The Style Pulse, a Paris-based business-to-business marketplace operating in the fashion and luxury retail space, has recently completed its first round of seed funding. The funding round included six new investors, with investment bank Bpifrance and American consulting firm Doneger I Tobe among them. Helen Lambert Kennedy, founder of Style Pulse and the fashion and retail consultancy Lambert + Associates, remains the majority shareholder.
Doneger I Tobe, previously known as The Doneger Group, had established a strategic partnership with Lambert + Associates in 2022, expanding their network of retailers and brands. Abbey Doneger, CEO of Doneger I Tobe, now serves as an advisor to The Style Pulse. This investment not only strengthens their relationship but also highlights Doneger’s commitment to the growth of Style Pulse.
The funding will enable The Style Pulse to expand its sales force, enhance market penetration, and invest in innovation. This includes the development of a physical showroom and improvements to their AI-powered virtual agent, Julia. Launched in 2020, The Style Pulse is a B2B platform that connects retailers with emerging brands in various categories such as womenswear, menswear, accessories, home, and beauty. The platform features over 2,000 brands and an archive of more than 3,500 collections.
Subscribers to The Style Pulse include department stores and specialty retailers globally. The platform’s team of experts curates brands, provides look books, line sheets, and expert opinions to assist buyers in making informed decisions. This personalized approach boosts confidence in discoveries, reduces FOMO for buyers, and improves sell-through rates for brands and retailers.
In addition to brand curation, The Style Pulse offers bespoke services such as brand sourcing, store analysis, remote buying, trend conferences, and direct introductions. Recently, they introduced Julia, an AI-powered virtual agent that offers tailored guidance to retailers based on trends, brands, and market insights. Julia’s personalized recommendations and data processing capabilities provide valuable insights for retailers and financial markets.
Looking ahead, The Style Pulse plans to enhance Julia’s capabilities by incorporating virtual modeling and VR technology. Despite their digital focus, The Style Pulse is also venturing into the physical realm by hosting their first physical showroom during Paris Fashion Week. The showroom will feature contemporary and luxury brands with strong growth potential, alongside AI assistant Julia.
Overall, The Style Pulse’s recent funding round and strategic partnerships signal a significant step towards innovation and growth in the fashion and luxury retail space. With a focus on technology, personalized services, and a blend of online and offline experiences, The Style Pulse is poised to continue revolutionizing the B2B marketplace.
