Pose was a mobile-first fashion platform that integrated content and commerce, enabling users to discover and share fashion styles in real-time. Founded in 2010, the company aimed to empower women by providing a trusted peer-to-peer network where they could earn a flexible income and connect with like-minded shoppers. Pose's platform allowed users to follow friends and trendsetters, track the latest releases from various brands and retailers, and add products to a personal style feed. This approach sought to enhance the in-store shopping experience by fostering a community-driven environment.
Pose's strategic focus was on creating a seamless blend of social networking and e-commerce within the fashion industry. By leveraging a mobile-first approach, the company targeted tech-savvy consumers interested in fashion trends and peer recommendations. The platform specialized in real-time discovery and sharing of fashion, shopping, and style, aiming to position itself as a significant player in the intersection of social media and online retail.
Throughout its operational period, Pose secured a total of $4.6 million in funding over two rounds. The initial funding round in January 2011 raised approximately $1.89 million, followed by a Series A1 round in October 2011. Notable investors included Founder Collective and True Ventures. The capital was intended to enhance the platform's features, expand its user base, and strengthen its market position within the fashion and e-commerce sectors.
Pose's platform was designed to enhance the in-store shopping experience by allowing users to follow friends and trendsetters, track the latest releases from different brands and retailers, and add products to a personal style feed. This approach aimed to create a dynamic and interactive shopping environment, leveraging user-generated content to drive engagement and sales.
The leadership team at Pose included co-founders Alisa Gould-Simon and Dustin Rosen. Their combined expertise in technology and fashion was instrumental in developing and launching the platform. Specific details about other key executives and their professional backgrounds are not readily available.
In November 2013, Pose acquired Little Black Bag, an internet retail company, to expand its market reach and enhance its service offerings. This strategic move aimed to strengthen Pose's position in the competitive fashion e-commerce landscape.
Pose operated in a competitive market with several notable players:
- Depop: A peer-to-peer social shopping app founded in 2011, allowing users to buy and sell fashion items directly.
- POSTlaMODE: Established in 2016, this platform connects consumers to influential fashion professionals, offering curated shopping experiences.
- Otrium: Founded in 2015, Otrium operates as a marketplace for end-of-season fashion items, providing consumers with access to discounted designer clothing.
- Threads: A company that sells fashion apparel and accessories without traditional online or offline stores, focusing on personalized shopping experiences.
These competitors offered similar services, emphasizing the importance of innovation and user engagement in the fashion e-commerce sector.
Pose's operational strategy centered on integrating social networking with e-commerce to create a unique shopping experience. By focusing on real-time sharing and discovery, the company aimed to differentiate itself from traditional online retailers. However, the competitive landscape required continuous innovation and adaptation to consumer preferences.
Pose ceased operations in October 2015. The company's closure highlights the challenges faced by startups in the rapidly evolving fashion e-commerce industry, where staying ahead of market trends and consumer demands is crucial for sustained success.
