From teen prodigy to fashion-tech powerhouse, John Imah has cemented his place at the crossroads of technology and style. The Nigerian-American executive’s rise is a story of vision, risk-taking, and blending tech expertise with a passion for innovation in retail.
His startup, SpreeAI, recently crossed the $1.5 billion valuation mark, a milestone that mirrors Imah’s own fortune of $400 million and signals the growing influence of AI-driven fashion technology.
Early Ambitions and Teenage Startups
Imah’s story begins in Dallas, where he was born to Nigerian immigrants. From a young age, he displayed an entrepreneurial spark that would define his career.
By 16, he had already founded and sold two startups—a mobile game development company and a 3D solutions provider.
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Those early successes opened doors in Silicon Valley, allowing Imah to gain exposure to major tech players while still in high school. It was a unique advantage that most teenagers can only dream of.
Over the next decade, he built an impressive resume with positions at Samsung, Twitch, Meta, and Snap Inc., eventually becoming Global Head of Partnerships at Snap under CEO Evan Spiegel.
That experience in scaling businesses, managing partnerships, and leading technical teams became the perfect foundation for his own venture.
SpreeAI: Merging AI and Fashion
In 2023, Imah co-founded SpreeAI with the aim of revolutionizing online shopping.
The platform uses artificial intelligence to allow customers to virtually “try on” clothing, offering near-perfect sizing predictions.
Early testing showed astonishing results: retailers reported conversion rates increasing by up to 25%, while return rates, a long-standing headache worth $100 billion annually for e-commerce, dropped significantly.
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By late 2024, SpreeAI had raised $80 million in financing. A fresh round in May 2025, led by The Davidson Group, propelled the company past the billion-dollar threshold, officially making it a unicorn.
The tech’s accuracy—boasting 99% fit prediction reliability—has positioned SpreeAI as a must-have tool for retailers and a trendsetter in digital fashion experiences.
Star-Studded Board and Technical Edge
SpreeAI’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. The company attracted heavyweight advisors and board members, including supermodel Naomi Campbell, co-founder Bob Davidson, and Las Vegas magnate Larry Ruvo.
The firm has also secured five patents and collaborated with institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon University, underscoring its technical credibility.
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Collaborations with top universities have helped SpreeAI refine its AI algorithms and maintain its competitive edge in virtual try-on technology.
The company’s success demonstrates how strategic partnerships and talent can propel a startup from niche idea to market leader in a few short years.
From Tech Elite to Cultural Tastemaker
Imah’s influence stretches beyond financial success. In 2025, he became the first fashion-tech CEO invited to the Met Gala, highlighting the increasing intersection of technology and culture.
Recognition has followed in quick succession. He appeared on Observer’s AI Power Index and AfroTech’s Future 50 list, while Innovation & Tech Today compared his impact to figures like Elon Musk.
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Despite wealth and accolades, Imah emphasizes mentorship, funding scholarships, and advocating for inclusive innovation.
“Success is a platform for greater impact,” he said, reflecting on his journey from Dallas to the helm of a billion-dollar company.
Numbers Behind the Unicorn
SpreeAI’s growth is backed by solid metrics that illustrate its market disruption.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Retail conversion increase | Up to 25% |
| Return rate reduction | Significant drop across partnered retailers |
| Funding raised | $80M by late 2024, additional 2025 round pushed valuation to $1.5B |
| Patents granted | 5 |
| Collaborations | MIT, Carnegie Mellon University |
These figures showcase not just financial growth, but measurable industry impact.
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The company continues to refine its AI algorithms, expand partnerships, and explore new applications, including AR-enhanced virtual fitting rooms.
For Imah, the mission remains simple: solve real problems, inspire others, and use technology as a force for positive change in fashion retail.
