In a move poised to transform the e-commerce landscape in Latin America, the startup Mercately has secured $2.6 million in seed funding to enhance its innovative platform that facilitates direct sales through WhatsApp. The funding round was led by Inventus Capital Partners and SVQuad, with contributions from Techstars, Salkantay Ventures, and BuenTrip Ventures.
Mercately is addressing a unique gap in the e-commerce market by building specialized back-end software that enables brands to conduct sales directly within WhatsApp, a platform that has become a dominant tool for online shopping in countries like Brazil and Chile. Despite WhatsApp being primarily a messaging app, it has gained significant traction as an e-commerce channel, especially during the pandemic.
The startup’s platform integrates with established services such as Stripe and HubSpot, and leverages AI technology to streamline various aspects of the sales process. From managing inventory and processing payments to generating purchase orders, Mercately’s solution ensures that transactions can be completed seamlessly within the WhatsApp environment.
The newly acquired funding will be directed towards expanding Mercately’s AI capabilities, particularly in enhancing their AI-driven chatbots. Additionally, the company plans to strengthen its presence in Brazil and the United States, markets where it currently operates but has not yet captured substantial market share.
This strategic investment underscores a shift in e-commerce dynamics, as companies adapt to evolving consumer behaviors and optimize their sales strategies on familiar platforms. Mercately’s success highlights a broader trend towards integrating e-commerce functionality into popular messaging apps, reflecting a significant evolution in online shopping practices.
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