E-commerce is booming—like, really booming. Just think, in a world where you can order fresh sushi, a new pair of sneakers, and even a plant for your desk without stepping outside, startups are the ones making it all happen. They’re not just selling stuff; they’re changing how we shop, live, and think.
These startups? They’re not your average garage-born businesses. They’ve got it all—big ideas, daring founders, and funding numbers that might make your head spin. Ever heard of Verishop? It’s shaking up lifestyle shopping. Or Summersalt, making swimwear that’s eco-friendly and actually fits. These are the game-changers.
So, buckle up! This list dives into the boldest, most creative startups transforming e-commerce in 2025. And trust me, you’ll want to know how they do it.
The Rise of E-Commerce Startups
Technology has flipped how we shop. From AI to personalization, the e-commerce world is buzzing with innovation. People want convenience, speed, and options that fit their lifestyle. That’s where startups come in—smaller, faster, and ready to shake up the industry.
Think about this: in 2023, global e-commerce sales hit $5.8 trillion, and it’s growing. Why? Because you can now buy almost anything online. Need fresh groceries? Try HungryPanda. Looking for eco-friendly swimwear? Check out Summersalt. These startups are not just selling; they’re reinventing how businesses connect with customers.
But it’s not just tech that’s driving this rise. It’s about meeting customer demands in ways big companies often miss. Personalization, fast delivery, or sustainable products—startups are leading the charge. They’re agile, creative, and unafraid to take risks.
Key Drivers of Growth in E-Commerce
Three big forces are driving e-commerce growth right now:
- AI and Personalization – Tools like Jungle Scout help brands predict what customers want before they even know it themselves. AI-driven insights make shopping feel more personal.
- Sustainability – Brands like Neeman’s create shoes from renewable Merino wool, proving you can shop guilt-free.
- Convenience – Platforms like Shiprocket offer fast delivery, even to remote areas. Who wants to wait a week for their order?
Startups are combining these drivers to create experiences that make people say, “Wow, this works for me.”
Challenges and Opportunities
Let’s face it: running an e-commerce startup isn’t all sunshine. The competition is fierce. Standing out when there are giants like Amazon? Tough. Plus, customer acquisition costs are high, and keeping them loyal is no walk in the park.
But there’s a flip side. Untapped markets are out there, especially in developing countries. New tech—like AR shopping tools from Envoy Technology—opens doors. And don’t forget the younger generation. They love brands that get them. For startups, that’s a golden opportunity to shine.
40 Best E-Commerce Startups for 2025
1. Verishop
- Location: Santa Monica, California
- Founded In: 2018
- Founders: Cate Khan, Imran Khan
- Funding: Series B, $70 million
- Investors Include: Lion Capital, Alumni Ventures, LVMH
- What They Sell: Verishop is a groundbreaking e-commerce startup offering a curated selection of premium lifestyle products. From fashion to beauty and home goods, this platform brings a luxury shopping experience to your screen. It focuses on quality, innovation, and effortless customer experience, making it a standout in the e-commerce market.
2. JIGGY Puzzles
- Location: Albany, New York
- Founded In: 2019
- Founders: Kaylin Marcotte
- Funding: Seed, $500,000
- Investors Include: Mark Cuban
- What They Sell: JIGGY Puzzles is an artistic e-commerce startup turning traditional puzzles into collectible art pieces. Every design supports female artists, blending creativity with mindfulness. These puzzles make a perfect choice for both relaxing downtime and home decor, combining innovation and community support.
3. Bellroy
- Location: Victoria, Australia
- Founded In: 2010
- Founders: Andy Fallshaw
- Funding: Series A, $8 million
- Investors Include: Silas Capital, Lyra Growth Partners
- What They Sell: Bellroy reimagines everyday carry with sleek, functional wallets and accessories. This e-commerce brand prioritizes innovation in product design, focusing on sustainability and minimalism. Its travel wallets are especially popular, making it a go-to choice for modern consumers.
4. Brandless
- Location: Draper, Utah
- Founded In: 2016
- Founders: Ido Leffler, Tina Sharkey
- Funding: $410.5 million
- Investors Include: Keystone National Group, Clarke Capital Partners
- What They Sell: Brandless is a bold e-commerce startup challenging traditional retail with affordable, sustainable products. From personal care to household essentials, its “people over packaging” approach drives its mission to provide quality goods without unnecessary costs.
5. Brass Roots
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Founded In: 2013
- CFO: Aaron Gailmor, Charlie Ruehr
- Funding: Series A, $1.1 million
- Investors Include: John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.
- What They Sell: Brass Roots specializes in healthy, protein-rich snacks made from sacha inchi seeds. This e-commerce startup focuses on nutrition and affordability, delivering innovative food solutions to health-conscious customers.
6. Lookiero
- Location: Paris, France
- Founded In: 2016
- Founders: Oier Urrutia
- Funding: Series C, $53.6 million
- Investors Include: Perwyn, All Iron Ventures, MMC Ventures
- What They Sell: Lookiero combines fashion and personalization with its subscription-based shopping service for women. Customers receive curated boxes of clothing tailored to their preferences, revolutionizing online fashion e-commerce through customization.
7. Cadi
- Location: Costa Mesa, California
- Founded In: 2021
- Founders: Tyler Gottstein, Matt Ahrens
- Funding: Equity Crowdfunding, $2.2 million
- Investors Include: N/A
- What They Sell: Cadi is an innovative e-commerce startup blending sports tech with retail convenience. Their autonomous kiosks on golf courses let players test, compare, and buy the perfect clubs without stepping off the green. It’s a hole-in-one solution for the modern golfer.
8. Jungle Scout
- Location: Austin, Texas
- Founded In: 2015
- Founders: Greg Mercer
- Funding: Private Equity, $110 million
- Investors Include: Summit Partners
- What They Sell: Jungle Scout is a game-changing e-commerce platform for Amazon sellers. From finding the best products to managing inventory and running ads, this startup provides all the tools startups need to dominate the marketplace. A must-have for ambitious entrepreneurs.
9. Summersalt
- Location: St. Louis, Missouri
- Founded In: 2017
- Founders: Lori Coulter, Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin
- Financing: Series B, $26.7 million
- Investors Include: Cultivation Capital, Mercato Partners
- What They Sell: Summersalt redefines e-commerce fashion with eco-friendly swimwear and loungewear. Using recycled materials, their designs are stylish, affordable, and perfect for conscious consumers. A startup making waves in sustainable fashion.
10. Loopi
- Location: São Paulo, Brazil
- Founded In: 2021
- CFO: Cesário Martins, Felipe Brasileiro, Ricardo Bechara
- Funding: Seed, $5 million
- Investors Include: Monashees, ONEVC, Canary
- What They Sell: Loopi combines e-commerce with entertainment, allowing brands to use video content to engage audiences. This startup connects content creators with brands, creating an innovative shopping experience that feels as fun as it is functional.
11. Bloomscape
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
- Founded In: 2017
- Founders: Justin Mast
- Funding: Series B, $24.2 million
- Investors Include: General Catalyst, Revolution Ventures
- What They Sell: Bloomscape delivers plants through an intuitive e-commerce platform. Perfect for urban dwellers, this startup offers care guides, tools, and plants shipped directly to your door. It’s gardening made simple.
12. Cannaco
- Location: Brooklyn, New York
- Founded In: 2020
- Founders: Captain Steve
- Funding: Seed, Private
- Investors Include: Undisclosed
- What They Sell: Cannaco is a niche e-commerce startup focusing on cannabis products. Their online marketplace provides THC, CBD, and wellness items with a promise of quality and variety. Perfect for anyone exploring cannabis solutions.
13. Italist
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded In: 2014
- CFO: Andrea Milani, Giuseppe Sacco, Raffaele Giovine
- Funding: Seed, $1.1 million
- Investors Include: Zillionize, TransCosmos, 500 Startups
- What They Sell: Italist brings luxury e-commerce to life with discounts on high-end Italian brands like Gucci and Versace. This startup makes designer goods affordable and accessible for a global audience.
14. Mable
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Founded In: 2019
- Founders: Arik Keller
- Funding: Venture, $17.6 million
- Investors Include: Venrock, Accomplice, Founder Collective
- What They Sell: Mable is an e-commerce startup designed to support small businesses. It connects local suppliers with retailers through an easy-to-use wholesale marketplace, fueling local economies and community growth.
15. Cuure
- Location: Paris, France
- Founded In: 2019
- Founders: Hugo Facchin, Jules Marcilhacy
- Funding: Series A, €11.8 million
- Investors Include: Capagro, Newfund, Kima Ventures
- What They Sell: Cuure personalizes health through its e-commerce platform, offering vitamin subscriptions tailored to each user’s specific needs. This startup combines wellness innovation with convenience, making it a top choice for health-conscious consumers.
16. Lily AI
- Location: Mountain View, California
- Founded In: 2015
- Founders: Purva Gupta, Sowmiya Chocka Narayanan
- Financing: Series B, $39.5 million
- Investors Include: NEA, Conductive Ventures, Canaan Partners
- What They Sell: Lily AI transforms e-commerce with advanced personalization tools. By understanding customer intent, this startup helps online retailers improve product discovery, boosting sales and satisfaction.
17. Savage Vines
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Founded In: 2017
- Founders: Kyle Paskett
- Funding: Private
- Investors Include: Undisclosed
- What They Sell: Savage Vines focuses on organic wines through a unique e-commerce subscription model. Their startup supports independent vineyards and eco-conscious consumers, making wine buying sustainable and enjoyable.
18. Neeman’s
- Location: Hyderabad, India
- Founded In: 2018
- Founders: Amar Preet Singh, Taran Chhabra
- Funding: Series B, $9.8 million
- Investors Include: Sixth Sense Ventures, Stride Ventures, Anicut Capital
- What They Sell: Neeman’s is a startup revolutionizing footwear in the e-commerce space. Their shoes, made from natural fibers like Merino wool, are lightweight, breathable, and eco-friendly, catering to the growing demand for sustainable fashion.
19. LeafLink
- Location: New York, New York
- Founded In: 2015
- Founders: Ryan Smith, Zach Silverman
- Funding: Series D, $479 million
- Investors Include: Nosara Capital, L2 Ventures, Founders Fund
- What They Sell: LeafLink is a B2B e-commerce startup connecting cannabis brands and retailers. With tools for order management and communication, it streamlines the cannabis wholesale industry. Covering over 30% of the U.S. wholesale cannabis market, this startup is essential for anyone in the space.
20. Bloom & Wild
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Founded In: 2013
- Founders: Aron Gelbard, Ben Stanway
- Funding: Series D, £146.3 million
- Investors Include: General Catalyst, D4 Ventures, Novator
- What They Sell: Bloom & Wild transforms flower delivery through predictive analytics and innovative packaging. This e-commerce startup delivers fresher bouquets while reducing waste, making it a favorite for modern gift-giving.
21. HungryPanda
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Founded In: 2016
- Founders: Kelu Liu
- Funding: Series D, $220 million
- Investors Include: Perwyn, Kinnevik, Felix Capital
- What They Sell: HungryPanda focuses on authentic Chinese food delivery for students and expats. This e-commerce platform operates in over 60 cities worldwide, serving a niche market with precision and care.
22. Lalo
- Location: New York, New York
- Founded In: 2019
- Founders: Greg Davidson, Jane Daines, Michael Wieder
- Funding: Series A, $15.7 million
- Investors Include: Willow Growth Partners, The Fund, Knightsgate Ventures
- What They Sell: Lalo is an e-commerce startup creating essential baby products for modern parents. From strollers to baby chairs, this brand offers safe, affordable, and stylish solutions for growing families.
23. Kindroot
- Location: El Segundo, California
- Founded In: 2019
- Founders: Alisa Pospekhova
- Financing: Private
- Investors Include: Undisclosed
- What They Sell: Kindroot is a wellness-focused e-commerce startup specializing in adaptogen-powered lozenges. Combining plant-based healing with aromatherapy, it’s a fresh take on functional wellness products.
24. Back Market
- Location: Paris, France
- Founded In: 2014
- CFO: Quentin Le Brouster, Thibaud Hug de Larauze, Vianney Vaute
- Funding: Series E, $1 billion
- Investors Include: General Atlantic, GS Capital, Eurazeo
- What They Sell: Back Market is an e-commerce marketplace for refurbished electronics. It’s a startup pushing sustainability while offering customers access to high-quality gadgets at competitive prices.
25. Your Super
- Location: Santa Monica, California
- Founded In: 2015
- Founders: Kristel de Groot, Michael Kuech
- Funding: Venture, $11.5 million
- Investors Include: PowerPlant Partners, Döhler Ventures
- What They Sell: Your Super is an e-commerce startup offering plant-based supplements. With a focus on health and sustainability, their products are organic, non-GMO, and designed for easy integration into daily routines.
26. Shoplazza
- Location: Guangdong, China
- Founded In: 2017
- Founders: Jeff Li
- Funding: Series C, $209 million
- Investors Include: Sky9 Capital, SoftBank Vision Fund
- What They Sell: Shoplazza is a B2B e-commerce platform providing online stores with AI-driven tools for scaling sales. This startup supports brands with multi-channel management and seamless integration for global reach.
27. MarqVision
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founded In: 2020
- Founders: Mark (Insup) Lee
- Funding: Series A, $25 million
- Investors Include: SoftBank Ventures Asia, DST Global
- What They Sell: MarqVision is a SaaS e-commerce startup combating counterfeit products. Its AI-powered platform protects brands by detecting and removing fake goods from online marketplaces.
28. Zid
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Founded In: 2017
- Founders: Mazen AlDarrab, Sultan AlAsmi
- Funding: Series B, $58.9 million
- Investors Include: Entrée Capital, Arzan Venture Capital, Endeavor Catalyst
- What They Sell: Zid is an e-commerce platform helping retailers transition from traditional to online stores. Their “e-commerce-in-a-box” solution simplifies digital storefront creation for businesses of all sizes.
29. Fabric
- Location: Seattle, Washington
- Founded In: 2016
- Founders: Ryan Bartley
- Funding: Series C, $293.5 million
- Investors Include: Sierra Ventures, Forerunner Ventures, SoftBank Vision Fund
- What They Sell: Fabric is an e-commerce startup offering a modular, “headless” commerce platform. It connects brands’ sales channels with centralized product, pricing, and order data, enabling seamless customer experiences.
30. Lively Root
- Location: San Diego, California
- Founded In: 2020
- Founders: Jon Ewing
- Financing: Seed, $5.1 million
- Investors Include: Ken Cook, CJ Stos, Jake Goodall
- What They Sell: Lively Root is an e-commerce startup making plant delivery easy. They offer subscriptions, plant care tools, and sustainable gifting options to help customers bring nature indoors.
31. Shopstar
- Location: Cape Town, South Africa
- Founded In: 2013
- CFO: Jens Herf
- Funding: Venture, $100,000
- Investors Include: Launch Africa, Nona Digital
- What They Sell: Shopstar is an e-commerce SaaS startup empowering small businesses in Africa. It provides a drag-and-drop platform for setting up mobile-friendly online stores, plus an AI-powered assistant to write product descriptions in seconds.
32. Signifyd
- Location: San Jose, California
- Founded In: 2011
- Founders: Mike Liberty
- Funding: Series E, $390 million
- Investors Include: Owl Rock Capital, Menlo Ventures, American Express Ventures
- What They Sell: Signifyd is an e-commerce startup focused on fraud prevention. With enterprise-grade technology, it helps brands like Walmart and Samsung secure transactions while improving customer trust.
33. Tropic Skincare
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Founded In: 2011
- Founders: Susie Ma
- Funding: N/A
- Investors Include: N/A
- What They Sell: Tropic Skincare offers eco-friendly beauty products. This e-commerce startup combines natural ingredients with sustainability, creating a product line loved by environmentally conscious consumers.
34. Papier
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Founded In: 2015
- Founders: Taymoor Atighetchi
- Funding: Series C, $65.4 million
- Investors Include: Singular, Lansdowne Partners, Felix Capital
- What They Sell: Papier is a customizable stationery e-commerce startup. From wedding invitations to planners, their platform lets users design personalized paper goods using premium, sustainably sourced materials.
35. Mejuri
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Founded In: 2013
- Founders: Majed Masad, Noura Sakkijha
- Funding: Venture, $28 million
- Investors Include: New Enterprise Associates, Felix Capital, 500 Global
- What They Sell: Mejuri disrupts the traditional jewelry industry with affordable, high-quality pieces. Their e-commerce-first strategy appeals to style-conscious shoppers looking for luxury at reasonable prices.
36. Flieber
- Location: New York, New York
- Founded In: 2019
- Founders: Fabricio Miranda, Jair Verçosa
- Funding: Series A, $19.4 million
- Investors Include: Monashees, GGV Capital, Norte Ventures
- What They Sell: Flieber is an e-commerce inventory management startup helping brands optimize their stock. By syncing sales channels and automating forecasts, it reduces waste and improves efficiency.
37. Snackpass
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founded In: 2017
- Founders: Jamie Marshall, Jonathan Cameron, Kevin Tan
- Financing: Series B, $95.6 million
- Investors Include: Steve Aoki, The Jonas Brothers, AirAngels
- What They Sell: Snackpass is an e-commerce startup reshaping food ordering. Focused on social connections, it rewards users for sharing meals with friends, making it both functional and fun.
38. Tru Fru
- Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Founded In: 2017
- CFO: N/A
- Funding: Undisclosed
- Investors Include: Mars (Acquirer)
- What They Sell: Tru Fru is an e-commerce DTC brand offering frozen, chocolate-covered fruit snacks. From strawberries to pineapples, their treats are indulgent yet healthy, winning over snack lovers everywhere.
39. Dotpe
- Location: Gurgaon, India
- Founded In: 2021
- Founders: Shailaz Nag, Abhishek Panda
- Funding: $90 million
- Investors Include: PayU, Fosun RZ Capital
- What They Sell: Dotpe is an e-commerce startup that helps brick-and-mortar stores go digital. With online store templates and integrated payment solutions, it supports India’s booming e-commerce sector.
40. Astro
- Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
- Founded In: 2021
- Founders: Vincent Tjendra
- Funding: Series B, $91.6 million
- Investors Include: Accel, Sequoia Capital India
- What They Sell: Astro is a hyperlocal e-commerce startup offering grocery delivery in under 15 minutes. By optimizing logistics, it’s setting a new standard for speed in online shopping.
Emerging Trends Among E-Commerce Startups
E-commerce startups are reshaping online shopping, constantly pushing boundaries to meet customer demands and stay ahead in a competitive market. Three major trends stand out: personalization through AI, sustainability as a core value, and niche targeting. These strategies aren’t just buzzwords; they’re what make startups stand out from the crowd.
Personalization and AI Integration
Imagine browsing a website and finding exactly what you need without even searching. That’s the magic of AI, and startups are embracing it big time. For instance, Lily AI uses advanced algorithms to analyze customer preferences and improve product recommendations. This makes shopping quicker, easier, and, let’s be honest, a little addictive.
Another example is Jungle Scout, which helps e-commerce sellers predict market trends and pick winning products. Personalization isn’t just about individual buyers; it’s also about empowering businesses to make smarter decisions. When AI meets e-commerce, everyone wins.
Sustainability as a Selling Point
Today, shopping isn’t just about buying; it’s about making choices that reflect your values. Startups like Neeman’s and Summersalt are leading the charge with sustainable products. Neeman’s, for example, uses natural Merino wool for its eco-friendly shoes, while Summersalt creates swimwear from recycled materials.
Even tech-focused startups are getting on board. Back Market, for instance, promotes sustainability by reselling refurbished electronics. This reduces waste and gives customers access to premium gadgets at lower prices. Choosing sustainable e-commerce startups is becoming a badge of honor for consumers who care about the planet.
Focused Niches and Market Segments
Startups targeting specific audiences are winning big. HungryPanda focuses on Chinese expats craving authentic food, while Kindroot zeroes in on wellness with adaptogen-based lozenges. Narrowing their focus allows these startups to connect deeply with their customers.
By understanding the unique needs of their audiences, these e-commerce startups build loyal communities, proving that the riches really are in the niches. Whether it’s food, wellness, or tech, startups that master niche targeting are setting themselves apart in the crowded e-commerce world.
These trends aren’t just shaping e-commerce; they’re setting the tone for what customers expect. If startups keep innovating like this, the future of online shopping looks brighter—and greener—than ever.
Why E-Commerce Startups Matter
E-commerce startups are more than just online stores—they’re engines of economic growth and innovation. Every new platform or app isn’t just about selling; it’s about creating jobs, transforming industries, and connecting people globally. In 2022, startups in this space generated billions in revenue, proving how much they shape the digital economy.
These startups aren’t afraid to disrupt the status quo. Take Shoplazza, for example. By providing AI-driven tools for small businesses, it levels the playing field for brands that might otherwise struggle to compete. And let’s not forget how startups push boundaries in customer experience, logistics, and sustainability.
But their impact isn’t just in numbers. They bring fresh energy to local economies. From a small-town entrepreneur finding a global audience on Etsy to larger players like Jungle Scout empowering others to succeed on platforms like Amazon, startups show how e-commerce can be a force for good.
Innovations Changing the Industry
What’s the secret sauce behind these startups? Innovation. Some e-commerce startups have introduced technologies that didn’t even exist a few years ago. Think of MarqVision, whose AI tracks counterfeit goods, protecting brands and customers alike. Or Astro, delivering groceries in just 15 minutes in Indonesia—talk about redefining convenience!
Others focus on personalization. Lily AI, for instance, uses machine learning to tailor shopping experiences based on customer behavior. These innovations don’t just make shopping easier; they make it smarter. By constantly adapting to trends, startups ensure the industry never stands still.
Global Reach and Local Impact
E-commerce startups connect worlds. Platforms like HungryPanda bring authentic Chinese food to expats across 60+ cities, while Kindroot focuses on local wellness solutions with adaptogen-based lozenges. These companies remind us that e-commerce isn’t just about scale; it’s about impact.
On a local level, startups such as Mable help small retailers access unique products from nearby suppliers, strengthening community ties. Globally, they bridge cultures and markets, showing that even the smallest startup can make a big difference.
Whether it’s creating jobs, innovating products, or uniting communities, e-commerce startups aren’t just part of the future—they are shaping it.
Conclusion
E-commerce startups are rewriting the rules of online business. They’re not just selling products; they’re shaping the future with fresh ideas, bold moves, and tech that changes how we shop. Companies like Lily AI and Neeman’s prove that innovation can meet personalization and sustainability without compromise.
These startups inspire with their creativity and show that even small players can make a global impact. Whether it’s through AI, eco-friendly products, or niche solutions, they push the industry forward. Keep an eye on them—these companies aren’t just growing; they’re teaching us all how to think bigger.