Vortex IQ, an AI-powered automation platform for eCommerce, has completed an £800,000 funding round.
Its diagnostics and automation platform provides actionable insights and seamless implementation, enabling businesses to leverage AI for enhanced efficiency and improved customer lifetime value.
The company says it is strategically positioned to capitalise on the growing demand for intelligent automation in the eCommerce sector as businesses, agencies and developers seek tools which streamline staging, coding, data backup and migration.
The round was led by AI VC Sure Valley Ventures, with participation from Techstars, the most active pre-seed investor in the world. It will be used to expand Vortex IQ’s market presence in the US and Europe, building its sales and marketing teams, and hiring additional AI specialists.
This funding comes on the heels of Vortex IQ’s successful participation in Techstars’ Spring 2024 cohort and a period of significant momentum. The company has doubled its customer base organically over the past six months and formed strategic partnerships with BigCommerce and Adobe.
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It has onboarded over 100 merchants to use its AI automated staging product, Staging Pro, built for BigCommerce, and Dry Run Pro, built for Adobe Commerce and Shopify. Existing clients include Nvidia, Harley Davidson, Krispy Kreme, Richer Sounds, British Airways – Avios, and Jelly Cat.
Additionally, Vortex IQ has launched an AI DevOps and analytics tool for merchants, with Krispy Kreme currently piloting the programme with their UK and Ireland eCommerce operations, with plans for a global rollout by the end of 2024.
Vortex IQ’s founder, Susant Kumar Patro, has led strategic deployments and innovations across more than 500 prestigious brands, with nearly two decades’ experience in eCommerce and web development, He previously co-founded 247-Commerce, an award-winning Adobe Gold Partner with specialisation.
“Our mission is to simplify and enhance the eCommerce workflow through innovative AI solutions,” he said.
“By providing eCommerce teams with cutting-edge productivity tools, we help businesses to prioritise their customers, enhance efficiency, and drive profitability.
“This transformative approach not only ensures superior business outcomes but marks the advent of the next era in retail. The future of commerce is undeniably intertwined with the evolution of AI and automation, propelling the industry towards unprecedented heights.
“We are delighted to be working with Sure Valley Ventures, one of Europe’s leading AI VCs, and Techstars, to accelerate our growth and deliver on our mission.”
Barry Downes, managing partner at Sure Valley Ventures, added: “Vortex IQ is poised to become a leading player in the eCommerce industry with its AI-driven automation platform.
“The company has seen rapid growth in the last six months and is led by a highly impressive repeat founder who has a strong understanding of eCommerce complexities. We are excited to back Susant and his team, as they continue to innovate and disrupt the market.”