Mattoboard, the innovative startup behind a web-based software designed to simplify the creative process for interior designers and architects, has announced a $2 million seed funding round to support the launch of its groundbreaking AI-powered feature, Design Stream. This new tool promises to transform the design industry with its AI-driven visual search and discovery capabilities.

Currently, the Architecture and Design services industry is valued at $201.97 billion, but Mattoboard argues that the traditional product curation method is outdated and inefficient. Designers often waste valuable time waiting for physical samples to arrive, only to find they may not be suitable for their projects. Moreover, this process contributes to the staggering 92 million tons of waste generated annually by the textile industry. Mattoboard's software, often referred to as a "3D Canva," offers a solution to this problem by allowing users to mix and match over 1,000 virtual materials, create mood boards, and experiment with design ideas across multiple projects in a centralized hub.

The soon-to-be-launched Design Stream feature takes this concept to the next level by enabling designers to search for specific products using natural language and visual inputs. This AI-powered tool will provide tailored recommendations based on the designer's unique vision, streamlining the design process and reducing waste. Notably, Mattoboard plans to train its own custom AI models specific to the design industry, as it believes current foundational models are too generalized.

Mattoboard's founders, Guy Adam Ailion (CEO) and George Hart (CTO), bring a wealth of experience to the table. Ailion, an architect and designer with over 20 years of experience, is recognized for designing and building the award-winning IO House in London. Hart previously co-founded Hometapper. According to Ailion, "Architects and designers waste 40% of their time just searching for products and materials. I realized this segment of the A&D workflow was ripe for disruption and long overdue for digital transformation. There had to be a better way to find, manage, store, and curate the world's interior materials and products."

One of the standout features of Mattoboard is its use of 3D twins for materials, which simulates real-life interactions with light, shadow, and reflections. This allows users to better understand design aesthetics and make more informed decisions. Additionally, users can upload images of their own products to add to their 3D mood boards, making the platform highly versatile and user-friendly.

Currently, designers often use a combination of rival platforms for their workflow, such as Canva for design, Pinterest for mood boarding, and Photoshop or 3D renderers for visualization. Mattoboard aims to consolidate all of these tools into a single platform, incorporating a search function that allows users to discover and buy materials and products seamlessly. The platform has already gained traction, with around 200,000 designers utilizing the free version and over 2,000 paying designers using the Pro version, which costs $30/month.

The latest funding round was led by Acrobator Ventures, with participation from Home Depot Ventures and Masco. The new capital will be used to expand Mattoboard's material database and partner with global suppliers, with the ambitious goal of "bringing every material in the world online," as stated by Ailion. With this significant investment, Mattoboard is poised to revolutionize the design industry and make a lasting impact on the way architects and designers work.

As the design industry continues to evolve, Mattoboard's innovative approach and commitment to digital transformation are likely to have far-reaching implications. With its AI-powered Design Stream feature, the company is well-positioned to address the inefficiencies and waste inherent in traditional design workflows, paving the way for a more sustainable and streamlined future for architects and designers alike.