Presso

Presso is an Atlanta-based robotics company, founded in 2018 by Nishant Jain and Thibault Corens, who met while studying at Purdue University. The idea originated from their personal desire to create an instant and convenient solution to the chore of laundry. Jain, leveraging a hairdryer and a steamer, developed an early prototype in his apartment, which he then tested at a local gym.

The company is positioned to disrupt the traditional garment care industry with its on-demand, low-carbon, express garment care machines. Presso's core product is a self-contained unit, comparable in size to a small refrigerator, that can clean, disinfect, press, and dry clothes in approximately five minutes. The technology utilizes a combination of steam, a proprietary EPA-approved alcohol-based cleaning liquid, and a patent-pending robotic stretching system called StretchAI. This process avoids the harsh solvents and tumbling of conventional dry cleaning and laundry, thereby preventing damage, shrinkage, and color fading. The machine is designed for mobility, fitting through standard doorways on wheels, and requires a standard 4-prong, 30-Amp dryer outlet for power.

Initially, Presso targeted its services toward Hollywood costume departments, providing a rapid, on-site solution for cleaning costumes and saving productions from delays associated with third-party cleaners. The company has since expanded its focus to include the hotel and multifamily housing industries. Its business model operates on an all-inclusive monthly subscription basis, providing the machines to corporate clients. This approach allows businesses like hotels and laundromats to offer a new amenity and create an additional revenue stream by providing an ultra-fast, on-site garment care solution for their customers. The machine can be used as a self-service kiosk or operated by staff.

Presso has successfully raised $10.1 million in total funding over four seed rounds. A significant $8 million seed round in January 2023 was supported by investors including Uncork Capital, 1517 Fund, AME Cloud Ventures, and HAX. This capital is being used to scale production and expand the team to meet growing demand. The company, which formerly operated as LaundrySucks.io Inc., has shown consistent growth, leading to its expansion into a larger office and warehouse space in Sandy Springs, Georgia.

Keywords: garment care, robotics, cleantech, on-demand service, B2B, subscription model, textile technology, sustainable laundry, automated cleaning, hospitality services