Helsinki-based eBrands has raised €7.5M in equity funding to enhance its AI-driven export platform, bringing its total funding to €50M. The company aims to simplify global expansion for consumer brands by leveraging technology and a scalable infrastructure. With this investment, eBrands plans to refine Apollo, its AI-powered tool, to assist brands in entering new markets without requiring local infrastructure or significant capital. The platform integrates supply chain, sales, finance, and compliance processes to reduce complexity in international operations.
In previous funding rounds, eBrands attracted investments from notable entities, including major institutional and private investors. The company has consistently positioned itself as a facilitator of global market entry for brands, evolving from a brand aggregator to an Expansion-as-a-Service provider. This approach contrasts with earlier models, where companies had to manage multiple logistic and operational hurdles independently. The latest funding round reflects ongoing investor confidence in its AI-driven strategy.
How does eBrands differentiate itself from traditional expansion models?
Unlike conventional distribution channels, eBrands offers an Expansion-as-a-Service model that grants brands real-time insights into sales performance and customer behavior. This transparency contrasts with traditional distributors, which often limit access to such data. The company’s proprietary technology enables brands to manage omnichannel sales efficiently.
“At eBrands, we operate as an extension of the brands we work with rather than just a distributor,” said Robin Bade, CEO and co-founder of eBrands. “Our technology provides brands with full visibility into their cross-border sales, ensuring a more transparent approach compared to traditional models.”
Additionally, eBrands offers two strategic solutions: seamless Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) integration and expansion into new sales channels. Through these options, partner brands gain access to e-commerce marketplaces and major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) without handling complex local operations themselves.
What role does AI play in eBrands’ expansion strategy?
Apollo, the company’s AI-powered tool, assists brands in entering over 60 markets by analyzing data from real transactions and external sources. This AI application helps companies navigate market trends, pricing strategies, and consumer behavior with data-driven insights.
“Our AI agents process real transaction data and external factors like weather patterns to refine brand strategies,” Bade explained. “We have developed AI-powered consumer segment avatars that provide real-time insights into consumer preferences.”
The AI-driven approach minimizes risks associated with international market expansion and helps brands optimize their presence across multiple sales channels. By leveraging predictive analytics, eBrands aims to enhance decision-making for its partner brands.
eBrands’ reliance on major marketplaces such as Amazon and Walmart plays a crucial role in its distribution strategy. While these platforms contribute significantly to sales, the company diversifies its approach by maintaining a broad brand portfolio and entering multiple regions. This mitigates risks associated with the dominance of any single marketplace.
“While Amazon accounts for a substantial portion of U.S. e-commerce, we ensure balanced growth by expanding across different platforms and markets,” Bade noted.
Since its founding in 2020, eBrands has scaled dozens of brands, including Mysoda, Coach Soak, and Bodyotics, by simplifying cross-border complexities. The company has focused on streamlining logistics, customs processes, and compliance requirements to lower the barriers to international expansion.
With more than 50 partner brands and a revenue exceeding €35M, eBrands continues to refine its AI-powered tools while expanding into new regions. The latest funding will facilitate broader market access for brands looking to establish a global presence without the need for extensive local infrastructure. As AI-driven insights become more sophisticated, the company anticipates further growth in its Expansion-as-a-Service model.
