Trying to Make CPG Customers More Loyal, Repeat Raises $1.5M

Ben Bergman

Ben Bergman is the newsroom's senior finance reporter. Previously he was a senior business reporter and host at KPCC, a senior producer at Gimlet Media, a producer at NPR's Morning Edition, and produced two investigative documentaries for KCET. He has been a frequent on-air contributor to business coverage on NPR and Marketplace and has written for The New York Times and Columbia Journalism Review. Ben was a 2017-2018 Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economic and Business Journalism at Columbia Business School. In his free time, he enjoys skiing, playing poker, and cheering on The Seattle Seahawks.

Trying to Make CPG Customers More Loyal, Repeat Raises $1.5M
  • Repeat aims to make consumer packaged goods (CPG) customers more loyal by sending personalized reminders.
  • The company raised $1.5 million in seed funding from Harlem Capital, Techstars and Mucker Capital.
  • The two co-founders met at a Venice startup and were planning to get married in April until COVID-19 happened.

The good news for ecommerce companies is that the pandemic has driven U.S. consumers online. Up to half say they buy household supplies with a click, according to McKinsey & Company, but 70% of buyers never return to a brand for another purchase.

Repeat, formerly known as PRZM, aims to change that and make customers more loyal by figuring out their unique consumption habits. The company uses the data to remind shoppers with email nudges, it is time to restock. "Hi Anna. Are you ready for another face wash?" reads one such reminder. When customers go back to the site the items they "need" will be waiting for them in their cart.


"We help brands turn customers into repeat customers," said co-founder and CEO Kim Stiefel. "We're essentially removing the friction from the replenish experience, allowing brands to unlock more repeat revenue."

Repeat announced Wednesday it has raised $1.5 million in seed funding in a round led by Harlem Capital. Existing investors Techstars, Act One Ventures and Mucker Capital returned while Break Trail Ventures, Vamos Ventures and Wedbush Ventures also came on board.

Repeat's business has been booming due to the accelerated shift to ecommerce. "We were already seeing consumers come online, but with COVID it dramatically changed," said Stiefel. Case in point: She says a toilet paper brand that is a client saw a 3000x increase in conversions.

Stiefel and her co-founder Sarah Wissel met in 2015 while the two were colleagues at Vytmn, a short-lived Venice startup.

Stiefel and her co-founder Sarah Wissel met in 2015 while the two were colleagues at Vytmn, a short-lived Venice startup. It soon ran out of money, but the two started dating as well as hatching an idea for a new company that would be a subscription brand. "There was nobody else I wanted to do it with," said Wissel.

But like many startups, they pivoted. "During the process of building a brand we discovered subscribing to products is not a great experience," said Stiefel. The two decided to focus on using their own data to help other consumer packaged goods companies retain customers.

Stiefel says their skills complement each other since she is good at strategy, sales and bringing in revenue while Wissel is more analytic and focused on the product. "There's no power struggle," Stiefel said. "We're big fans of each other."

    The co-founders were planning to get married in April until courthouses closed. "They are now offering marriages on Zoom and so I think we're going to do that," said Stiefel.

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    OpenAI's $6.6B Power Play: The Future of AI Just Got a Massive Boost 💰🚀
    Image Source: Open AI - Sam Altman

    🔦 Spotlight

    OpenAI is making some exciting moves! The company just completed a massive $6.6 billion funding round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $157 billion. Thrive Capital led the charge, with big names like Andreessen Horowitz and Founders Fund also joining in. This investment will allow OpenAI to further scale its operations and advance AI technologies like GPT-4 across various sectors such as healthcare, entertainment, and business.

    But that’s not the only exciting news. OpenAI has also secured an additional$1 billion credit facility, giving the company even more financial flexibility to execute its ambitious growth plans. This safety net ensures that OpenAI has the resources to scale safely and effectively while continuing to lead the AI space.

    AI is becoming integral to industries worldwide, and OpenAI’s products—like ChatGPT—are seeing rapid adoption. From education to enterprise solutions, the company is driving significant advancements in how AI is integrated into everyday life.

    Following Microsoft’s $10 billion investment earlier this year, this latest round underscores the market’s confidence in OpenAI’s potential. With its strong focus on responsible AI deployment and ethical scaling, the company is set to shape the future of AI in a way that benefits a broad range of industries and addresses global challenges.

    As AI evolves, OpenAI remains dedicated to pushing boundaries while ensuring that its innovations prioritize safety, scalability, and social impact. Keep an eye on this space—big things are on the horizon!


    🤝 Venture Deals

    LA Companies

    • Impulse Space, a Redondo Beach-based company specializing in in-space transportation services, raised $150M in Series B funding led by Founders Fund, bringing its total funding to $225M, to expand its team and advance production of its Helios and Mira vehicles. - learn more
    • Nusano has secured over $115M in Series C financing, led by The Wasatch Group, to accelerate the commercialization of its radioisotope production technology, aimed at improving cancer treatment and medical diagnostics. - learn more
    • Future Trash, a multidisciplinary creative studio, has raised a $5M Seed funding round from TIRTA and General Catalyst to develop original intellectual property (IP) within Fortnite, focusing on building unique in-game content and experiences. - learn more
    • XType, the leading software company for multi-instance management on the ServiceNow platform, has raised a $21M Series A funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners to accelerate innovation and expand its platform capabilities on the ServiceNow platform. - learn more
    • 3Laws Robotics, a robotics company focused on building AI-powered platforms to enhance the safety, security, and operational efficiency of robotic systems, has raised a $4.1M Seed funding round led by TenOneTen Ventures. - learn more

    LA Venture Funds
    • Watertower Ventures participated in the $8M Series A funding round for DocJuris, a leader in AI-based contract review and negotiation software that automates key tasks to streamline the contract process for enterprise teams and general counsels. - learn more
    • Progression Fund participated in a $3.7M Seed funding round for Permanent, a company focused on advancing sustainable agriculture by developing solutions that improve soil health and productivity. - learn more


    LA Exits

    • Loom, an educational community platform that empowers women by providing comprehensive resources on reproductive health, sexual wellness, and parenting education, has been acquired by women's health brand Perelel, marking a significant expansion in the women's health and wellness sector. - learn more

    Download the dot.LA App

    ⚠️📲🌩️ Your Digital Lifeline: Top Tech Apps for Natural Disasters

    Living in LA means being ready for anything—quakes, wildfires, crazy weather, you name it. Luckily, there’s a suite of tech apps designed to keep you informed, connected, and safe when disaster strikes. From real-time alerts to staying in touch with loved ones, these apps have you covered. Here’s the ultimate list to help you handle whatever chaos comes your way in LA County.

    Get Real-Time Alerts

    Image Source: MyRadar

    FEMA App
    • What it does: Provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, along with shelter and disaster recovery info.
    • Key features: Weather alerts, shelter locator, and preparedness resources.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    MyRadar Weather Radar
    • What it does: Offers real-time, animated radar for tracking severe weather and storms.
    • Key features: Live radar, storm tracking, and severe weather alerts.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    Clime: NOAA Weather Radar
    • What it does: Delivers real-time radar and weather updates, with wildfire and flood tracking.
    • Key features: Customizable weather alerts, disaster tracking.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    American Red Cross Emergency App
    • What it does: Provides real-time alerts for over 35 types of emergencies, plus disaster preparedness tips.
    • Key features: Alerts, safety check-ins, and emergency tips.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    My Earthquake Alerts & Feed
    • What it does: Sends real-time earthquake alerts, with maps and detailed data.
    • Key features: Earthquake alerts, customizable notifications, detailed maps.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    Citizen
    • What it does: Delivers real-time alerts for emergencies, including natural disasters and crime near your location.
    • Key features: Safety alerts, live incident reports, and community updates.
    • Available on:iOS | Android

    Stay Connected with Loved Ones

    Image Source: Life360

    While social media apps like Facebook and X provide real-time updates, additional tools can help with communication and location sharing, ensuring you stay connected and safe.

    Nextdoor
    • What it does: Connects neighbors with real-time local updates on emergencies and community events.
    • Key features: Neighborhood alerts, local info, resource sharing.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    WhatsApp
    • What it does: Enables secure messaging, location sharing, and video/voice calls with family and friends.
    • Key features: End-to-end encryption, location sharing, voice/video calls.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    Zello Walkie Talkie
    • What it does: Turns your phone into a push-to-talk walkie-talkie for communication in low-signal areas.
    • Key features: Push-to-talk, works over Wi-Fi/data, group communication.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    Glympse – Share Your Location
    • What it does: Lets users share real-time locations with family and friends without needing an account.
    • Key features: Location sharing, ETA updates, private tracking.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    Life360
    • What it does: Tracks real-time location of family members and provides emergency SOS alerts.
    • Key features: Family location tracking, emergency alerts, crash detection.
    • Available on:iOS | Android

    Stay Mobile

    Image Source: PlugShare

    For navigating road closures and traffic during disasters, Google Maps and Waze are essential tools that offer real-time updates and alternate routes. Along with these go-to options, there are additional apps that can help you stay mobile when it matters most.

    GasBuddy
    • What it does: Locates nearby gas stations and provides real-time updates on fuel availability and prices.
    • Key features: Gas station locator, fuel prices, availability checks.
    • Available on:iOS | Android
    PlugShare
    • What it does: Provides a comprehensive map of public EV charging stations worldwide. It offers real-time availability, pricing, user reviews, and photos of charging stations, helping you find the best nearby options.
    • Key features: Real-time station availability, detailed station info, user reviews, and trip planning.
    • Available on:iOS | Android

    Traditional Preparedness Tips

    In addition to these tech apps, it’s crucial to prepare for natural disasters with traditional methods:

    • Build a disaster kit: Gather essential supplies like food, water, first aid supplies, and a flashlight.
    • Develop an evacuation plan: Determine where you will go and how you will get there in case of an emergency.
    • Keep emergency contacts handy: Make a list of important phone numbers.

    Maximize Battery Life and Data During Emergencies

    During disasters, power outages and increased network traffic can affect your device's battery life and data usage. Consider the following:

    • Keep your devices charged: Use portable or solar-powered chargers to extend battery life.
    • Conserve data: Use Wi-Fi hotspots when available to avoid excessive data charges.

    These apps are your go-to tools for staying informed, connected, and ready for anything in Los Angeles County. Whether you need real-time alerts, navigation assistance, or ways to keep in touch with loved ones, having these apps on hand can make all the difference when it matters most.

    Download the dot.LA App

    Luxurious Second Home Ownership without the Headache: How Pacaso is Changing the Landscape of Real Estate

    🔦 Spotlight

    Pacaso addresses the pain points of second home ownership, offering a luxurious, flexible, and financially sound alternative to traditional second homes and ultra-luxury hotels. Co-founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Austin Allison and former Zillow executive and prominent LA tech figure Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, an unicorn startup, has redefined vacation home ownership with its unique co-ownership model. Rascoff's contributions to the LA tech scene extend beyond real estate; he also founded 75 & Sunny, an LA-based startup studio and venture fund, and co-founded dot.LA, an LA tech news and events company.

    LA residents adore Pacaso for its lush vacation destinations that also make for smart investments. Pacaso offers everything from serene weekend getaways in Aspen to sophisticated escapes in Paris. Each residence, valued between $200k to over $2M for 1/8th, boasts meticulous design, high-end furnishings, and premium amenities. Unlike traditional second home ownership, which involves high costs, maintenance, and underutilization, or ultra-luxury hotels, which lack the personal touch and investment potential, Pacaso's co-ownership model offers a superior solution. Co-owners enjoy the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the full financial burden and hassle of sole ownership, making it a smarter and more flexible choice for discerning buyers.


    Image Source: Pacaso

    Cabo, Mexico

    $822,000 (1/8th ownership)

    5 bds. l 5 ba. l 4,969 sq ft

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    Image Source: Pacaso

    Paris, France

    $600,000 (1/8th ownership)

    2 bds. l 2.5 ba. l 1,410 sq ft

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    Image Source: Pacaso

    Malibu, California

    $750,000 (1/8th ownership)

    3 bds. l 3 ba. l 1,880 sq ft

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    Image Source: Pacaso

    Park City, Utah

    $755,000 (1/8th ownership)

    4 bds. l 4.5 ba. l 2,584 sq ft

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    Head to Pacaso to learn more about its innovative co-ownership model that addresses the common challenges of second home ownership!


    🤝 Venture Deals

    LA Companies

    • Oak Essentials, the natural skincare brand founded by Jenni Kayne, has raised an undisclosed amount in Series A Funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures. This investment will drive the brand’s expansion, focusing on product development, boosting marketing efforts, and expanding distribution channels. - learn more
    • Playhouse MD, an upcoming children’s healthcare platform that incorporates play to enhance health outcomes, has raised $4M in funding, according to a recent SEC filing. - learn more
    • FluidLogic, a high-performance hydration system provider, raised $15M in a Series A Extension led by Solyco Capital to support product development and innovation for adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories, with consumer products launching in early 2025. - learn more
    • Reflect Orbital, which uses in-space reflectors to direct sunlight to solar farms and large-scale lighting applications after sunset, has raised $6.5M in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will help the company develop production vehicles and expand its team as it builds space-based energy infrastructure. - learn more

    LA Venture Funds
    • Smash Capital led a €20M Series B round into Vilnius-based Ovoko, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used car parts across Europe, marking Smash Capital's first investment in Lithuania. The funds will support Ovoko's product development, market expansion, and team growth as it aims to dominate the European market for second-hand automotive components. - learn more
    • M13 led a $9M Series A Funding Round for Zenlytic, the world’s first self-serve business intelligence platform. - learn more



    LA Exits

    • Continuum Global Solutions’ healthcare vertical has been acquired by Everise, a customer service management company, enhancing Everise’s capabilities in pharmacy benefit management and expanding its growth prospects in the healthcare sector. - learn more
    • Radical Semiconductor, a company specializing in processing-in-memory technology, has been acquired by BTQ Technologies, a leader in post-quantum cryptography. This acquisition strengthens BTQ’s ability to secure data in the post-quantum era by integrating Radical Semiconductor's advanced technology portfolio. - learn more

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