Crstl

I’ve always envisioned Crstl as a "hole-in-the-wall meets Michelin-star" experience: distinctive, genuine, and memorable. Our goal has always been to build something that feels like a hidden gem, combining cutting-edge innovation with a seamless, thoughtful experience. Yesterday, we received an unexpected email from a key partner, and it captured everything we strive for (see screenshot in the comments). The spirit of hospitality that Danny Meyer talks about in "Setting the Table" has always inspired me—to create an experience that not only works but stays with you. At Crstl, we don’t believe in pay-for-play schemes like badges, lists, or reviews, which are all too common in many industries. We let our results and innovation speak for themselves. A huge shout-out to the Crstl team for their relentless dedication and creativity. This is proof that small, mission-driven teams can make a lasting impact. Together, we’re building something far more meaningful than just a product—we’re shaping the future of the massive B2B commerce industry.

?? They say if you simply ask customers what they want, they will ask for a faster horse, not a car. However, it is important to remember that your customers are living and breathing their business everyday, so it is important to closely listen to what they are saying. Several years ago, during the thick of the pandemic, when I talked to a lot of brands, they made one thing clear: old will be new again, brands will need to go omnichannel when the world reopens. And they did. Plus, it's not just "brands" - manufacturers, resellers, distributors across product categories - all have physical products seeking distribution. ?? Crstl is proud and inspired to work with some of the most cutting-edge brands and founders in the industry as they go omnichannel. Solid coverage on this topic by Modern Retail https://lnkd.in/eTArZDMA

?? A few years ago, when pure play e-commerce was all the rage, in the thick of the pandemic, everyone I spoke to and the things I was seeing getting Crstl off the ground had made one thing very clear: old will be new again. The future of commerce would be *everywhere* the consumer is, and not confined to any one channel. That future is here, now, and it's going nowhere. ?? Great insights from Neil Saunders as always.

[Update] After our original post, the URL in question was updated by the company to remove the significantly objectionable content. We will continue to monitor the situation and take swift, appropriate action as needed. --- ???? Looks like we’ve got ourselves an unofficial tribute band. Another company likes us so much they made a fan page — pretending to be Crstl! Link in comments. Flattered? Sure, imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery. However, we are too focused on our game, our customers, our partners, and creating the future.? Our innovation and culture aren’t plug-and-play features one can replicate with a mere landing page. To our imitators: Thank you for the free publicity. To everyone else: Keep your eyes on us. Whether our next move is a quantum leap or just a step forward, it’ll be 100% Crstl—unmistakable, unreplicable, and unparalleled. It is Crstl-clear that we are onto something special. If your brand is growing and has grown weary of the lack of innovation that has plagued the EDI space, DM me or signup to meet with us here:

NEED HELP: I'm helping a few brands find a new EDI provider. Who are you using for your EDI provider? I just talked with Crstl, that's positioned to be an EDI for emerging CPG brands. Have you worked with them? #CPG

?? Hard to believe that it’s already been a year since this article about Crstl came out! Time flies when you're having fun, they say. My definition of fun involves creating while in the flow—something nearly impossible to find as a founder—solving real-world problems at scale, working with people who push each other to continuously improve, and systematically challenging the status quo. And boy, has it been fun. The biggest lesson I've learned over this past year is that when you put out good energy into the world, the universe returns it multifold. I could bemoan the challenges faced as an immigrant, female founder of color who graduated from state schools, checking nearly all the boxes of assumed disadvantages, or I could simply immerse myself in gratitude towards the innumerable people who have helped us in ways big and small to get this far. It’s an interesting contradiction: only we can help ourselves, but no one or anything is wholly self-made. I could also share all the many X factors by which our business grown, and all of the many incredible capabilities we have shipped in building a loved product and platform. I could talk at length about the seemingly contrarian bet we made when we started building in this direction, but how the macro tailwinds aligned with our worldview just a couple years later. I’ll save that for another time and avenues. For now, I want to express my gratitude to the innovative customer and partner community that has embraced our product, the company and its mission wholeheartedly. I definitely felt a surge of emotion when a prospect said on a call the other day that they love *how* we seem to do things at Crstl. The how matters, execution matters, sweating the right details matters. Last but not least, I feel so incredibly lucky to work with Suparna, Teva, Dharmit, John, Kelly, Fatima, Sam, Richard, Ben, Ryan, Kevin, Josh and so many others, whether daily or occasionally, but always in memorable and high impact ways. Gratitude as well to my spouse and to those of everyone on our team who are directly and indirectly on this journey with us. It’s day one—we have feathers in our caps and big things in the works—I can’t wait to see how the next year unfolds! Please DM me if you’d like to further discuss how we can work together - whether as a customer, partner, or teammate! ??????

?? Read our latest post on why the API vs. EDI debate is as irrelevant as comparing two totally different sports ?? ?? or fruits ?? ??

Comparing API vs. EDI is like trying to compare ?? and ??, or two teams playing different sports ???? Read on to learn why modern businesses must use both EDI and API in complementary ways ?? https://lnkd.in/dGHmmJ-r

?? As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, excitement fills the air. ? Let's tackle another matchup in the world of commerce: EDI vs. API. But, but, but -- that would be like comparing the 49ers to the Lakers - different games, different goals. EDI and API each play separate but crucial roles in the movement of goods and money. ?? ?? ?? Our latest blog post dives into why EDI vs. API isn't a relevant debate at all. ?? Check it out:?https://lnkd.in/eZBueAxp ?? Last but not least, GO NINERS!!!

I’ve spent the last several months talking to some of the smartest founders and investors in eCommerce. While they all have their own strategies, there are a few predictions that most of them agree on: 1. 2023 was all about conserving resources Instead of adding companies to their portfolios, many VCs spent their year participating in bridge rounds and follow-ons to their existing portfolio companies. For founders, 2023 was the year for cutting costs and doing more with less. The same was true for investors – Many decided to double down on their winners instead of taking greater risks with newer companies. This is likely to continue into 2024. 2. Many of the newest eCommerce infrastructure startups are focused on one thing: supply chain Companies like Mandrel, Factored Quality, Two Boxes, Bounty, Crstl, Mayple Global and Packsmith are building tools to help brands get better products to more customers in less time. The biggest eCommerce unlocks in the next 10 years will be in shipping, logistics and international / cross border commerce. 3. OOH is back Digital marketing channels have become cost prohibitive for many brands looking to build a sustainable business. Data privacy policies have made it harder to reach the right customers, while increased competition has made it more costly to convert those customers. As a result, many eCommerce brands have begun flirting with more traditional advertising mediums such as truckside ads and other out-of-home (Adgile Media Group), and direct mail (PostPilot). Expect to see more creative, real-world advertising campaigns from some of the larger eCommerce brands. 4. eCommerce is maturing quickly It’s clear that eCommerce has been maturing at a faster pace over the past few years. Both brands and their consumers are becoming increasingly sophisticated. This maturation is, in part, defined by the current competitive landscape: - Competition between SaaS tools for industry market share - Competition between brands for new customers - Competition between customers for the best deals at the most opportune times Moving into 2024: - Profitability and cash flow are everything. - There are no shortcuts or easy wins. - This industry is full of incredibly smart, driven, talented people. The key to winning is consistency, iteration, financial discipline, and hard work. These changes have created a different environment and a different set of priorities for investors. My strategy has evolved to prioritize investments in my existing portfolio companies. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still making new investments. In the coming year, I’ll be weighing those opportunities more heavily against the established players in my portfolio that might be a few years ahead yet priced more appropriately due to the challenging macroeconomic fundraising environment. No matter what, I’m excited for the new friends, new partners, and the new opportunities to come in 2024. Let’s make it happen.