Szilard Szurdok, CEO of Weev – Interview

Moneycab: Mr. Szurdok, you come from the IT and fintech sector and founded Weev in 2021, despite not having experience in the footwear or apparel industry. What motivated you to take this step, how steep was the learning curve, and how did you avoid beginner mistakes in this new field?

Szilard Szurdok: I never initially intended to run the company myself—my focus was clearly on IT topics. That’s why Wilhelm and later Joanne took over the operational leadership. An outside perspective without industry baggage can even be an advantage. Since Weev was conceived as a technology company, my learning curve was intense but manageable. I don’t see myself as the sole bearer of knowledge, but as part of a team of executives, board members, and sales experts who bring industry expertise. The transition phase with Wilhelm and Joanne also allowed me to deeply familiarize myself with the industry.

Our scanning and visualization systems are technically very advanced. Depending on the process stage, we achieve efficiency gains of 50% to 80%.

Moneycab: Weev uses 3D visualization tools and a material database with over 80% digitized standard materials. How do you quantify the efficiency gain for the footwear and apparel industry from this technology?

Szilard Szurdok: We use the 3D technology from my company PXL, which was originally the main reason for my involvement at Weev. Our scanning and visualization systems are technically very mature. Depending on the process stage, we achieve efficiency gains of 50% to 80%. Joanne illustrated the savings potential across the entire supply chain in an investor presentation—it’s a great way to visualize it.

Moneycab: Salesforce integrates autonomous AI agents (Agentforce) into CRM systems. How do you plan to connect this technology with Weev to optimize supply chains in real time?

Szilard Szurdok: The Salesforce integration gives us access to all relevant systems and data within the industry. Our vision is a connected B2B ecosystem that enables real-time management and optimization of supply chain processes across CRM and ESG data landscapes.

Moneycab: According to Euromonitor, generative AI will automate 30% of design processes in fashion by 2025. What share does AI currently represent on your platform—and where do you see limitations?

Szilard Szurdok: AI already accounts for more than 50% of our platform processes—with growing significance. Our standardized workflows can be flexibly adapted so that every customer can integrate their own process with us. We see few limitations—rather, AI opens up new directions, scaling from currently 2–4 customers per month to potentially 200–400 with AI support.

Moneycab: So far, footwear manufacturers make up the majority of your clients. What are your growth plans outside the footwear industry?

Szilard Szurdok: We're increasingly working across industries. We’re about to implement Weev with a global player in the coffee industry. Our partners like Brington are already active in over 60 industries. AI and Salesforce open enormous growth opportunities—faster than originally planned.

Moneycab: Weev aims to reach unicorn status within a decade. What annual growth rate do you expect, and how much of current revenue flows into internationalization?

Szilard Szurdok: Our growth is not linear but exponential. We're already operating internationally. For the next three years, I expect revenue to double each quarter—possibly even monthly. The market is evolving much faster than expected.

Moneycab: You serve clients in China, the U.S., and Europe. Which market generates the highest return, and how do tariffs and compliance costs influence your expansion strategy?

Szilard Szurdok: In Europe, compliance costs dominate. Markets with strong innovation appetite like Pakistan, Turkey, or China are evolving the fastest. The willingness to take risks is much higher there—as is entrepreneurial speed. Global centers are shifting—Dubai and Jakarta are gaining massive relevance.

Moneycab: Marc Benioff made his first investment in a Swiss startup. What impact has his investment had, and what role does he play in Weev's development?

Szilard Szurdok: Marc Benioff’s involvement gave us a huge boost. When a key figure in CRM publicly supports our vision, it builds immense trust. He is actively involved—as a strategic advisor, through his network, and with direct support in sales.

Moneycab: The Swiss textile industry produces 20 kg of new purchases per person annually. How much material waste can Weev users reduce via digital workflows?

Szilard Szurdok: According to our board member Daniel Tschümperlin, active workflow management can reduce material waste by 20–30%—in Switzerland and globally.

Moneycab: You track leather origin down to the source. How many suppliers have you audited, and what CO₂ footprint reduction has been achieved?

Szilard Szurdok: Weev doesn’t conduct audits directly. Instead, we structure existing data in a way that allows CO₂ balances to be calculated. We see ourselves as enablers of sustainable decision-making along the supply chain.

Moneycab: Switzerland ranks first in the Global Innovation Index. What measurable advantage does the location offer for Weev’s tech development compared to Berlin or Lisbon?

Szilard Szurdok: Switzerland offers legal certainty, neutrality, and geopolitical stability—a major advantage. Geographically, we are ideally positioned between design (Italy), production (Asia), and capital markets.

Moneycab: You collaborate with Swiss universities. What topics are in focus, and which skills that Weev needs are hard to find in Switzerland?

Szilard Szurdok: We’re working more closely with ETH, especially in the area of new materials. At the same time, northern Italy remains a historic knowledge center for textiles. This mix of high-tech and heritage is ideal for us.

Moneycab: You mention digital twins as a key technology. How can customers use them, and how is the tech monetized?

Szilard Szurdok: Digital twins reduce physical sampling—and thus production and logistics costs—by up to 80%, depending on material. Customers integrate them via API directly into their 3D design processes. They're part of our subscription-based business model.

Moneycab: The fashion industry could generate USD 160 billion by 2030 through circular models. What market share do you anticipate for Weev?

Szilard Szurdok: For us, the key isn't circular models but the new, emerging market for AI-powered IT systems. This is huge and hard to quantify. Our technology is flexible enough to expand far beyond fashion into many other sectors.

Moneycab: To end the interview, you have two wishes—what are they?

Szilard Szurdok: I wish for Weev to become an open, trusted standard for digital creation—a system that protects and reveals creative content while keeping data secure. I believe in the power of blockchain, NFTs, and digital transparency. Weev should become the digital equivalent of what the Yellow Pages once were—a place where everyone can find everything.