E-commerce technology startup Platter has raised $1.6 million in a pre-seed funding round to support its mission of helping online brands operate more profitably.
The round was led by Animal Capital, with participation from Visionary Ventures and several e-commerce veterans, including Ben Jabbawy, Kyle Hency, Aaron Spivak, and Pierson Krass.
Launched in 2021 by three friends with extensive experience in e-commerce agencies, consulting, and marketplaces, Platter aims to simplify the process of building and maintaining storefronts on Shopify.
The founders recognized that many brands spend upwards of $100,000 and more than 10 months to develop a high-performing website, which they believe is a barrier to entry for smaller businesses and an unnecessary expenditure for larger ones.
With its newly raised capital, the company intends to consolidate multiple existing tools into a single product suite that will integrate seamlessly with Shopify. This approach is expected to enable brands to reduce their reliance on multiple specialized vendors and to address a range of functionality—from design and development to optimization—in one unified environment.
Platter initially focused on creating complete storefronts for Shopify businesses. However, the company is now expanding its reach with the launch of Platter+, a product available in the Shopify app store.
Through this app, brands can implement product upsells, cross-sells, and social proof capabilities on checkout and post-purchase pages, seeking to increase each transaction’s revenue potential.
The service is positioned as a cost-efficient solution that aims to deliver results without adding complexity, reflecting the current demand for profitability-focused tools in a shifting economic landscape.
Industry observers note that the direct-to-consumer sector has been under pressure as the funding climate tightens. Brands that were once able to rely on venture capital for growth are now adjusting to reduced access, resulting in a heightened focus on bottom-line stability.
Platter’s fixed-fee pricing model, as opposed to a variable structure, is an element the company believes will appeal to budget-conscious brands. By maintaining consistent monthly costs, businesses can potentially achieve incremental sales without facing unpredictable fees.
Platter reports working with over 150 emerging brands, including Neuro, Every Man Jack, and Ministry of Supply. Looking ahead, the company plans to remain competitive among high-growth and enterprise-level e-commerce clients seeking tools that enhance productivity while lowering operating costs.