CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dianthus, Inc., a tech-forward e-commerce brand builder, today announced it secured $11.5 million in seed funding. The investment was led by PJC, Underscore VC and angel investor Jason Calacanis.
Dianthus acquires direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands and rapidly grows them through its proprietary AI platform. The funding will be used to continue the company’s acquisition efforts and increase recruitment across departments, with a focus on broadening its technology capabilities.
“Since our launch, we’ve worked hard to hone our unique approach to building brands. By taking an AI-first method, we can see the exact potential of a brand and offer a growth trajectory that will help it scale quickly,” said Chris Litster, CEO, Dianthus. “In the year ahead, this investment will allow us to work alongside more entrepreneurs who value our tech-forward model, while continuing to vertically integrate our brands and service offerings.”
Dianthus is an AI-first e-commerce company that acquires brands with serious growth potential. The company provides founders with a lucrative exit strategy, while giving them the technology, marketing and product development resources needed to effectively scale their businesses. Following acquisition, Dianthus leverages first-party data within its proprietary AI engine to drive consumer engagement and brand impact. Currently, Dianthus is focused on growing its portfolio with DTC consumer packaged goods including pet, outdoor/active life, home and beauty.
“There have been dramatic shifts in the e-commerce industry since the beginning of the pandemic. As entrepreneurs are continuing to navigate scaling a business in crowded markets, Dianthus’ tech-forward, human-centric approach to brand building can help them break through the noise. We’re excited to work alongside them as they build the next generation of online brands,” said David Martirano, Managing Partner, PJC.
“Chris and Rob are proven business builders in the Boston ecosystem and longtime members of the Underscore Core Community, which is why we jumped at the chance to back their vision,” said Lily Lyman, Partner at Underscore VC. “Their blend of executive leadership, small-medium business knowledge, and AI expertise make them a strong pair to be taking on this ripe opportunity.”
Last month, Dianthus announced the acquisition of its first major company, Cuddle Clones, and plans to bring on more brands throughout 2022.
To learn more, visit www.dianthuscommerce.com.
About Dianthus
Dianthus is the world’s only AI-first e-commerce company – built from the ground up to help small to medium e-commerce brands grow faster than ever on a common AI platform that includes not just new technologies, but new AI-centric workflows, processes, and ways of working. Founded in 2021, Dianthus is headquartered in Boston with offices around the U.S.
About PJC
PJC is an early-stage venture capital firm investing in innovative, high-growth companies that are building technology to disrupt the status quo. The firm seeks to be the first institutional capital deployed into a company and is focused on being a true partner to entrepreneurs as they drive their companies toward becoming industry leaders in their respective categories. The firm has invested in over 100 companies across North America including notable companies like Expensify, Nest, Blockfi, GetWellNetwork, Nexamp, and Yandex. PJC was founded in 2001 and is based in Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.pjc.vc.
About Underscore
Underscore VC is an early-stage, Boston-based venture capital firm backing bold entrepreneurs with an aligned community designed to fit each startup’s unique needs. Learn more: https://underscore.vc.
About Jason Calacanis
Jason Calacanis is an entrepreneur, angel investor, writer and podcast host.
