The global South Asian ethnic wear market is set to reach $129 billion by 2030, with digital spending projected to drive nearly $46 billion of this growth. Leading the charge in this evolving landscape is LAAM, a premier fashion marketplace for South Asian apparel, which has announced a $5.5 million seed funding round to expand its global footprint.
The funding round was led by Zayn VC and Disrupt, with participation from Graph Ventures, Mentors Fund, and prominent tech leaders from Oracle, Microsoft, Google, and Salesforce. LAAM plans to utilize this capital to enhance its platform, empower local artisans, and showcase diverse South Asian fashion products on a global stage.
Empowering Artisans and Expanding Global Reach
LAAM has rapidly emerged as the leading platform for South Asian fashion, offering over 100,000 curated items from more than 1,000 brands—the largest collection of its kind globally. Operating in over 100 countries, LAAM’s top markets include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
“LAAM’s ability to elevate South Asian fashion onto the global stage while empowering local artisans and sellers is commendable,” said Faisal Aftab, Managing Partner at Zayn VC. “We believe LAAM has a unique opportunity to transform how South Asian fashion is perceived and accessed globally. We’re proud to support their journey.”
By blending cultural heritage with advanced e-commerce solutions, LAAM supports the livelihoods of over 10,000 families while helping small and medium-sized sellers in Pakistan access international markets. Through its robust infrastructure—including supply chain solutions, seller management software, and warehousing capabilities—LAAM is ensuring a seamless connection between global consumers and authentic ethnic fashion.
Introducing Octane: A Platform for Business Growth
Beyond its marketplace, LAAM Technologies has launched Octane, a proprietary e-commerce platform designed to help businesses establish an online presence and expand globally. Currently supporting over 50 businesses, Octane aligns with LAAM’s mission to empower South Asian sellers and is poised for significant growth in the coming year.
Leadership Driving Innovation
LAAM’s success is rooted in its exceptional leadership team, which combines global tech expertise with a deep understanding of the South Asian fashion ecosystem. CEO Arif Iqbal, whose career includes roles at Meta, Pinterest, and Microsoft, leads the company’s mission to scale South Asian fashion globally. CTO Ahmed Muneeb, formerly of Oracle and Microsoft, drives technological innovation, while Head of Product Bilal Khokhar brings extensive experience from Amazon in building scalable enterprise solutions.
On the fashion front, Amir Iqbal and Sahar Arif bring over two decades of experience to empower artisans and brands, ensuring LAAM stays true to its cultural roots while embracing cutting-edge technology.
Scaling Innovation in South Asian Fashion
“At LAAM, we’re combining cutting-edge tech with the timeless appeal of South Asian craftsmanship, creating a seamless connection between global consumers and authentic ethnic fashion,” said Arif Iqbal, CEO of LAAM Technologies. “This funding empowers us to scale our platform, enhance our AI-driven discovery and logistics capabilities, and continue empowering local sellers to thrive in the digital age.”
A Platform for Impact
LAAM’s mission extends beyond commerce; it aims to preserve cultural heritage while creating opportunities for artisans and small businesses. From millions of customers worldwide to the families and communities behind the fashion, LAAM continues to serve as a platform for impact, connecting the world to the richness of South Asian craftsmanship.
With this latest funding round, LAAM is well-positioned to revolutionize the perception and accessibility of South Asian fashion, solidifying its role as a global leader in the ethnic wear market.
