Venture capitalist David Kezerashvili and promising UK retail technology startups
The UK economy is currently undergoing a new phase of technological revolution. New startups are constantly seeking to outclass one another.
These firms are developing cutting-edge technology that seeks to change customer engagement with products and the way retail functions altogether.
While the media often focuses on tech hubs like Israel, Japan, or the US, the UK’s tech sector is booming.
Tech startups are set to reach new heights in 2022 and these startups are focused on nothing more than attracting potential investors and delivering some of the best technology that the UK has ever seen.
Investment firms such as InfinityVC have poured millions into retail technology thanks to pioneers such as David Kezerashvili, an angel investor and venture capitalist. His primary investment strategy is in retail and tech innovations and he’s not the only one.
Many other venture capitalists have been drawn to invest in these industries. After all, these industries have proven over and over again that they can generate substantial amounts of profits.
In this article, we are going to talk about some of the most promising startups in the UK market right now and how and why it’s a great time to invest in them.
1. Market Hub
One of the top startups in the UK at the moment is Market Hub. A company that aims to deliver intelligent retail solutions to customers that will help them discount less and improve their efficiency.
Market Hub has developed analytical tools to assist retail stores determine gaps in their sales to determine where the company is losing money. Whether it’s waste, stock holding, refunds, or dropped sails, Market Hub’s ‘Pulse’ software integrates flawlessly with ePoint of Sale (ePoS).
With fast integration and having worked with 300 large retailers in the world already, Market Hub is constantly growing and securing investments.
2. BotsAndUs
As the name suggests, this London-based startup focuses on adding intelligent and autonomous robots to warehouses. The goal is to reduce costs, increase productivity, and more accurately track shipments. BotsAndUs seeks to solve the lack of real-time data available in the retail industry.
By utilising artificially intelligent robots that begin to analyze pallets the moment a shipment arrives. Due to their intelligence, they are already accessing hierarchical data and things such as weight, width, and length.
Some of the companies that have invested in BotsAndUS are Genius NY, Capnamic Ventures, Horizon 2020, Kindred Capital, Innovate the UK for a total of £4.5 million in funding.
3. Clarity PR
Clarity is another, London-based, startup company that began its operations in 2013.
Its focus is on solving communication issues in the public relations sector for companies. The image of a company or a product is not only built through promotion and marketing campaigns.
According to Kezerashvili, PR has an increasingly important role in a modern company and Clarity aims to take business affairs and relations between companies to the next level with its services. With offices situated all around the world (New York, Munich, and San Francisco) the company’s current lead investor is Freuds.
4. GoPuff
Another promising startup with a UK presence is GoPuff. This firm offers grocery delivery services, but with a twist. GoPuff claims that it can deliver your groceries in a matter of minutes. How is this possible?
By a combination of many GoPuff drivers/contractors, a powerful app to direct them, and partnerships with a large number of stores across the UK.
The company formerly known as Dija was acquired by GoPuff recently. It also continues to receive investments from top investment companies such as Blossom Capital, Index Ventures, and Creandum.
5. BlueBird Global
BlueBird is another London-based startup with a focus on ePoS software.
However, this firm’s offering is designed to operate on iPads rather than specialised hardware. With over five years of experience in the market, BlueBird is one of the most competitive software applications out there.
The firm has amassed investment from many venture capitalists willing to take a risk on the company. Its application also offers various popular payment methods and comes in the forms of both countertop terminals and mobile ones.
The company has collaborated with big names such as HONEST, Department of Coffee and Social Affairs, GRIND, Unilever, and Chatime.
Conclusion
With 2021 in the rear-view mirror and general consumer and business optimism on the rise, 2022 retail technology budgets are rising. While not universal, many retailers have reported that IT spending will be higher this year than the previous one.
Compared to other industries, retail technology startups have a big advantage thanks to big retail chains that are constantly investing in them, says Kezerashvili. For this reason, the retail technology industry keeps growing and many startups arise every month.
