Zhiyi Tech (China) is combining advanced artificial intelligence (AI) with an online sourcing platform so that brands can shorten development and production times, while producing styles that are in high demand. The platform provides the sharp predictive insights and fast manufacturing that has powered Shein to a $100 billion dollar valuation. Brands could potentially use Zhiyi’s technology to gain the same competitive advantage that Shein has.The company’s concept is to link AI with China’s massive manufacturing capabilities. With the entire supply chain in its backyard, and the ability to do small orders, backed up by strong infrastructure, models like this could make China the go-to place not only for large orders, but also for small brands. How It WorksZhiyi works by searching the internet for styles favored by social media influencers and fashion shows, and creates highly accurate trend insights for product developers and designers, including silhouettes, colors, materials and so forth. The software also analyzes apparel sales on e-commerce sites like Alibaba's Taobao marketplace and Douyin, TikTok's Chinese version, and breaks down the bestsellers. However, unlike forecasting services, Zhiyi has an ecosystem of suppliers that retailers can tap into. While its focus is supporting brands, retailers and even influencers who are selling through live commerce, there are opportunities here for any brand that is looking to implement a demand-driven business model. Brands design and manufacture clothes based on real-time consumer sentiment and fashion trends rather than trying to build a supply chain that can sell. A raft of online fashion startups, such as Cider, has been working to replicate Shein's success by leveraging big data to forecast consumer behavior worldwide and tapping China's rich supply chain resources.Currently, Zhiyi is focusing on the China market, working with leading domestic brands including Ochirly, Meters/bonwe, Peacebird, Urban Revivo, Semir and others. However there’s little doubt that international brands will want to take advantage of their platform - especially in the fast fashion sector. The company recently raised close to $100 million from three rounds of funding The proceeds add to the "tens of millions of dollars" Zhiyi raised from a Series A round in 2018. With the new funding, Zhiyi plans to hire more staff and conduct product R&D.