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The Startup Pitch returns to Shoptalk Spring 2026, spotlighting early-stage technologies redefining customer experience across retail and commerce. Each curated session will feature five high-growth startups competing across two categories: Technologies Driving Operational Efficiencies and Technologies Reinventing Customer Experience.
Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research, will serve as emcee, leading a dynamic format where Founder-CEOs deliver rapid-fire, three-minute pitches followed by direct, high-impact questioning from an expert panel of judges. Each presentation will showcase how the solution drives measurable innovation and impact across the retail value chain.
Attendees won’t just watch—they’ll participate. Audience members will rate each startup live to determine the Audience Choice Award winner, creating an interactive forum to discover and evaluate the technologies shaping retail’s future.
Learn more and register to attend here
CEO and Founder
Coresight Research Moderator
Partner
NEA Moderator
SVP, Head of Digital and Ecommerce
Kendra Scott Moderator
General Partner
Commerce Ventures Moderator
Founder & CEO
Azoma
Co-Founder & CEO
Autolane
CEO
Bayezon AI
Flock AI
Coframe
Ethosphere
Merchkit
ShopSight
This Shark Reef Startup Pitch session features five outstanding, early-stage tech solutions that focus on customer experience. Each Founder/CEO will present for three minutes, and answer tough questions about their business from our panel of fierce judges.
Moderators:
Deborah Weinswig | Founder & CEO, Coresight Research
Danielle Lay | Partner, NEA
Kamanasish Kundu | SVP, Head of Digital and Ecommerce, Kendra Scott
Speakers:
Ben Seidl | Co-Founder & CEO, Autolane
Rajan Balasundaram | CEO, Bayezon AI
Evan Smith | Co-Founder & CEO, Ethosphere
Bijan Vaez | Founder & CEO, Merchkit
