The furniture industry is known for its expensive and time-consuming photo shoots when releasing new collections. French startup Presti, founded in November 2022, is changing the game by using generative AI to transform single product images into realistic lifestyle photos. This innovative approach has caught the attention of investors, with Presti recently securing a $3.5 million seed round led by tech investment firm Partech.
Presti’s co-founder and CEO, Nabil Toumi, shared that the idea for the platform came from speaking with potential users who expressed frustration with the traditional photo shoot process. Creating product visuals was a lengthy and costly endeavor, making it a significant pain point for furniture brands looking to establish a unique online presence.
The startup’s use of Stable Diffusion XL as its foundational model sets it apart in the industry. By retraining and optimizing the model for furniture product imagery, Presti ensures that generated backgrounds maintain accuracy and realism. With a dataset of over 75,000 high-quality furniture images, the platform can effectively train its model to meet the specific needs of its users.
In addition to background generation, Presti offers the ability to add accessories and customize textures and colors. This flexibility streamlines the product release process for furniture companies, allowing them to quickly and efficiently showcase their offerings to consumers. While this technological advancement may raise concerns for freelance photographers and stylists, the potential for increased efficiency and cost savings is evident.
Presti’s strategic partnership with Maisons du Monde, one of France’s largest furniture retailers, highlights the platform’s growing influence in the industry. By catering to mid-sized furniture companies and offering a range of customization options, Presti is poised to revolutionize the way furniture brands approach photography and visual marketing.
As the demand for online shopping continues to rise, tools like Presti provide a valuable solution for furniture brands looking to enhance their digital presence and streamline their operations. By leveraging the power of generative AI, companies can create compelling visual content that resonates with consumers and drives sales in a competitive market landscape.
