Tapcart Raises $50M to Help Ecommerce Brands 'Break Through the Noise' on Mobile

Bernard Mendez
Bernard Mendez is an editorial intern at dot.LA. He attends UCLA, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics. Mendez was previously an editor at the Daily Bruin, the student newspaper at UCLA.
Tapcart Raises $50M to Help Ecommerce Brands 'Break Through the Noise' on Mobile
A Shopify-based mobile ecommerce app that exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic is gearing up for a rise of mobile ecommerce.

Tapcart, a Santa Monica-based company founded in 2017, announced Monday that it has raised $50 million in Series B funding. The company plans to use the new funds to hire around 200 more people, mostly at its Santa Monica headquarters, and expand to businesses in areas like Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

The round was led by Left Lane Capital, Shopify, SignalFire, Greycroft, Act One Ventures and Amplify LA.

Founded in 2017, Tapcart saw major growth during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in part because of a rapid increase of online mobile shopping during lockdowns.

CEO Eric Netsch said he thinks the pandemic only hastened the onset of mobile ecommerce.

"The pandemic really just reassured the path that the world was already on," he said. "We knew that mobile was taking the world by storm far before the pandemic happened."

Tapcart is built on top of Shopify's platform, allowing businesses signed up with the massive ecommerce network to design and customize mobile apps, without requiring any coding.

Netsch argues Tapcart's strength is in enabling brands to increase customer loyalty. One of the ways it does that is through mobile push notifications. The platform allows companies to send push notifications to notify customers about mobile-exclusive deals or about items left in their carts. They can also customize those notifications to individual users.

He sees push notifications as more effective than other forms of reaching customers, such as emails or SMS.

"There's industry reports out there that claim that emails are getting 45% less effective every single year... SMS is quickly becoming spammed," he said. " … merchants have to find ways to break through the noise."

Mobile apps also offer greater customer loyalty than mobile websites, he added.

Several thousand Shopify companies, including Fashion Nova, Pier One Imports and The Hundreds, have created mobile apps using Tapcart's software. Merchants have sold over $2 billion through Tapcart apps, including $1.2 billion in the past year.

And though there are other apps on the Shopify store that are similarly priced and offer similar services, Tapcart already works with major Shopify brands and offers individualized support to consumer brands, Netsch said.

For now, Tapcart plans to remain on Shopify and will continue to hedge its bets on the rise of mobile ecommerce, Netsch said.

"We see these trends as just getting started," he said. "And they're definitely here to stay."

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🍵☕️Top 6 Coffee Alternatives for Enhanced Productivity

In the fast-paced world of startups and venture capital in Los Angeles, maintaining peak productivity is essential for founders and investors alike. As the hustle intensifies, many are seeking alternatives to traditional coffee that not only provide a sustained energy boost but also support overall health and well-being. The following list highlights some of the top-rated coffee alternatives that can enhance focus and productivity while minimizing the adverse effects of caffeine. These options incorporate adaptogens, superfoods, and gut-friendly ingredients, making them ideal choices for those looking to optimize their performance without the afternoon crash.


Matcha

Image Source: Jade Leaf Matcha

Matcha is a finely ground green tea that offers a moderate amount of caffeine, along with L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness. This combination can enhance focus and concentration, making matcha a suitable alternative for those looking to boost productivity without the jitters of coffee.

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Dandelion Root Coffee

Image Source: Amazon

Dandelion root coffee is a caffeine-free alternative that mimics the taste of coffee. It is known for its potential to support liver health and digestion, which can contribute to overall well-being and productivity. The drink can help avoid the acidity and jitters that often accompany regular coffee, making it a gentler option for those sensitive to caffeine.

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Adaptogenic Drinks

Image Source: MUD\WTR Masala Chai

Adaptogenic beverages, which include ingredients like ashwagandha, reishi, and maca, are designed to help the body adapt to stress and promote mental clarity. These drinks can provide a sustained energy boost without the crash, supporting productivity throughout the day. They are often made with superfoods and spices that enhance both physical and mental performance.

Popular Brands: MUD\WTR Masala Chai (35 mg caffeine), Four Sigmatic Think Coffee (150 mg caffeine), ReNude Chagaccino (0 mg caffeine)


Golden Milk (Turmeric Latte)

Image Source: Golde

Golden milk, made from turmeric, ginger, and milk (or a milk alternative), is a caffeine-free option that can improve mood and reduce inflammation. The calming properties of this drink can help maintain focus and clarity, making it a great addition to a productive morning routine.

Popular Brands: Golde Turmeric Latte Blend (0 mg caffeine), Blume Turmeric Blend (0 mg caffeine), Four Sigmatic Golden Latte Mix (0 mg caffeine)



Chicory Root Coffee

Image Source: Teeccino

Chicory root coffee is an excellent alternative that satisfies the desire for a warm beverage without caffeine. It is rich in inulin, a prebiotic fiber that aids in digestion and promotes gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria. Chicory coffee has a nutty, earthy flavor and can help control blood sugar levels, contributing to overall energy and productivity throughout the day.

Popular Brands: Anthony’s Instant Chicory Root (0 mg caffeine), Teeccino Chicory Coffee Alternative (0 mg caffeine)


Yerba Mate

Image Source: Guayaki Yerba Mate

Yerba mate is a traditional South American herbal tea made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis plant. It contains about 40-80 mg of caffeine per serving, which is less than a standard cup of coffee but enough to provide a gentle energy boost. Yerba mate is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and users often report feeling energized without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee. It has a unique, slightly bitter flavor and can be enjoyed in various forms, including loose-leaf tea and pre-brewed options.

Popular Brands: Guayaki Yerba Mate (40-150 mg caffeine)


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LA’s Data Center Supply Crunch

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday Los Angeles!

The Los Angeles data center market is experiencing a significant supply crunch, ranking 12th in growth among top markets since 2020 with only 265 megawatts of colocation inventory (data centers where businesses rent space to store their computing hardware and servers). Despite this, demand is surging, driven by AI, cloud, and hyperscaler needs, with AI accounting for 20% of new data center demand nationally. This scarcity is creating a highly competitive environment, with vacancy rates at a record low 3% and asking rents rising 13-37% year-over-year. For Los Angeles, this presents both challenges and opportunities in the big picture. The city's strategic position as a global entertainment hub and its connectivity to international markets through subsea cables make it an attractive location for data centers. However, the limited inventory and rising costs could potentially hinder growth and innovation in the tech sector. To maintain its competitive edge, Los Angeles will need to address these constraints through new developments, such as GI Partners' 16 MW addition at One Wilshire, and by focusing on high-connectivity, high-power capacity submarkets. The city's tech community should prepare for a landscape of increased competition for quality data center space, higher costs, and the need for innovative solutions to meet growing demand, particularly in AI and cloud services. While Los Angeles faces a challenging data center supply crunch, its strategic advantages and ongoing developments offer a promising path forward.


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LA Companies

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    🌐Decentralizing Data & Vacations: Sony's Web3 Leap and Sensible Weather's KOA Partnership

    🔦 Spotlight

    Happy Long Weekend Los Angeles!

    Sony Group is making a significant push into the blockchain and Web3 space, leveraging its Sony Pictures and Sony Music divisions along with a new global incubator. The company has developed the Soneium blockchain through Sony Block Solutions Labs, a joint venture aimed at accelerating Web3 innovation. Sony is launching the "Soneium Minato" public testnet and a developer incubation program called "Soneium Spark" to foster ecosystem growth and adoption. The initiative includes strategic partnerships with Web3 companies such as Astar Network, Circle, and Optimism. Sony aims to create a fan community centered on creators and connect diverse values through Soneium, with the ultimate goal of integrating Web3 services into people's daily lives. While the company acknowledges the challenges faced by Web3, including limited user adoption and the need for mainstream use cases, it remains committed to decentralizing the concentrated power of the current internet landscape.

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    LA Companies

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