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State of Retail Tech Q2'21 Report: Investment & Sector Trends To Watch

Core Content Overview

This report outlines the key trends in the retail technology sector for Q2 2021, focusing on investment patterns, market drivers, and innovations across various sub-sectors. It highlights the growing importance of automation, e-commerce, loyalty and rewards, supply chain, and delivery technologies in reshaping the retail landscape.

Main Investment Trends

• Record Retail Tech Funding: Investment in retail tech reached a record $31.5B in Q2 2021, a 4% increase from Q1 2021 and over triple the amount from Q2 2020. The number of deals also increased by 7%.

• E-commerce Dominates: E-commerce funding reached a new high of $16.9B, up 31% QoQ. The top 5 mega-rounds (deals over $100M) all went to e-commerce companies.

• Food Delivery Gains Momentum: Despite a 16% QoQ drop in on-demand delivery funding, food and grocery delivery companies remained key investment targets, especially those offering ultra-fast delivery services like dark convenience stores.

• Consolidation in E-commerce: Several major mergers and acquisitions occurred, including the formation of the GoTo Group from Gojek and Tokopedia, and the acquisition of Depop by Etsy, Returnly by Affirm, and Happy Returns by PayPal.

Key Sector Highlights

In-Store Retail Tech

• Funding Surge: In-store retail tech received $3.3B in Q2 2021, a 46% increase QoQ.
• Automation Focus: Solutions such as shelf tracking, visual merchandising, and sales associate tools are gaining traction, enabling cost savings and improved customer experiences.
• Notable Companies:
  • Abeja: Uses AI and cameras for store traffic and marketing analytics.
  • Mercaux: Offers remote and in-person sales assistance, mobile POS, and digital fitting room tools.
  • Salesfloor: Provides virtual and in-person shopping personalization with mobile checkout features.
  • Tulip: Empowers clienteling with a mobile app for personalized customer interactions.

E-Commerce

• Record Funding: E-commerce funding hit $16.9B, up 31% QoQ.
• New Unicorns: The top 5 new e-commerce unicorns in Q2 2021 include J&T Express, BackMarket, ContentSquare, Meesho, and ReCharge.
• Key Trends:
  • Growth in online resale platforms and white label tech.
  • Expansion of mobile commerce and integration with messaging apps like WhatsApp.

Loyalty & Rewards Tech

• Rising Investment: Funding reached $413M in Q2 2021, a 60% increase, with a 25% rise in deals.
• Personalization Focus: Companies leveraging consumer data to enhance loyalty programs are becoming more prominent.
• Notable Companies:
  • Punchh: Acquired by PAR at a $500M valuation, focusing on one-to-one customer engagement.
  • Breinify: Provides AI-based insights and loyalty program solutions.

Supply Chain & Logistics Tech

• Increased Funding: Received $9.6B in Q2 2021, up 13% from the previous quarter.
• Focus on Efficiency: Technologies optimizing warehouse operations, delivery routes, and inventory management are critical.
• Autonomous Trucking: Expected to gain more traction in the coming months.

On-Demand & Meal & Grocery Delivery

• On-Demand Funding Declined: Funding dropped 16% to $5.5B, but demand for fast delivery services remains strong.
• Meal & Grocery Delivery: Despite a 47% drop in overall funding for food delivery, dark convenience stores and ultra-fast delivery services are still attracting significant investment.

Market Drivers

Consumer Demand Resurges

• Retailers and brands are leveraging omnichannel technologies to meet the rising demand across all shopping channels.
• Earnings call quotes highlight the impact of "pent-up demand" and the need for seamless shopping experiences.

Labor Shortage Intensifies Automation Need

• As in-store foot traffic increases, the need for automation in retail operations becomes more pressing.
• Technologies like AI, robotics, and machine learning are being deployed to reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.

Blockchain Interest Grows

• Blockchain is seen as a transformative technology in areas like supply chain, customer loyalty, and product development.
• Companies are exploring its potential to enhance transparency and traceability in retail processes.

Conclusion

Q2 2021 marked a significant shift in retail tech investment, with a clear focus on automation, personalization, and efficiency. E-commerce continues to lead in funding and innovation, while in-store tech, loyalty programs, and supply chain solutions are also seeing substantial growth. The trend toward ultra-fast delivery and the integration of AI and blockchain technologies signals a broader transformation in how retailers engage with consumers and manage their operations.