What's Inside

The “Shark Reef” Startup Pitch returns to Shoptalk Spring, where cutting-edge innovators will compete for the Judges’ Choice and Audience Choice awards.

We preview the competition in this report, so you can head to the event already in the know! Dive into the competition’s format and judging panel as well as the 12 participating retail-technology providers. From AI (artificial intelligence) to personalization to supply chain optimization, the startups are redefining retail with tech solutions that enhance the customer experience and drive business efficiencies.

Coresight Research is a research partner of Shoptalk Spring 2025, an annual conference that explores the latest trends, innovations and challenges in the retail industry. Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research, will emcee the Startup Pitch and serve as the lead judge.

Shoptalk Spring 2025 will take place during March 25–27 at the Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This report has been updated since first published to reflect changes to the Startup Pitch lineup. 

Other relevant research:

• Retail 2025: 10 Trends in Retail Technology
• Retail 2025: 10 AI Trends—An Inflection Point in the GenAI Revolution
• Visit the Coresight Research Retail Technology Hub to explore reports, data and competitive landscapes on technology.

More on Shoptalk Spring:

• The Coresight Research Innovator Profile series provides more detail on each innovator set to compete in the Startup Pitch.
• Essential Guide to Shoptalk Spring 2025: Navigating the Future of Customer-Centric Retail with AI and Unified Commerce
• Catch up on insights from previous Shoptalk events and look out for our daily coverage of Shoptalk Spring 2025 here.
• Meet the Coresight Research team at Shoptalk Spring 2025.