Presso

High-Level Overview

Presso is an Atlanta-based AI-robotics company developing on-demand, low-carbon garment care machines that clean and press clothes in under five minutes, offering a faster, greener alternative to traditional dry cleaning and laundry.[1][2][4] It targets garment care businesses like laundromats and hotels, enabling them to provide same-day wash-and-fold plus dry cleaning services in-house, while reducing water, energy, and carbon emissions.[1][2] The company's Presso and AirTouch systems are compact, plug-and-play robots for trained attendants, using smart fabric detection, precise steam, and non-toxic chemistry for delicate fabrics, with automatic refills and over-the-air updates.[1][2] Backed by Silicon Valley investors, Presso operates as a seed-stage startup with strong growth potential in efficient, sustainable operations.[1][5]

Origin Story

Presso was founded in 2018 by co-founders Nishant Jain (CEO) and Thibault Corens (CTO), who met while studying at Purdue University and had prior experience starting companies.[1] They teamed up with Jon Gershman (Chief Commercial Officer), who brought decades of expertise scaling tech and commercial laundry businesses.[1] The idea emerged from addressing inefficiencies in garment care, leading to the creation of AI-powered machines for "instant clothing care."[5] Early focus centered on professional tools for businesses, with installations limited to the continental U.S., building traction through venture backing and a mission to make on-demand clothing care accessible to everyone.[1]

Core Differentiators

Presso's edge lies in its robotic hardware revolutionizing garment care for commercial use:

• Ultra-Fast Processing: Cleans and presses garments in under 5 minutes, enabling same-day services that outpace traditional dry cleaning.[1][2][4]
• Eco-Efficiency: Uses far less water and energy, with low-carbon operations and built-in non-toxic formulas, positioning it as the most sustainable option.[1][2]
• Smart Automation: AI adjusts for fabric types (e.g., silks, cottons) via precise steam control; robots handle high-skill tasks, freeing staff; includes OTA updates and auto-refills.[2]
• Plug-and-Play Simplicity: Compact (1.5 ft × 2 ft × 5 ft), runs on standard 110V outlet—no boilers or compressors needed; designed for trained attendants to ensure quality.[1][2]
• Business Model Flexibility: Available for rent or sale, helping laundries/hotels create one-stop-shops, retain customers, and unlock new revenue from formal wear.[2][4]

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Presso rides the wave of AI-robotics in consumer hardware, targeting the $10B+ U.S. laundry/dry cleaning market strained by labor shortages, high costs, and sustainability demands.[2][3] Timing aligns with rising eco-consciousness and on-demand services post-pandemic, where consumers seek 24/7 convenience up to 5x cheaper than legacy methods.[2] Favorable forces include robotics cost declines and AI fabric-sensing tech, allowing in-house dry cleaning that disrupts outsourced models.[1][3] By enabling multifunction hubs (wash/fold + dry clean), Presso influences the ecosystem, boosting operator profitability and reducing emissions in a sector ripe for automation.[2][5]

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Presso is poised to scale its seed-stage robotics into a dominant player in instant garment care, expanding U.S. installations and eyeing international markets via partnerships.[1] Trends like AI hardware maturation, green mandates, and labor automation will propel growth, potentially capturing share from outdated dry cleaners.[2][3] Influence may evolve through franchise models or consumer variants, solidifying its role in sustainable, on-demand living—transforming how businesses deliver effortless clothing care.[1][5]