Our history

Natural and sustainable luxury. Traditional Peruvian craftsmanship combined with German quality promise. Find out more about the special story behind the start-up WEICH Couture Alpaca.

2009: The first encounter

Jannik Weich had his formative encounter with the beauty of Peru at the age of 16, when he traveled to the country for the first time. Since then he has been fascinated by the natural elegance and delicacy of sustainable alpaca fiber. He has a close friendship with his former host family. To this day, she hosts him whenever he visits Peru.

2013: The beginning of a long journey

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 alpaca animals. 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.

2015: Two like-minded people get to know each other

During a semester abroad on the west coast of California, Jannik met his future friend and founding partner David Kuttschrütter. They not only share a passion for traveling, but also the ambition to start their own company. When Jannik shares his experiences with Peru and his enthusiasm for alpaca with David, the spark jumps and the idea of ​​a joint start-up becomes more concrete.

March 2017: Creation of the base on site in Peru

The year between the bachelor's and master's studies marks the start of the unique story of WEICH Couture Alpaca. The company name is found quickly. It is the last name of one of the founders and at the same time an outstanding feature of the products. However, finding the manufacturers and producers that 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 analyzed the market and selected the manufacturer whose services fully meet their demands in terms of quality, sustainability and product understanding.

September 2017: Foundation of a first project

With the right manufacturing and raw materials of the highest fiber quality, the first prototypes are designed. Strategy and plans are drawn up and the company logo is developed in the former children's room of the parents' house in Wittlich. Shortly before starting their master's degree, Jannik Weich and David Kuttschrütter founded the first project WEICH Couture Alpaca - a new brand for special, natural and sustainable luxury.

March 2019: The adventure in the Peruvian Andes

Back in Peru, the founders gain new inspiration and ideas for their product range at local trade fairs and markets, but also in personal exchanges with alpaca farmers. At an altitude of 5,000 meters, in the highlands of the Peruvian Andes and far from any civilization, you will experience the unique challenges that humans and animals are exposed to in the harsh mountain landscapes. You will gain authentic insights into the breeding and living conditions of alpacas and see for yourself how the animals are treated in a species-appropriate manner.

September 2019: Investor Peter Pohlmann and WEICH Couture Alpaca

One of the most decisive steps in the company's very young history: investor Peter Pohlmann and the official starting signal. Both founders join the company full time after completing their studies, today's WEICH Textil GmbH is founded, the capital and the strategic partnership are used to build awareness of the brand and open the first store. The rollout of the first accessories line will take place at Maison & Objet in Paris, where the world's only WEICH hot water bottles with the most delicate alpaca coating will be presented for the first time.

March 2021: Christina Rosenberg and other business angels invest in WEICH

In a first seed financing round, WEICH Couture Alpaca is raising additional external growth capital to accelerate brand development in German-speaking countries. In addition to Christina Rosenberg, supervisory board member, advisory board member and long-time managing director in the luxury industry, the select circle of new investors also includes Robert Ermich, serial entrepreneur in online marketing from Berlin. WEICH invests the capital in expanding the product range and in additional marketing channels.

November 2022: The partner brand of 100 active retailers has been cracked

After just three years on the market, the start-up has managed to crack the magical mark of 100 active specialist dealers and partners in German-speaking countries. The concept around innovative and special products made from the finest alpaca is becoming increasingly popular in the Home & Interior segment as a sustainable alternative to established players in the market. In addition to prestigious luxury department store chains, these include, above all, high-quality furniture stores and exclusive concept stores.

Transparency.

An integral part of our company philosophy is a value chain that is as transparent and efficient as possible for all parties.

The alpaca.

As one of the rarest, most beautiful and most valuable fibers in the world, alpaca is known for its incomparable softness and special heat retention properties.