MAKOKO
Fashion brand that focuses on ethical practices, cultural inclusion, and sustainability.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | investor | €0.0 | round |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor investor investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
| investor | €0.0 | round | |
N/A | Late VC | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
Makoko Inc. operates the eponymous women's fashion brand, Autumn Adeigbo, which was formally established in 2016. The company is the creation of Autumn Adeigbo, a first-generation Nigerian-American designer who drew inspiration from her mother, who sewed her clothes during childhood. This early influence sparked a passion for fashion, leading her to earn a degree in economics from Spelman College and a fashion design degree from Parsons School of Design. Her journey involved diverse industry experiences, including internships with Betsy Johnson, retail work at Anna Sui, and assisting notable celebrity stylists before she began developing her own collection in 2009.
The business operates on a made-to-order model, focusing on ethically sourced and produced women's ready-to-wear and accessories. This model minimizes waste and aligns with the company's commitment to sustainability. The brand's aesthetic is characterized by vibrant colors, prints, and patterns that blend Nigerian heritage with modern silhouettes. Its core mission is to invest in and empower women throughout the supply chain. The company collaborates with female-owned production facilities in the U.S. and employs artisans globally, including programs she initiated in West Africa to teach skills like hand-beading for fair-trade wages.
Revenue is generated through the direct sale of these apparel and accessory collections to consumers who value unique design and ethical production. The brand targets women who appreciate expressive, colorful, and conversational pieces. A significant milestone was achieved in 2020 when Autumn Adeigbo raised $1.3 million in venture capital, making her company the first fashion brand led by a Black woman to secure over $1 million in such funding. Total funding has since reached $4.3 million, with support from celebrity investors like Mila Kunis and Gabrielle Union, enabling the brand to scale its operations.
Keywords: Autumn Adeigbo, Makoko Inc., ethical fashion, made-to-order, sustainable apparel, Nigerian-American designer, women's ready-to-wear, African-inspired fashion, female empowerment, fair-trade production, venture capital fashion, celebrity-backed brand, colorful prints, modern silhouettes, accessories, direct-to-consumer fashion, Spelman College, Parsons School of Design, social enterprise fashion, artisan collaboration