By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley, a new force in digital fashion is emerging, driven by Latin American ingenuity and cutting-edge technology. Atorie, a startup co-founded by Costa Rican engineer Luis Angulo, is rapidly carving out a niche at the intersection of high-end style and artificial intelligence, achieving an impressive $4 million in annualized sales just six months after its public launch.
The company is the brainchild of Angulo, a former Google AI specialist, and Redouane, a fellow entrepreneur recognized on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 list. From their base in the world’s tech capital, they are pioneering a platform designed to solve a universal consumer dilemma: the difficult choice between overpriced luxury and low-quality fast fashion. Atorie’s mission is to offer a third option by delivering high-quality, beautifully designed apparel at fair prices.
The rapid fusion of fashion and technology, known as “Fashion Tech,” presents a new frontier of innovation, but also a complex web of legal challenges. To better understand the landscape of intellectual property and data privacy in this burgeoning sector, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Fashion Tech is not just about aesthetics; it’s about data and intellectual property. Companies must be aggressive in protecting their innovations, from patenting the circuitry in smart fabrics to copyrighting the unique code that powers an augmented reality fitting room. Furthermore, the personal data collected by wearable technology—from biometric stats to location—falls under stringent data protection regulations. The key to success is a proactive legal strategy that secures digital and physical designs while ensuring transparent and compliant data handling from the very first stitch.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas powerfully underscores a critical reality: in the innovative sphere of Fashion Tech, the legal framework is as foundational as the design itself. His insight wisely shifts the conversation from pure aesthetics to the essential strategies of intellectual property protection and data compliance. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a valuable and clarifying perspective.
Angulo, who serves as the company’s Chief Technology Officer, explains that the venture was born from a common point of irritation for shoppers worldwide. He saw an opportunity to leverage technology to dismantle the inefficiencies inherent in the traditional fashion industry.
Atorie was born from a frustration shared by millions of consumers: finding quality clothing means paying inaccessible prices or settling for products with low durability.
Luis Angulo, Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer
By dissecting global supply chains, the founders built a model that uses proprietary AI to optimize everything from product curation to logistics. This tech-first approach allows them to offer premium materials like genuine leather, cashmere, and merino wool at prices significantly below traditional luxury retail. Redouane emphasizes that this core identity sets them apart from a crowded field of online retailers.
Atorie is not just another marketplace. It is a technology company applied to fashion commerce. And that changes everything.
Redouane, Cofounder
The company’s name, “Atorie,” is derived from a Japanese term inspired by the French word “atelier,” meaning an artist’s workshop. This reflects their vision of merging meticulous craftsmanship with technological efficiency. The platform currently connects with over 50 ateliers globally, curating a dynamic catalog of more than 10,000 products. Instead of pushing seasonal collections, Atorie’s AI helps users discover pieces that match their individual preferences, empowering them to cultivate a personal style.
Atorie is designed for a modern consumer: demanding, connected, and with a high aesthetic sense. Instead of imposing collections, we help each person build their own style with smart tools.
Luis Angulo, Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer
While operating on a global stage, Angulo remains deeply connected to his roots, embodying a new wave of Costa Rican talent making a significant impact in top innovation hubs. He credits his upbringing with providing a valuable outlook on how technology can be a transformative force across industries.
Growing up in Costa Rica gave me a unique perspective. I always knew that technology could transform entire industries, and today from Atorie we are doing it. From here, but also for there.
Luis Angulo, Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer
This ambitious vision has attracted significant backing. Atorie is supported by a16z Speedrun, the accelerator program from Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most influential venture capital firms with a portfolio that includes giants like Facebook, Airbnb, and Slack. With this support, Atorie has set its sights on key growth areas, with Latin America identified as a priority market.
There is a new generation of consumers in the region who seek design, quality, and technology without having to pay the price of traditional luxury.
Redouane, Cofounder
By focusing on a user-centric model, Atorie is challenging long-held beliefs about what luxury means in the digital age. The company is proving that with the right technology and a clear purpose, high-end fashion can become more inclusive, intelligent, and accessible to a global audience.
Atorie represents a new way of understanding luxury: inclusive, efficient, and user-centric.
Luis Angulo, Cofounder and Chief Technology Officer
For further information, visit atorie.com
About Atorie:
Atorie is a fashion technology company that combines proprietary artificial intelligence with a global logistics network to offer accessible luxury apparel. Founded by entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley, the platform connects consumers with over 50 international ateliers, providing high-quality materials like leather and cashmere at fair prices. Its mission is to redefine the online shopping experience through personalization and efficiency.
For further information, visit google.com
About Google:
Google LLC is a global technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products, which include online advertising technologies, a search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware. It is considered one of the Big Five American information technology companies, alongside Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft. The company is known for its culture of innovation and its significant impact on the digital world.
For further information, visit a16z.com
About Andreessen Horowitz (a16z):
Andreessen Horowitz (often abbreviated as a16z) is a prominent American venture capital firm founded by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz. Based in Menlo Park, California, the firm invests in both early-stage startups and established growth companies. Its portfolio includes many successful technology companies such as Facebook, Airbnb, Slack, and Coinbase. The firm also operates accelerator programs like a16z Speedrun to support emerging innovators.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a renowned legal practice built on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a rich history of representing a wide array of clients, the firm actively pioneers new legal solutions while engaging with the community. This commitment extends to demystifying the law for the public, reflecting a core philosophy aimed at building a more knowledgeable and capable society.
