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Constructor Raises $25M Series B Led by Sapphire Ventures, Tripling Valuation to $550M

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New capital will fuel further product innovation and international expansion — helping ecommerce companies transform product discovery with AI

SAN FRANCISCO, June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Constructor, the leading AI-powered product discovery and search platform for enterprise ecommerce companies, today announced that it has closed a $25 million Series B round, bringing the company’s valuation to $550 million. This marks a nearly triple valuation since its 2021 Series A and brings total funds raised to date to more than $85 million. Sapphire Ventures led the round with participation from existing investor Silversmith Capital Partners. With this new capital, Constructor will continue to accelerate product development and innovation — applying the cutting-edge clickstream-based AI it pioneered to further improve ecommerce product discovery — and continue its rapid international expansion.

The oversubscribed Series B round came at a time when Constructor was not actively fundraising. The fresh funds also cap off record-setting growth and momentum for the company – with proof points of recent success, including:

Doubled revenue for the third year in a row.Powered more than 100 billion shopper interactions over the past six months, enabling some of the world’s biggest businesses to drive hundreds of millions of personalized experiences every day.Increased headcount by 45% over the past year.Increased overall customer base by 50% over the past year. Leading ecommerce companies and household names — including Under Armour, Petco, Sephora, Birkenstock, Target Australia and many more — use Constructor’s AI to improve how buyers search for and discover the best items for them.Maintained an average 98.5% client retention rate over the last three years, by far the highest in the industry.Unveiled AI Shopping Assistant (ASA), an award-winning conversational product discovery tool blending generative AI with Constructor’s personalization technology.Expanded internationally — particularly across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), where it has tripled revenue since 2022 and increased customer-facing headcount by 133% since the beginning of this year.

“In today’s competitive ecommerce environment, having a powerful AI search solution that can best capture shopper intent is crucial to driving topline revenues — yet until now, existing tech has remained rudimentary,” said Rajeev Dham, Partner at Sapphire Ventures, who will be joining as a Board Director. “With more than a decade of experience in the field, Eli and the team at Constructor have developed a state-of-the-art, AI ecommerce search engine that has delivered best-in-class ROI for many household enterprise brands. We are incredibly excited to partner with the team as they set a new standard in powering a hyper-personalized shopper experience.”

Eli Finkelshteyn, CEO and Co-founder of Constructor, said: “We’re very proud of this fundraise, but it’s important for us to remember that it’s only a symptom of doing good work for our customers. If we don’t use this to do better for them, then we’re missing the point. We started Constructor off with what, at the time, seemed like a crazy idea to most of our industry: that learning shoppers’ preferences via AI can give them a far better search and product discovery experience than simply matching on the keywords they type. We believe putting AI at the core of our system from the beginning has played a large role in the successes we’ve been able to bring our customers — but also believe there’s always room to serve them better, and that’s the main thing we want to use this investment for. Our success will always be a symptom and function of theirs. And through our partnerships with Sapphire Ventures and Silversmith Capital Partners, we’re extremely excited to build out more ecommerce functionality and expand to additional geographies — driving more value for our customers around the world.”

Constructor is well-positioned to continue its relentless pace of product innovation, helping customers apply multiple types of AI — including advanced algorithms, machine learning, large language models, transformers, natural language processing, generative AI and more — to improve product discovery while optimizing for ecommerce metrics that matter. Even as many retailers are tightening their belts under current economic conditions, there has been strong and escalating demand for Constructor’s platform, with companies doubling down on their investments to improve the customer experience. Customers report results including: 16.5% increase in average order value, 247% increase in revenue per visit, 13% increase in search conversions, 92% increase in recommendations conversions, a $40 million increase in revenue, greater than 20x ROI and more.

Leading pet health and wellness retailer Petco recently turned to Constructor to power and personalize search results, browse experiences, product recommendations and landing pages across its website and mobile app — driving a 13% increase in ecommerce conversions and 4% increase in site-wide revenue.

“The thing we liked about Constructor was that not only was it real AI, specifically made for our industry, but that their AI is incredibly transparent,” said Tony Gabriele, Vice President of Digital Strategy, Petco. “None of it is black box – so we don’t have to guess what it’s doing or why – and when we have questions, the Constructor team is always happy to talk us through it. We evaluated every vendor on the market, and Constructor was just different. The system is easy to use, the team is motivated and delightful to work with, and most importantly, it paid for itself plus the cost of switching in less than a year after we implemented it.”

According to a Forrester blog, “Improving product discovery is one of the most effective ways to have a meaningful, positive impact on digital metrics, with a clearly attributable return and relatively low investment (in terms of cost for tech and time to value).” Constructor’s technology and vision play a key role in this, and Constructor was recently ranked highest in the strategy category in “The Forrester Wave™: Commerce Search And Product Discovery, Q3 2023.”

“AI-first companies like Constructor are leading a shift in software away from simply offering workflow management, towards delivering business results,” said Silversmith General Partner, Sri Rao. “We are encouraged by the company’s ability to maintain its dedication to innovation and customer success while navigating rapid growth since our initial investment, and are excited to both expand our commitment as well as welcome Sapphire Ventures as Constructor enters the next phase of growth.”

About Constructor
Constructor is the only search and product discovery platform tailor-made for enterprise ecommerce where conversions matter. Constructor’s AI-first solutions make it easier for shoppers to discover products they want to buy and for ecommerce teams to deliver personalized experiences in real time that drive impressive results. Optimizing specifically for ecommerce metrics like revenue, conversion rate and profit, Constructor generates consistent $10M+ lifts for some of the biggest brands in ecommerce, such as Sephora, Petco, Birkenstock, The Very Group, home24, Grove Collaborative and Fisheries Supply. Constructor is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2015 by Eli Finkelshteyn and Dan McCormick. For more, visit: constructor.com

About Sapphire Ventures
Sapphire is a global software venture capital firm with more than $10 billion in AUM and team members across Austin, London, Menlo Park and San Francisco. For over a decade, Sapphire has partnered with visionary management teams and venture funds to back companies of consequence. Since its founding, Sapphire has invested in more than 170 companies globally resulting in more than 30 Public Listings and 45 acquisitions. The firm’s investment strategies — Sapphire Ventures, Sapphire Partners and Sapphire Sport — are focused on scaling companies and venture funds, elevating them to become category leaders. Sapphire’s Portfolio Growth team of experienced operators delivers a strategic blend of value-add services, tools and resources designed to support portfolio company leaders as they scale.

About Silversmith Capital Partners
Founded in 2015, Silversmith Capital Partners is a Boston-based growth equity firm with $3.3 billion of capital under management. Silversmith’s mission is to partner with and support the best entrepreneurs in growing, profitable technology and healthcare companies. Representative investments include ActiveCampaign, Appfire, Apryse, DistroKid, impact.com, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health, Onbe, and Webflow. For more information, including a full list of portfolio investments, visit www.silversmith.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.

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SOURCE Constructor

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Automotive and Transportation Connector Market to Grow by USD 4.34 Billion from 2025-2029, Driven by European Demand and AI-Powered Market Evolution – Technavio

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NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Report on how AI is driving market transformation – The global automotive and transportation connector market size is estimated to grow by USD 4.34 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  5.8%  during the forecast period. Rising demand in european region is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing electronic components in automobiles. However, lack of durability  poses a challenge. Key market players include Amphenol Corp., Aptiv Plc, Aviation Industry Corp. Of China Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Inc., Eaton Corp plc, Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., HIROSE ELECTRIC Co. Ltd., Hu Lane Associate Inc., J.S.T. Mfg. Co. Ltd., Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd., Koch Industries Inc., Korea Electric Terminal Co. Ltd., Kyocera Corp., Lear Corp., Leoni AG, Lumberg Holding GmbH and Co. KG, Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co. KG, Samtec Inc., Sumitomo Corp., TE Connectivity Ltd., and Yazaki Corp..

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Automotive And Transportation Connector Market Scope

Report Coverage

Details

Base year

2024

Historic period

2019 – 2023

Forecast period

2025-2029

Growth momentum & CAGR

Accelerate at a CAGR of 5.8%

Market growth 2025-2029

USD 4337.3 million

Market structure

Fragmented

YoY growth 2022-2023 (%)

4.6

Regional analysis

APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa

Performing market contribution

APAC at 42%

Key countries

US, China, Japan, South Korea, and Canada

Key companies profiled

Amphenol Corp., Aptiv Plc, Aviation Industry Corp. Of China Co. Ltd., BorgWarner Inc., Eaton Corp plc, Furukawa Electric Co. Ltd., HIROSE ELECTRIC Co. Ltd., Hu Lane Associate Inc., J.S.T. Mfg. Co. Ltd., Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Ltd., Koch Industries Inc., Korea Electric Terminal Co. Ltd., Kyocera Corp., Lear Corp., Leoni AG, Lumberg Holding GmbH and Co. KG, Luxshare Precision Industry Co. Ltd., Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH and Co. KG, Samtec Inc., Sumitomo Corp., TE Connectivity Ltd., and Yazaki Corp.

Market Driver

The Automotive and Transportation Connector market is experiencing significant growth due to trends in safety features and environmental concerns. With the increasing demand for electric vehicles, there is a rising need for connectors that can withstand temperature fluctuations and wear and tear. Adaptive front lighting, park assistance, and adaptive cruise control are becoming standard safety and security features. Technological advancements like IMSE technology, fiber optics, and machine learning are enhancing the driving experience. Keyless entry, lane departure warning, and anti-theft alarm systems are essential electronic components for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Vehicle manufacturers are focusing on power distribution, data transfer, and vehicle security. Wi-Fi networks, memory interfaces, and data storage interfaces are essential for connectivity and electrification. The market for automotive connectors includes in-mold connectors, wire-to-board, and board-to-board connectors. The future of the market lies in the electrification of vehicles, self-driving technology, and advanced security features. Air pollution and carbon emissions are driving the need for environmentally friendly mobility solutions. 

Advanced safety and security systems, including ADAS, lane departure warning, anti-theft alarm systems, adaptive cruise control, braking systems, and autonomous driving systems, are integral to modern vehicles. These systems rely on numerous electronic components, which in turn use connectors to distribute power effectively. Vendors are focusing on creating superior connector technology that can endure extreme temperatures, wear, tear, and dust at affordable prices. These connectors ensure reliable power distribution to safety components, enhancing vehicle safety. 

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 Market Challenges

•         The Automotive and Transportation Connector market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for safety features in vehicles. This includes adaptive front lighting, lane departure warning, and advanced security features like anti-theft alarm systems and airbags. However, challenges such as temperature fluctuations, wear and tear, and environmental concerns like air pollution, are driving the need for connectors that can withstand harsh conditions and support electric vehicles and their electronic components. Technological advancements like adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, and connectivity through Wi-Fi networks and data transfer interfaces are also influencing the market. Vehicle manufacturers are focusing on vehicle electrification, vehicle security, and design flexibility to meet consumer demands for environmentally friendly mobility and enhanced driving experiences. The use of fiber optics, IMSE technology, and memory interfaces in automotive connectors is becoming increasingly common to support power distribution, navigation & instrumentation, and data storage. The market for automotive connectors is expected to continue growing as technological advancements in electric control units, machine learning, and self-driving vehicles drive the need for more sophisticated and reliable connectors.

•         The automotive and transportation connector market plays a crucial role in the functioning of modern vehicles. With approximately 1500 connection points in a typical light vehicle, around 50%-60% of which are used for power distribution, these connectors are essential for the proper operation of various systems. In harsh environments, connectors face challenges such as extreme temperatures (-40-degree C to 155-degree C), vibration, oxidation, and frictional corrosion. A connector failure can lead to malfunctions or failures of critical components like brakes, fire systems, or airbags, posing serious safety risks. To ensure connector stability, manufacturers implement rigorous testing procedures, evaluating their performance under specified application conditions.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now!

Segment Overview 

This automotive and transportation connector market report extensively covers market segmentation by  

Application 1.1 Comfort convenience and entertainment1.2 Safety and security1.3 Body wiring1.4 Powertrain1.5 Navigation and InstrumentationGeography 2.1 APAC2.2 North America2.3 Europe2.4 South America2.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Comfort convenience and entertainment-  The comfort, convenience, and entertainment segment holds the largest market share in the global automotive and transportation connector market in 2024. This segment is projected to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. The increasing demand for user-friendly vehicle cabins offering extra comfort, convenience, and entertainment is driving this segment’s growth. New-generation vehicles with luxury cabins and advanced features require newer automotive and transportation connectors. Additionally, advancements in air conditioning systems, cameras, and radars due to technological progression will positively impact the market’s expansion. Key players in the industry are manufacturing connectors and making acquisitions to cater to the evolving vehicle features. Innovations in advanced vehicle cabins and consumers’ growing preference for comfort and convenience are expected to boost the growth of the comfort, convenience, and entertainment segment in the global automotive and transportation connector market during the forecast period.

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Research Analysis

The Automotive and Transportation Connector Market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for advanced technology in vehicles. Automotive connectors play a crucial role in enabling convenience, safety, and connectivity in modern vehicles. They facilitate electric vehicle charging, high-speed data transfer, and vehicle communication networks. The market is driven by the rise of electric vehicles and the trend towards smart mobility and autonomous driving systems. Connectors for electric vehicles are a key focus area, with innovation and advancements in materials, design, and reliability being prioritized to meet the unique demands of EV charging. The connector market also caters to the needs of next-generation vehicles, including those with digital cockpits, infotainment systems, and vehicle performance optimization features. Connector solutions are essential for vehicle safety systems, electronic control units, and vehicle connectivity. With the future of transportation leaning towards green and connected solutions, the connector market is expected to continue its growth trajectory. Additionally, the increasing focus on automotive cybersecurity is driving the development of advanced connector technologies to ensure reliable and secure vehicle communication networks.

Market Research Overview

The Automotive and Transportation Connector market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for safety features and environmental concerns in the transportation industry. Electric vehicles, adaptive front lighting, park assistance, and adaptive cruise control are some technological advancements driving market growth. Materials, such as fiber optics, are used to ensure connectivity and data transfer in various applications, including power distribution and vehicle weight reduction. Safety and security are top priorities, leading to the integration of advanced security features, anti-theft alarm systems, and keyless entry. Commercial vehicles and passenger cars alike benefit from these advancements, with lane departure warning systems, air pollution control, and data storage interfaces becoming increasingly common. Electrification of vehicles, including hybrid automobiles and self-driving vehicles, is a major trend, requiring various electronic components, such as memory, microspace connectors, and printed circuit boards. Wi-Fi networks and machine learning technologies are also being integrated to enhance the driving experience and improve vehicle performance. Temperature fluctuations, wear and tear, and dirt can affect connector performance, leading to the development of innovative solutions, such as IMSE technology, to ensure reliable operation. The market is expected to continue growing as technological advancements and environmental concerns shape the future of transportation.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary
2 Market Landscape
3 Market Sizing
4 Historic Market Size
5 Five Forces Analysis
6 Market Segmentation

ApplicationComfort Convenience And EntertainmentSafety And SecurityBody WiringPowertrainNavigation And InstrumentationGeographyAPACNorth AmericaEuropeSouth AmericaMiddle East And Africa

7 Customer Landscape
8 Geographic Landscape
9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends
10 Company Landscape
11 Company Analysis
12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio’s report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio’s comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research
Jesse Maida
Media & Marketing Executive
US: +1 844 364 1100
UK: +44 203 893 3200
Email: media@technavio.com
Website: www.technavio.com/

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SOURCE Technavio

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Human-I-T Offers Free Laptops and Hotspots to California Wildfire Victims

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LA Based Organization Offers Connectivity to those who have been impacted

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Human-I-T, the nation’s leading digital equity nonprofit, announced today that it will provide free laptops and hotspots with three months of free internet service to residents affected by the recent Los Angeles wildfires. The initiative aims to help displaced individuals and families reconnect with essential resources and loved ones during this critical time.

“As a native Angeleno, seeing the devastation in my hometown compelled Human-I-T to act,” said Gabe Middleton, Co-Founder and CEO of Human-I-T. “Countless residents had to leave their homes with nothing. Some were fortunate to grab a cell phone, but a cell phone alone is not enough to confidently access life-saving resources while under duress.”

The donated devices and internet access will enable displaced residents to reconnect with family and friends, access emergency resources like the Red Cross, and find assistance for temporary shelter, water, electricity, and education for school-aged children. Many which are only accessible via the internet.

“At Human-I-T, we have supported communities through crises before, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” Middleton added. “We’ve learned how to respond swiftly and effectively to provide the tools people need to navigate emergencies. Connectivity is critical—not just during a disaster, but always. Our mission has always been to ensure everyone has access to the digital tools they need, and when disaster strikes, Human-I-T wants everyone to know we will be there to help.”

Residents affected by the wildfires can visit human-i-t.org/fire to fill out a simple form and receive information on where to pick up their free device and hotspot.

Human-I-T is committed to supporting communities in need during times of crisis and working to shrink the digital divide and ensure equitable access to technology for all.

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SOURCE Human-I-T

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Patrick Merfert Joins Alcatraz AI as Vice President of Marketing to Reinforce Market Strategy Efforts Amidst Projected 2025 Industry Growth

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Former IDEMIA and Prove Identity executive will lead the company’s marketing efforts to shape and execute the company’s overall marketing strategy, with a key focus on product marketing and demand generation

CUPERTINO, Calif., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Alcatraz AI, a global provider of frictionless, AI-powered biometric access control solutions revolutionizing security through facial authentication, announced today the appointment of Patrick Merfert as the company’s next Vice President (VP) of Marketing. With over 15 years of experience as a technology startup marketing leader, venture capital investor, and strategy consultant, Merfert contributes a vast wealth of identity and security-based technology marketing knowledge to Alcatraz AI’s leadership team as the company positions itself at the forefront of the rapidly growing market. His expertise in digital identity and its transcension towards a digital-first approach aligns with Alcatraz AI’s commitment to delivering secure, frictionless, and privacy-preserving biometric authentication solutions.

Merfert is a growth and execution-focused technology startup marketing leader who has operated across the full lifecycle of VC-funded startups, helping tech companies go-to-market, differentiate, and accelerate revenues. Having worked across several startups from pre-revenue to pre-IPO, Merfert has garnered years of experience in demand generation, product marketing, and brand identity which allow him to thrive in dynamic environments and strategize effective marketing approaches.

Merfert holds both an MBA and BBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, respectively. As an undergraduate, Merfert gained early exposure to technology startups, which ignited a passion for working in tight-knit, dynamic environments. Pre-MBA, he spent his early career working as a venture capital associate, serving as an investor and advisor to early-stage healthcare and technology startups. During his time as a management consultant, Merfert played key roles in executive-level strategy and operational engagements for Fortune 500 companies across various industries and contributed to business development pursuits. Merfert later took on a marketing leadership role at Airside, where he was introduced to the identity and security space and experienced the power of digital identity authentication and access control first-hand.

Merfert joins Alcatraz AI most recently from Prove Identity, where he served as Vice President of Product Marketing. There, he led the product marketing team in positioning the global product portfolio, launching new products, enabling sales, and helping scale the company’s annual recurring revenue beyond $100M and a $1B+ valuation. He also played a pivotal role in developing the go-to-market framework to drive scalability and refining company and product messaging, earning the company multiple analyst awards.

At Alcatraz AI, Merfert will direct and oversee the company’s marketing team, designing, implementing, and monitoring effective marketing strategies that align with the company’s business goals and drive overall revenue growth, market awareness, and competitive differentiation. Merfert will be an integral in promoting product adoption, enhancing brand presence, and ensuring the company’s product offerings are both innovative and aligned with market demands.

“The access control market is growing at a rapid pace, and Alcatraz AI is adapting to this growth by expanding our leadership team with strategic hires,” said Tina D’Agostin, CEO of Alcatraz AI. “We are thrilled to welcome Patrick as our new VP of Marketing. His impressive background in technology startups and deep industry marketing experience will be a driving force in helping us achieve our goal to further scale in the growing security space and continue to expand our roster of large enterprise customers.”

“I’m energized to be joining Alcatraz AI’s dynamic leadership team. I look forward to shaping the marketing strategy, and leading a cross-functional team to drive growth as the company rides the wave of rapid market expansion,” said Merfert. “It’s an exciting opportunity to operate at the intersection of artificial intelligence and the identity and security market. I’m eager to shape a world-class marketing team that will maintain a strong emphasis on customers and end-users, to ensure Alcatraz AI’s market-leading products continue delivering convenient, secure, and privacy-preserving access control experiences.”

About Alcatraz AI

Alcatraz AI is the most secure, private, and frictionless biometric solution for access control in the physical world. With its patented technology, Alcatraz AI’s facial authentication and intelligent tailgating detection platform work natively with all access control systems to transform the security experience. As the pioneer of Facial-Authentication-as-a-Service (FAaaS), Alcatraz AI has made biometric access available to all enterprises, ensuring the safety of more than one million employees at Fortune 500 companies. Trusted by Data Centers, Life Sciences, Financial Institutions, Higher Education, Airports, Stadiums and Arenas, Telecom, and Critical Infrastructure entities, Alcatraz AI sets the global standard for access control credentialing. For more information, please visit www.alcatraz.ai and follow @alcatrazai on X and Alcatraz on LinkedIn.

Media Contact

Linda Ebrahimian, Alcatraz AI, 1 8186368787, Linda@alcatraz.ai, Alcatraz AI

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SOURCE Alcatraz AI

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