The Rise of John Imah: A New Blueprint in Fashion-Tech Entrepreneurship

Introduction to a Visionary Leader

In the bustling intersection of technology and fashion, John Imah stands out as a transformative figure. As the chief executive of SpreeAI, a groundbreaking fashion-tech startup valued at $1.5 billion, his remarkable journey from teenage entrepreneur to industry leader epitomizes the new wave of innovators reshaping global commerce.

Early Beginnings: A Founder’s Mindset

Raised in the United States by Nigerian immigrants, Imah demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit early on. By the age of 16, he had already launched and sold two startups—one focused on mobile gaming, the other on 3D-design solutions. These formative experiences instilled a strong founder’s mindset, establishing a foundation of technical acumen long before he stepped into a university classroom.

Core Education and Silicon Valley Experience

Pursuing a degree in Management Information Systems catapulted Imah into the heart of Silicon Valley. There, he gained invaluable experience at tech giants like Samsung, Twitch, Snap, and Meta. His role at Meta earned him accolades, including the prestigious Employee of Impact recognition from executive Dan Rose. At Samsung, he became one of the youngest hires in his division, demonstrating a knack for driving speed, precision, and large-scale impact.

Launching SpreeAI: A Vision Realized

In 2023, Imah, alongside co-founder Bob Davidson, embarked on a mission to reinvent the online apparel experience. Relocating to Incline Village, Nevada, a hub for business-friendly operations, they launched SpreeAI. The startup’s innovative technology allows shoppers to virtually try on clothing, ensuring a 99% accuracy in sizing—a game-changer in the fashion industry.

Bridging Technology and Emotion in Fashion

Imah envisions a more personal and emotionally resonant e-commerce experience. By tackling the critical pain point of fit and credibility in apparel shopping, SpreeAI enhances customer confidence and reduces return rates—issues that plague the $100 billion online fashion market annually.

Rapid Growth and Valuation

By 2024, SpreeAI had already secured around $70 million in funding, driven by significant investments from The Davidson Group and other notable backers. A subsequent funding round in May 2025 propelled the company’s valuation to a staggering $1.5 billion, solidifying its unicorn status. This achievement was widely celebrated, notably by Romania’s Ziarul Financiar in their ‘Un Unicorn pe Zi’ series.

Cultural Significance: A Seat at the Table

In an unprecedented move, SpreeAI expanded its board to include supermodel Naomi Campbell, marking the first time a supermodel has joined the board of a tech startup. This strategic decision underscores the company’s commitment to fusing technology with culture and style, reinforcing its credibility within the fashion ecosystem.

Collaborations with Esteemed Designers

The company has quickly formed partnerships with influential designers, such as Sergio Hudson—renowned for dressing icons like Michelle Obama and Beyoncé—and Fisayo Longe of Kai Collective. By integrating their collections into SpreeAI’s virtual try-on platform, they are redefining how fashion is experienced online.

Making Waves at Major Events

SpreeAI made a notable appearance at the 2025 Met Gala. Beyond Imah’s presence, the company’s collaboration with Hudson showcased the potential of AI to enhance fashion presentations and design, further validating Imah’s innovative approach. Fashion outlets like Harper’s Bazaar highlighted Hudson’s enthusiasm for what SpreeAI’s technology could mean for the future of the industry.

Academic Partnerships and Technological Innovations

Anchoring SpreeAI’s technical capabilities are collaborative efforts with prestigious institutions such as MIT and Carnegie Mellon University. These partnerships have birthed features like an AI stylist that delivers personalized outfit suggestions and a virtual wardrobe that seamlessly blends owned items with new recommendations.

Revolutionizing Online Shopping

By blurring the lines between physical and digital retail, SpreeAI is making the online shopping experience more interactive and enjoyable. This innovative approach directly addresses the longstanding issue of fit uncertainty in fashion, leading to higher customer confidence, lower return rates, and ultimately, greater conversion rates for retailers.

Recognition and Industry Influence

Imah’s entrepreneurial achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 2025, Observer included him in its AI Power 100 list, showcasing his transformative impact on fashion retail through practical applications of AI. Similarly, AfroTech recognized him in its Future 50 list, celebrating his unique blend of technical execution and cultural insight.

Strategic Alliances for Growth

Imah’s strategic alliance with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) has further cemented SpreeAI’s role in driving industry innovation. The partnership designates SpreeAI as the CFDA’s exclusive technology partner for digital advancements, with Imah actively collaborating with CFDA CEO Steven Kolb to introduce AI and AR tools to designers and retailers.

A Commitment to Diversity and Education

Imah’s journey reflects a broader movement of African and diaspora innovators redefining the global tech landscape. He emphasizes the importance of diversity, viewing his accomplishments as a means to inspire future generations. His philanthropic efforts include establishing a scholarship fund at the University of Texas at Arlington and actively mentoring underrepresented students.

Through initiatives like the Imperial Family Foundation, which supports high-achieving students in Nigeria aiming for tech careers, Imah believes that giving back is essential for building a strong community. He states, “To truly build a community, you have to give back, not just talk about it,” embodying his commitment to social impact through entrepreneurship.