problem of mass waste in the apparel industry, as brands and retailers can utilize it to properly manage the amount of orders and stock.
 
In this article, we spoke with CEO Satoshi Sakai about the founding of Newrope, Inc., the reasons for the development of the services #CBK scnnr and #CBK forecast, an overview of the services, and future prospects.

Aiming to Contribute to Technology and Creation, Not Just Profit

Sakai shared why he decided to establish a company aiming to solve problems through technology at a time when the use of AI in the fashion field was not as advanced as it is today.
 
"The reason for starting Newrope, Inc. in 2014 was my belief that the use of technology in the fashion field could be a blue ocean market with few competitors.
 
However, the reality was that we were constantly thrown curveballs due to the complexities of the industry. As a result, fashion tech enterprises that were established at the same time began to turn their backs on the industry and transition to fields outside of fashion.
 
Precisely because of this history, I believe that it makes sense for us to persist in fashion tech, to keep on trying, and to keep on testing what can be achieved with technology.
 
Although we are a start-up, we are not simply following profitable strategies, instead, we have set two policies.
 
The first policy is to play a role in pioneering technology frontiers, and the second is to create resources for the next generation of creations through technology. We aim to contribute to both technology and creation."