True.

🛒 The retail industry is undergoing a transformative shift. Our VC Associate, Kasia Cheng, examines how retailers can use innovation to tackle key challenges in building a sustainable retail future. In our latest blog post, she explores how retailers can leverage data and innovation to optimise supply chains, reduce waste, and drive growth. 🌿   From minimising overproduction through inventory automation with tools like those offered by Moselle to enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing returns with solutions from Fit Collective, Kasia outlines practical strategies for building a circular economy.    To see what investment trends we're excited about, click here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eFXSbQRq #Innovation #RetailTech #AI #CircularEconomy

Discover the AI revolution in customer service! 🚀 The customer service landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation since our last report in November 2022. Driven by rapid advancements in generative AI, natural language processing, and voice AI, the industry has embraced innovative solutions that were once considered futuristic. Our latest insight report, authored by Aarthi Thangavel and Corin Roberts, is an update of our previous report which explores how these cutting-edge innovations are redefining the way brands engage with customers across the entire post-purchase journey. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, delivering outstanding experiences has become a critical differentiator. Our report delves into the technologies that are transforming customer contact, spanning from AI-powered chatbots to intelligent voice assistants. Key highlights: 🤖 Conversational AI and NLP for tailored, human-like interactions 🤳 Intelligent automation for empowering customer self-service 🧠 Real-time AI support to supercharge agent performance 📊 Advanced customer insights platforms to drive continuous improvement The report spotlights companies like Futr AI, DigitalGenius, PolyAI, Cognigy, Chattermill, and SentiSum, each pushing the boundaries of what's possible in customer service. Ready to join the AI revolution in customer contact? Download our full report now https://lnkd.in/dpcM-ij2 and let us help you stay ahead of the curve! #Retail #AI #GenerativeAI #CustomerService #Innovation

Exciting news from portfolio company Ribble Cycles as the new Allroad range is unveiled today. Created with the purpose of redefining what’s possible on a road bike. World-class aerodynamic performance and mixed terrain adventures, and all without compromising on speed or comfort. The Allroad range is the culmination of an intensive three-year R&D and Real-World testing process where advanced technologies, applied manufacturing and technology have been informed by Ribble’s flagship Ultra Road aero platform. “Our extensive R&D program has enabled us to introduce key findings into the Allroad range giving each bike a competitive advantage and performance edge resulting in a complete package for all riders. The Allroad platform has been meticulously designed and fine-tuned to offer an incredible all-day endurance ride paired with unbeatable performance.” Jamie Burrow, Head of Product, Ribble. More information on the Allroad range can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e2Vq893D #TrueCommunity #Ribble #NewProduct

🚀 The AI Revolution in Customer Contact is here! 🌐 Explore how cutting-edge AI is transforming customer interactions in our latest blog from Corin Roberts, highlighting insights from our Customer Contact report. From sophisticated Voice AI to real-time agent assistance and proactive support through advanced analytics, discover the technologies reshaping the landscape. Learn about key players like PolyAI, Cresta, Chattermill, SentiSum, Cognigy and Salesfloor, and how their innovations are enhancing customer service, boosting efficiency, and driving sales. Read more about these exciting developments and the future of customer: 🔗Blog: https://lnkd.in/esZU8hhg 📈 Report: https://lnkd.in/dpcM-ij2 #Innovation #CustomerContact #Retail #ArtificialIntelligence

This time last week Danielle Le Toullec, our Head of Marketing, and Liam Buswell, Innovation Director, were speaking on the AI & Emerging Tech Stage at MAD//FEST in London - UK’s biggest marketing/advertising festival with 12,000 top brands, corporates and tech companies attending. We shared insights into two topics: 🎤 'Strategic AI - How Brands Are Using Generative AI And Emerging Technology To Drive Engagement And Growth' 🎤 'AI As A Catalyst For Product, Service And Business Model Innovation'. Answering questions like: 💡What practical ways is AI impacting the innovation process? 💡Is AI going to be better than humans at innovation? 💡Where is all this going? 💡The best in class tech that is democratising innovation and design. If you're a retailer looking to leverage these insights, get in touch in the comments or directly with Dani or Liam to see how we can unlock #MadFest #Innovation #TrueCommunity

📣 In case you missed it earlier this week, exciting news from Portfolio company, The Cotswold Company as it launches its innovative Upholstery Hubs – an in-showroom offer that provides customers with a one-stop-shop for all their upholstery needs. In the year-to-date, revenue generated by upholstery products has increased by 96% as consumers increasingly move away from throwaway furniture in favour of long-lasting, timeless pieces. Ralph Tucker provides further insight below. TCC are also opening their tenth store later this summer in the beautiful market town of Stamford, in Lincolnshire.  👉 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e7Md_aQe and https://lnkd.in/eV2yYtH2 #TheCotswoldCompany #NewConcept #TrueCommunity

This time last week Danielle Le Toullec, our Head of Marketing, and Liam Buswell, Innovation Director, were speaking on the AI & Emerging Tech Stage at MAD//FEST in London - UK’s biggest marketing/advertising festival with 12,000 top brands, corporates and tech companies attending. We shared insights into two topics: 🎤 'Strategic AI - How Brands Are Using Generative AI And Emerging Technology To Drive Engagement And Growth' 🎤 'AI As A Catalyst For Product, Service And Business Model Innovation'. Answering questions like: 💡What practical ways is AI impacting the innovation process? 💡Is AI going to be better than humans at innovation? 💡Where is all this going? 💡The best in class tech that is democratising innovation and design. If you're a retailer looking to leverage these insights, get in touch in the comments or directly with Dani or Liam to see how we can unlock #MadFest #Innovation #TrueCommunity

Discover the AI revolution in customer service! 🚀 The customer service landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation since our last report on this topic in November 2022. Driven by rapid advancements in generative AI, natural language processing, and voice AI, the industry has embraced innovative solutions that were once considered futuristic. Our latest insight report, authored by Aarthi Thangavel and Corin Roberts, is an update of our previous report which explores how these cutting-edge innovations are redefining the way brands engage with customers across the entire post-purchase journey. As consumer expectations continue to evolve, delivering outstanding experiences has become a critical differentiator. Our report delves into the technologies that are transforming customer contact, spanning from AI-powered chatbots to intelligent voice assistants. Key highlights: 🤖 Conversational AI and NLP for tailored, human-like interactions 🤳 Intelligent automation for empowering customer self-service 🧠 Real-time AI support to supercharge agent performance 📊 Advanced customer insights platforms to drive continuous improvement The report spotlights companies like Futr AI, DigitalGenius, PolyAI, Cognigy, Chattermill, and SentiSum, each pushing the boundaries of what's possible in customer service. Ready to join the AI revolution in customer contact? Download our full report now https://lnkd.in/dpcM-ij2 and let us help you stay ahead of the curve! #Retail #AI #GenerativeAI #CustomerService #Innovation

📣 Exciting news from Portfolio company, The Cotswold Company as it launches its innovative Upholstery Hubs – an in-showroom offer that provides customers with a one-stop-shop for all their upholstery needs. The launch of its Upholstery Hubs comes on the back of strong demand for the Group’s growing range of high-quality upholstery products. In the year-to-date, revenue generated by upholstery products has increased by 96% as consumers increasingly move away from throwaway furniture in favour of long-lasting, timeless pieces. Ralph Tucker, Chief Executive Officer at The Cotswold Company, said: “Upholstery is becoming a really important part of our business. In the year to date, we have seen strong demand for sofas, love seats and armchairs, as our customers have sought out high-quality, timelessly designed products for their homes. To meet this growing demand, we are excited to roll-out our Upholstery Hubs, which make it even easier for customers to browse our upholstery styles, get design inspiration, and seek expert advice from our in-store colleagues.” Read more in the link in comments. #TheCotswoldCompany #NewConcept #TrueCommunity

At True, we are specialist investors in the Consumer and Retail sectors. While many associate "Consumer" with D2C physical products, the reality is much broader. Our strategy encompasses the entirety of the Consumer and Retail verticals, extending to all corners of the market. Yes, we have indeed backed several exciting Consumer Products businesses, many of which started selling D2C, such as indē wild, Awe Inspired, and Fable. However, our remit spans a much broader range of businesses, each contributing uniquely to the Consumer and Retail ecosystem. Want to learn more about our investment strategy and remit? In this blog, Mike Martin, Director in the VC team, shares deeper insights. 📈🛍️ #Investment #Consumer #Retail #Innovation #VentureCapital