Journey of discovery through a magical country: After graduating from high school, Jannik Weich travels through Peru for a few months to get to know the country, culture and language, but above all the people and their special connection to the friendly, social alpacas. Their particularly fine wool is the basis for the livelihood of many farmers in the Peruvian Andes. He is particularly impressed by the respect with which the farmers treat their animals.

In the year between her bachelor's and master's degrees, the starting signal was given for the unique story of WEICH Couture Alpaca. The company name is quickly found. It is the surname of one of the founders and at the same time an outstanding characteristic of the products. However, finding the right manufacturers and producers to match the values and demands of the founders requires extensive and personal research, and the infrastructure in Peru requires a high degree of adaptability and perseverance. On a trip through Peru in 2017, the founders extensively analyse the market and select the manufactory whose services fully meet their demands for quality, sustainability and understanding of the product.

Back in Peru, the founders gain new inspiration and ideas for their product range at local fairs and markets, but also in personal exchanges with alpaca farmers. At an altitude of 5,000 metres, in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes and far from any civilisation, they experience the unique challenges that humans and animals face in the harsh mountain landscapes. They gain authentic insights into the breeding and living conditions of the alpaca animals and personally convince themselves of the species-appropriate treatment of the animals.

In a first seed financing round, WEICH Couture Alpaca raises further external growth capital to accelerate the brand development in German-speaking countries. The select circle of new investors includes Christina Rosenberg, supervisory board member, advisory board member and long-standing managing director in the luxury industry, as well as Robert Ermich, serial entrepreneur in online marketing from Berlin. WEICH is investing the capital in the expansion of its product range as well as in further marketing channels.