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Female Founder Friday: Meet Hannah & Martina, Co-Founders of Alterist

Written by
Gideon Stott
Last updated
6th December 2024

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Female Founder Friday: Meet Hannah & Martina, Co-Founders of Alterist

Hannah and Martina are the co-founders of Alterist, a pioneering company dedicated to addressing sustainability issues within the fashion industry. With a shared vision to revolutionise how fashion interacts with the environment, their backgrounds in fashion design and sustainability have equipped them to tackle the challenges of upcycling and promote eco-friendly practices.

We’re thrilled to feature Hannah and Martina in our Female Founder Friday campaign, highlighting their journey and the impact their business is making. I, Gideon, had the pleasure of speaking with them about their experiences, challenges, and vision for the future.


FC: Could you summarise your professional backgrounds, please?

Hannah:
"Before founding Alterist, I worked for a tech company in Australia, where I first got involved in sustainability initiatives. After moving to the UK, I joined the Discovery Channel and led efforts to promote sustainability within the workplace. Alongside these roles, I co-founded an activist group focused on exposing the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which is where I met Martina. While the campaigns we organised were great for raising awareness, we wanted to channel our energy into providing actionable solutions as well.

Recognising the potential of upcycling, we set out to create a platform that would give upcycled fashion designers in the UK the support and visibility they deserve. Our goal was to turn waste into something meaningful while reshaping how people value fashion and its impact on the planet."

Martina:
"I started my career as a fashion designer, studying at the Academy of Fine Arts and obtaining a master’s in fashion design at IED in Milan. I worked in Milan before moving to London, where I designed for various fashion and beauty companies. I felt that design and creativity weren't being harnessed effectively to address sustainability issues. Joining the activist group allowed me to channel my passion into raising awareness about the problems within the fashion industry while pushing for creative solutions."

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FC: You both seem well-equipped to make a significant impact in this industry. Is there a statistic or quote that you'd like us to include in the article to inform or shock readers about the fashion industry?

Hannah:
"We often highlight the shocking statistic that 100 billion pieces of clothing are produced each year, yet less than 1% of that is recycled. This means a garbage truck's worth of textiles is landfilled or incinerated every second. The sheer scale of this waste is alarming and underscores the urgent need for solutions that address overproduction and promote circular fashion practices."

Martina:
"Additionally, the human rights issues associated with the fashion industry are alarming. For instance, there are concentration camps in regions like Xinjiang, where people are detained to produce cotton for cheap garments.

Upcycling is not just about the materials; it’s about valuing the people involved in making clothes and the time and expertise it takes to create quality garments. By focusing on sustainability, we aim to bring attention to both environmental and human rights issues."


FC: Have you faced any competition from large manufacturers who may disagree with what you’re doing?

Hannah:
"We haven't faced direct competition, but we've heard of cases where upcycle brands have been pressured by larger brands. Historically, these brands have destroyed excess stock to maintain their desirability. However, with the growing awareness of unsustainable practices, we see an opportunity to collaborate.

We launched our B2B collaboration side to work with brands on their excess stock, pairing them with designers from our community who can transform it into innovative, impactful collections."

Martina:
"It's essential to approach this collaboration positively. By helping brands repurpose their excess stock, we can promote sustainability while also enhancing their brand reputation. We've noticed that many brands are eager to find solutions and are beginning to recognise the value of upcycling as a means to address waste."

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FC: How many designers are currently part of your community?

Hannah:
"We currently have around 120 designers across the UK and Europe. Some have active shops on our platform, while others may be taking breaks or might just join for our pop-up events. Our community is continuously growing, and we're excited to see the creativity and innovation that each designer brings to the table."


FC: Have you faced any specific challenges as female fundraisers?

Martina:
"We’ve bootstrapped our journey so far and have been fortunate to win grants like Innovate UK. We're now actively seeking investors and have only just begun these conversations.

While the investment journey hasn’t been easy, we believe it’s challenging for all founders, regardless of gender. However, we acknowledge that there are unique challenges that women face in securing funding."

Hannah:
"We’re obviously aware of the statistic that only 1% of venture capital funding goes to all-female founder teams. At the same time, we’re confident in what we’re building. We have a great network, we’re attracting interest from investors who align with our vision, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead."

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FC: Do you have any advice for young women looking to become entrepreneurs?

Hannah:
"Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster ride with its share of highs and lows, so it’s important to start for the right reasons. Believing in your mission is essential—it keeps you grounded during the tough times. Additionally, having a co-founder who shares your values and has skills that complement your own can make the journey much stronger.

Finally, surrounding yourself with a supportive network can help you navigate the challenges and celebrate the wins along the way."

Martina:
"It’s important to remember that everyone faces challenges, regardless of gender. Don’t let the label of being a female founder discourage you. Instead, focus on your vision and work hard. Join networks and seek support from other founders—there’s strength in community. And don’t shy away from reaching out for help when you need it."


FC: What exciting projects or partnerships do you have coming up?

Hannah:
"We’re excited about our upcoming event on 29th November, collaborating with Camden Open Air Art Gallery for an anti-Black Friday event. Attendees can bring items from home for customisation, promoting the idea of valuing what you already have rather than purchasing new items. This event will also feature live demonstrations by our designers, showcasing the artistry and skill involved in upcycling."

Martina:
"Additionally, we’re planning a two-week pop-up event in Shoreditch, where people can try on and purchase upcycled pieces from our designers. This will be a fantastic opportunity for customers to connect with the makers and learn more about the upcycling process."

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FC: How has FounderCatalyst supported your journey?

Hannah:
"We signed up with FounderCatalyst to help us close our funding round. The advice and support from Sam and the community have been invaluable, simplifying the process of raising funds for early startups. The WhatsApp group is also incredibly helpful for asking questions and receiving feedback."

Martina:
"Having access to a community of like-minded founders has been crucial for us. We can share our challenges, celebrate our victories, and learn from each other's experiences. This support has made our entrepreneurial journey much more manageable and enjoyable."


Conclusion

Hannah and Martina’s passion and determination are evident in every step of their journey with Alterist. Their story beautifully illustrates how combining creativity with sustainability can transform the fashion industry. If their mission inspires you, consider exploring Alterist and joining the movement toward a more conscious and eco-friendly approach to style.

A huge thank you to Hannah and Martina for sharing their story as part of Female Founders Friday. We’re here to support them throughout their fundraising journey as they work to bring sustainable fashion to the forefront.

Check out the Alterist LinkedIn page here, and their website here, to learn more about their vision and impact.

Click this link to let us help guide you on your own fundraising journey.


Author: Gideon Stott, Digital Marketing Executive at FounderCatalyst

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