Nearly everything can be purchased online today. Demand for digital shopping during the pandemic rose exponentially, and it’s still growing. Customers want to have a large selection of items, detailed product info, price comparisons, fast shipment, transparent payment and a convenient returns procedure.
In anticipation of Black Friday, we collected a list of ecommerce startups that are helping sellers strengthen their businesses, increase sales and create a great customer experience.
Delivery and logistics
Deliverr
Country: USA
Founded date: 2017
Founders: Harish Abbott, Michael Krakaris
Funding: $490.9M, Series E
Deliverr is an e-commerce logistics startup that provides shipping services for e-commerce businesses and marketplaces. Currently it works with big players such as eBay, Walmart, Amazon, Shopify and Wish. Deliverr provides a transparent explanation of costs and guarantees two-day delivery. You pay an affordable price for fulfillment and storage, including multiple tasks.
In July 2022 the company was acquired by e-commerce giant Shopify to expand its in-house fulfillment network, in a deal valued at $1.7 billion. The Deliverr team has joined Shopify, and together they plan to launch a new service called Shop Promise, offering consumers two-day and next-day delivery options.
Software, Amazon
Jungle Scout
Country: USA
Founded date: 2015
Founder: Greg Mercer
Total funding amount: $110M, Private Equity
Jungle Scout is an all-in-one platform helping businesses sell their products on Amazon and supports 10 global Amazon marketplaces. It offers a product line that includes business management solutions, market intelligence resources and advertising technology solutions.
The company was named a Top 50 Commerce Product in G2’s 2022 Best Software Awards. The ranking is based on approved and published reviews from users in 2021. Jungle Scout provides valuable and accurate insights and helps commerce businesses of all sizes, from beginners to global brands.
Sustainable goods
Brandless
Country: USA
Founded date: 2016
Founders: Ido Leffler, Tina Sharkey
Total funding amount: $410.5M, Venture – Series Unknown
Brandless is an omni-channel commerce platform selling cruelty-free and sustainability-minded goods for health, home and beauty. As one of their marketing opportunities they suggest an Ambassador program, working with influencers.
Company’s CEO Cydni Tetro has been named a 2022 CEO of the Year by Utah Business. This is an annual award that recognizes chief executive officers exhibiting the strength, courage, and endurance needed to lead a successful business. Under her leadership, Brandless grew funding to aggregate digital-native brands and build an influence-as-a-service technology platform.
Ecofriendly consumption
EcoCart
Country: USA
Founded date: 2019
Founders: Dane Baker, Peter Twomey
Total funding amount: $17.5M, Series A
EcoCart offers infrastructure as a service for ecommerce companies to operate sustainably and transparently at scale. They help businesses to measure, offset and analyze their carbon footprint and add a carbon neutral order option at checkout to their stores. Offset is carried out by donating to renewable energy, forestry, or clean water projects from each purchase. The company already partners with Shopify, Ohi, Yotpo and Walmart.
Recently EcoCart has raised $14.5M. It plans to expand the number of ecommerce platforms and evolve API capabilities. Carbon-neutral checkout allows brands to communicate a user-friendly and sustainable approach to customers and strengthen their reputation, and as a result increase their conversion rate.
Return and repayment
Returnly
Country: USA
Founded date: 2014
Founders: Dane Baker, Peter Twomey
Total funding amount: $30.2M, Series B
Returnly provides an online returns solution for commerce brands. The company offers businesses an Instant Credit option, taking on the return risk. Instead of waiting for an uncertain time until the return is fully processed, a customer gets the right item before giving back the wrong one. The company’s technology includes returns management tools, package tracking, online returns and exchanges, and Green Returns. It provides the ability to save sales, increase customer satisfaction, retain customers and build brand loyalty.
Returnly is a certified Shopify Plus Partner and has a wide integrations network, including ERP, 3PL, shipping, Business Intelligence and CRM. After last year’s acquisition, the company works under the umbrella of the Affirm financial technology services company, which provides installment loans to consumers at the point of sale.
