Why Did We Launch Shoptalk Ventures?
WHAT IS SHOPTALK VENTURES?
Last week, we announced the Shoptalk Ventures program in partnership with Shoptalk. Shoptalk Ventures provides capital and connections to help Ecommerce and retail technology startups grow. The program is managed by Commerce Ventures and partners with leading investors to co-invest $1 million across ~20 early-stage companies.
WHY WE LAUNCHED SHOPTALK VENTURES
Shoptalk and Commerce Ventures share a common mission of bringing together startups, retailers/brands, and investors to help shape the next generation of commerce. It is that joint mission that drove us to invest in Shoptalk 3 years ago. However, we wanted to make it even easier for startups to find capital and for brands/retailers to interact with these startups in a productive way. The Shoptalk Ventures program was developed to do just that — and we are excited to kick off the program at Shoptalk Vegas in just a few weeks.
WHY STARTUPS ARE EXCITED
Startups that are accepted into the program will benefit from introductions to our retail/brand partners and investors with a stated interest in their sector.
WHY BRANDS/RETAILERS ARE EXCITED
Brands and retailers increasingly need to stay on top of emerging technologies, but find it challenging to filter and process the countless inbound inquiries from startups. Shoptalk Ventures will help brands/retailers connect with startup companies building practical solutions that align with the specific goals of those brands or retailers.
WHY INVESTORS ARE EXCITED
Investors with an interest in this sector will get tailored and filtered deal flow, including some of the industry’s most exciting early stage Ecommerce and Retail Technology companies. Investments from the Shoptalk Ventures program will be small, making it easy for lead and non-lead investors to participate alongside of us.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We will officially launch the program at a kickoff lunch at the Shoptalk conference later this month (if you’d like to join us for the kickoff, please email us). In the meantime, we’d love to talk to startups, retailers/brands, and investors that are interested in joining the program…you can reach us via the Shoptalk Ventures site.
