
Penny Black, a UK based technology start-up specialising in personalised e-commerce packaging solutions, has received funding with an additional £ 1.5 million. This latest infusion of capital comes from AGFA and Nine Point Five, building on their initial investment of £ 1.3 million in October 2022. In total, Penny Black has now raised an impressive £ 2.8 million.
The start-up’s innovative approach has captured the attention of retailers and third-party logistics centers (3PLs) looking to stand out in the competitive e-commerce landscape.
Penny Black’s CEO, Douglas Franklin, emphasised the significance of their technology, stating, “The moment consumers open their order will be an opportunity for brands to entice and retain consumers, helping them drive more revenue from existing customers”
Franklin explained the company’s unique approach, saying, “Our software seamlessly connects e-commerce stores, marketing tools, warehouse management systems, and fulfillment centers, ensuring that brands can leverage customer data to create hyper-personalised experiences and printed materials that delight customers the moment they open their purchases.”
He also highlighted the challenges faced by 3PL companies in personalising e-commerce packages, stating, “3PL companies currently struggle to personalise e-commerce packages and can’t do much beyond mass-printed, one-design gift notes thrown inside. Our unique offering helps automate a revenue-boosting process for on-demand, beautifully-designed printouts, specifically tailored to each customer, location, product, or package.”
Franklin emphasised the importance of this touchpoint, saying, “The moment consumers receive their online orders is the only touchpoint left for e-commerce brands to have a physical connection with them. Brands need to surprise and delight customers to secure their loyalty, especially when acquiring new ones can be so expensive.”