OneText Secures $4.5M in Funding to Revolutionize Text-Based Shopping
📷 Image source: techcrunch.com
OneText, a startup aiming to transform the way consumers shop via text messaging, has raised $4.5 million in a funding round led by Y Combinator and Khosla Ventures. The company’s innovative platform allows users to browse, inquire about, and purchase products entirely through SMS or messaging apps, eliminating the need for traditional e-commerce websites or apps.
According to the company, the funding will be used to expand its team, enhance its AI-driven shopping assistant, and forge partnerships with retailers. OneText’s approach targets convenience, particularly for users in regions with limited internet access or those who prefer simpler, more direct shopping methods.
Additional research highlights the growing trend of conversational commerce, with companies like Shopify and WhatsApp integrating similar features. Analysts suggest that text-based shopping could appeal to older demographics and emerging markets where mobile usage outweighs desktop internet access.
OneText’s CEO emphasized that the platform is designed to be intuitive, requiring no app downloads or complex navigation. Early pilot programs reportedly saw strong engagement, with users completing purchases in just a few text exchanges.
The funding round also included participation from several angel investors, signaling broader confidence in the future of chat-based retail experiences.
