Daydream, a new startup founded by e-commerce veterans, is using artificial intelligence to disrupt the online clothing shopping experience. The company recently announced a $50 million seed round from top venture capital firms to develop technology that aims to revolutionize the way people search for and purchase clothing online. While not revealing many details about its platform, Daydream’s website showcases a series of hypothetical search queries that give a glimpse into its vision. The startup has partnerships with nearly 2,000 brands and is set to launch its platform in beta later this year.
Julie Bornstein, former chief operating officer at Stitch Fix, leads Daydream as CEO. Bornstein has held executive roles at Sephora, Nordstrom, and Urban Outfitters, and previously founded an AI-powered shopping platform called THE YES, which was acquired by Pinterest. She highlighted the significant advancements in AI technology over the past year, expressing excitement about building an intelligent online shopping platform that will make it easy and enjoyable for consumers to find products they love. Daydream’s focus on leveraging AI technology could reshape the way people search for information online, particularly in the realm of e-commerce.
The rise of generative AI and other advanced technologies presents opportunities for online retailers to enhance the shopping experience for customers. Companies such as Amazon and Alaska Airlines are already exploring ways to integrate AI into their search and customer service offerings. Daydream’s CTO and co-founder Matt Fisher emphasized the need for a more seamless and intuitive online shopping experience that anticipates customer needs. With a growing team based in the Seattle area, including co-founder and chief product officer Dan Cary, Daydream is poised to make an impact on the e-commerce landscape.
The $50 million seed round for Daydream was led by Forerunner Ventures and Index Ventures, with participation from GV (Google’s VC arm) and True Ventures. Kirsten Green, the founder and managing partner at Forerunner, believes that personalized, AI-driven services will dominate the future of search, with new entrants like Daydream offering innovative solutions that prioritize customer needs and deliver increased value. Such advancements in technology signal a potential shift in how people interact with online platforms, with a focus on providing tailored, relevant, and seamless shopping experiences for consumers.
Daydream’s strategic focus on AI technology and partnerships with thousands of brands position it as a key player in the evolving e-commerce landscape. By leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to enhance the online shopping experience, the company aims to provide consumers with a more personalized and efficient platform for discovering and purchasing clothing. With a leadership team boasting extensive experience in the e-commerce industry and strong backing from prominent venture capital firms, Daydream is well-positioned to drive innovation and shape the future of online retail.
As Daydream prepares to launch its platform in beta later this year, the company’s vision for an intelligent and user-friendly online shopping experience is poised to disrupt the traditional e-commerce model. By harnessing the capabilities of AI technology, Daydream aims to provide consumers with a more intuitive and personalized way to discover and buy clothing online. With the support of top investors and a team of industry experts, Daydream is well-equipped to capitalize on the growing demand for innovative solutions in the e-commerce space and redefine the way people interact with online platforms.
