Company Profile: Thingtesting
Overview
Thingtesting is a privately held company, established in 2018 and headquartered in New York, NY. Operating within the Internet Publishing sector, it offers a platform for discovering and reviewing direct-to-consumer brands. Thingtesting's mission is to serve as an honest, third-party resource enabling consumers to make informed purchasing decisions through objective reviews.
Business Model and Positioning
Thingtesting stands out by providing a platform where consumers can explore new internet-born brands, conduct product research prior to purchasing, and share unbiased reviews. This model aligns with the trend toward conscious consumerism, empowering shoppers to make more insightful and informed decisions.
Financials
- Total funding: Approximately $2.37 million from multiple rounds.
- Notable investment: A $300,000 Pre Seed Round in September 2019.
- Recent investment: A $2 million Seed Round in 2021, led by Forerunner Ventures.
- Estimated annual revenue: $2.4 million.
- Revenue per employee: Approximately $119,000.
Leadership Team
- Jenny Gyllander: Founder and CEO, initially launching the platform as an Instagram account before evolving it into a venture-backed entity. Formerly with BACKED VC.
- Damien Timewell: CTO and educator at Technigo AB.
- Hannah Say: Chief of Staff, supporting executive operations and strategic initiatives.
- Andrew Denty: Head of Design, guiding design direction and product strategy with a user-centric focus.
Strategic Objectives
Thingtesting's strategic goals include expanding its feature set to enhance consumer interaction and broadening its community. A noteworthy partnership with Pinterest has produced curated "Oddly-Specific" gift guides, showcasing Thingtesting's dedication to remaining relevant within the consumer shopping experience.
Market Impact
Thingtesting contributes significantly to the evolving e-commerce landscape by cultivating a transparency and consumer empowerment environment. Its focus on unbiased product reviews builds consumer trust and loyalty, setting it apart from e-commerce platforms dominated by sponsored content.
Key Developments
The company has enhanced its platform by becoming fully shoppable, enabling users to purchase directly. This development bolsters Thingtesting as a holistic e-commerce solution, likely increasing its appeal to consumers and investors alike.
Contact and Social Media
- Website: [thingtesting.com](https://thingtesting.com)
- Jenny Gyllander's LinkedIn: [Jenny Gyllander](https://www.linkedin.com/in/gyllanderjenny)
- Instagram: [Jenny Gyllander](https://www.instagram.com/gyllanderjenny/?hl=en)
Competitor Profile
Overview
With an annual revenue of $2.4 million and a team of 20 employees, Thingtesting is a significant player in the product review sector, acting as a guide to new brands and establishing a notable presence in the consumer review field.
Key Competitors
Thingtesting faces competition from various brands offering solutions in product reviews and consumer insights:
- Disco Brands: Specializes in streetwear fashion with technology aimed at enhancing consumer engagement through brand discovery.
- Honest Brand Reviews: Focuses on providing informed shopping decisions for consumers, backed by partnerships with caring brands, with a workforce of 11-50 employees.
- Quince: Operates on a manufacturer-to-consumer model, emphasizing quality fashion and home goods. Recently raised $120 million in a Series C funding round, indicating strong financial support for expansion.
- Influenster: Hosts over 38 million product reviews, connecting consumers with products backed by a substantial community and extensive partner collaborations.
- Sitejabber: Leverages AI-enabled platforms for customer review management, enhancing business reputations and revenue through technological capabilities.
Strategic Insights
In this competitive environment, Thingtesting can pursue several strategies to bolster its market standing:
1. Leverage Core Strengths: Continue focusing on niche brand discovery and consumer insights, enhancing user engagement with personalized review experiences.
2. Expand Strategic Partnerships: Form alliances with brands similar to Influenster’s model, diversifying content offerings and increasing brand credibility.
3. Invest in Technology: Integrate advanced AI tools for deeper consumer insights, aligning with Sitejabber’s technological advantages.
4. Emulate Quince’s Model: Adopt direct-to-consumer strategies to improve customer satisfaction through streamlined delivery and consumer experience.
5. Enhance Community Engagement: Develop initiatives to boost user interactions that yield valuable consumer insights, similar to competitors' capabilities.
By understanding and adapting to these competitive dynamics, Thingtesting can strengthen its brand and influence within the market while capitalizing on unique market insights.
