Connectly.ai, an AI service company aiding retailers in selling on messaging platforms, secured $20M in Series B funding led by Alibaba. The funds will expand its platform and increase San Francisco staff to 80 by year-end. Founded by Stefanos Loukakos, the platform integrates services like WhatsApp and SMS for personalized customer engagement, aiming for 100% revenue growth in 2024.....

Recent survey results show that 91% of retailers in the ANZ region are investing in generative artificial intelligence to adapt to the changing needs of shoppers. Millennials show a strong interest in generative AI for shopping, with 52% of millennial consumers expressing a desire to use this technology when seeking gift inspiration. The influence of social media in retail is growing significantly, with digital channels becoming a crucial way to meet the increasing demand. The lines between physical stores and the digital world are becoming increasingly blurred, and loyalty programs are continuously improving as retailers strive to enhance shopper loyalty and market share.