Summary:
Wyrld has secured €1 million in pre-Seed funding to launch a social commerce platform.
Investors include notable figures like Jochen Krisch, Sven Rittau, and Matthias Schrader.
Sascha Lobo critiques the outdated nature of current e-commerce in Germany.
The platform targets Gen Z and Gen Alpha, aiming to create an immersive shopping experience.
Wyrld plans to expand its management team and prepare for a next funding round.
Hamburg-based startup Wyrld has successfully secured €1 million in pre-Seed funding to launch its innovative social commerce platform, aiming to blend traditional e-commerce with the dynamic engagement of the creator economy.
Investors and Strategic Support
Among the notable investors are Jochen Krisch and Sven Rittau, both prominent e-commerce entrepreneurs and organizers of the K5 conference; Kevin Tewe, founder of ALL IN – Artist Management GmbH; and Matthias Schrader, a digital pioneer and founder of SinnerSchrader. Their investment not only provides financial backing but also crucial strategic connections in a rapidly evolving industry.
Bridging the Gap
Wyrld is addressing the challenge of connecting influencer marketing with online retail. As Sascha Lobo, an author and SPIEGEL columnist noted, "E-commerce in Germany still looks like it did 20 years ago. The entertainment factor of Amazon, Zalando, or Otto is somewhere between a train station waiting room and an Excel spreadsheet."
Founders with Experience
Founded in 2024 by Jakob Neise and Paul Scherz, Wyrld aims to merge the seamless service of traditional e-commerce with the engaging nature of the creator economy. Neise has a strong background in social media advertising, having co-founded PlayTheHype, an agency that executed influencer campaigns for brands like Adidas and L’Oréal. Scherz previously founded Be A Creator, managing over 50 top-tier influencers with a reach exceeding 200 million followers.
Targeting Young Consumers
Set to launch this year, Wyrld is currently being tested by influencers and select brands, specifically targeting Gen Z and Gen Alpha, demographics that are increasingly disengaged from conventional online shopping. The platform is designed to create an immersive shopping experience, allowing content creators and brands to market and sell products directly while Wyrld manages logistics and customer support.
Future Plans
With the new funding, Wyrld is preparing for a full-scale launch, focusing on building a network of top influencers, enhancing its supply chain, and improving user experience. The company also plans to expand its management team to support its ambitious growth trajectory. Looking ahead, Wyrld is already preparing for its next funding round, expected to coincide with its platform launch. With strong investor backing and a clear vision, the startup is poised to disrupt the e-commerce landscape and redefine how younger generations interact with online shopping.
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