Katherine Homuth tells real story of Sheertex including circular systems, recyclable spandex, and automation

Katherine Homuth, Founder, CEO and Chair at SRTX, whose brands include Sheertex, producer of rip resistant tights that made a fan out of Taylor Swift, has taken to social media to tell the warts and all story of her Montreal-based textile firm.

Homuth recently raised $200 million and counts fashion icon Chip Wilson, Swedish retail giant H&M Group, and clean technology venture capitalists, among her investors.

But, as is the case with many high profile startups, the company isn’t profitable, leading to countless sleepless nights and a journey that is by turns exhausting, terrifying and hugely fulfilling.

In a LinkedIn post, she said: “I’ve been holding back online for years. Why? Honestly, I was afraid. Afraid of being called out, taken down, or judged by strangers on the internet. (Who isn’t?) But here’s the thing when you’re fighting for something that truly matters, fear has no place. So today, I’m ripping off the Band-Aid and telling you the real story of Sheertex.”

“Here’s the truth: Sheertex isn’t profitable. Not even close. We lose millions every year. I’ve cried more tears over this company than I’d care to admit. But we’ve also raised $250 million, built one of the most advanced textile factories in North America, and proven there’s demand for a game-changing product.”

“Our tights once cost over $100 each to make. Today, they cost $13. By next year, they’ll cost $5. But we’re still fighting tooth and nail to survive.”

This year, she added, the company has sold nearly two million pairs of tights. Next year, B2B partners want nearly ten million units “if we can scale fast enough to meet demand, and do it at the right price. No easy task.”

“We’re just quarters away from profitability, but the stakes have never been higher. Every fundraise is hand-to-mouth. Every sleepless night is spent wondering if the next leap forward will be our last. It’s exhausting, terrifying, and somehow still the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done.”

She concluded: “Here’s why it matters: We’re not just selling tights. We’re building the infrastructure for a more sustainable future. Circular recycling systems, recyclable spandex, automation - things that could transform an industry. But it all takes time, and time is the one thing we don’t have unless you care.”

“This isn’t a pity party - it’s a call to action. If you’ve ever believed in the underdog, in fighting for change when the odds are stacked against you, then please read the full story. I poured my heart into it.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail was a key focus area at the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Vista Technology Support, Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended last month’s gathering.