JUST Raises €8M Seed Funding to Drive European Expansion with Commerce 3.0 Approach
JUST, an emerging player in the retail technology space, has secured €8 million in seed funding, bringing its total funding to over €11 million. Founded in 2022, this Paris-based startup is backed by leading investors including Backed (lead), Daphni, Otium, and FJ Labs. JUST aims to redefine the e-commerce experience by providing an innovative plug-and-play checkout solution that enhances both purchasing efficiency and marketing integration, driving significant revenue growth for merchants. This latest funding will support their European expansion and continued investment in research and development.
A Game-Changer for E-Commerce: JUST's Plug-and-Play Checkout Solution
JUST has developed a revolutionary checkout solution designed to streamline the e-commerce purchasing process while enhancing sales opportunities for merchants. The plug-and-play system is simple for merchants to integrate into their existing platforms, offering a seamless upgrade that combines the efficiency of a fast checkout with strategic marketing elements like upselling and cross-selling. This fusion has enabled JUST's solution to increase merchant revenue by an average of 10-15%, a significant boost compared to traditional methods.
The startup's plug-and-play checkout solution allows merchants to onboard with minimal effort while enjoying sophisticated features that drive results. The combination of efficient purchasing and integrated marketing triggers transforms the checkout experience, making it not just a point of sale but an opportunity to engage customers and encourage additional purchases. In fact, JUST's metrics show performance that is four times higher compared to the popular "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services, demonstrating its effectiveness and impact on the bottom line.
Leading the Charge into Commerce 3.0
JUST envisions itself at the forefront of "Commerce 3.0"—the next phase in the evolution of online shopping. Commerce 3.0 is all about breaking away from the traditional centralized shopping model to create a decentralized, highly personalized shopping experience. JUST's approach taps into the increasing consumer demand for versatility and ease by enabling transactions across multiple channels, including social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and even in-store environments.
The ability to integrate shopping across these diverse platforms represents a major leap forward in creating a unified shopping experience that mirrors the preferences of modern consumers. JUST leverages dynamic, real-time adjustments in shopping interactions based on customer behavior, ensuring that every checkout experience is as smooth and personalized as possible. This vision caters to the needs of a new generation of consumers who expect high engagement and seamless transitions between online and offline shopping environments.
Multi-Channel Integration for a Seamless Shopping Experience
A standout feature of JUST's checkout solution is its multi-channel integration. By enabling purchases across various channels, such as social media, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and in-store interactions, JUST brings a holistic approach to retail. This multi-channel integration bridges the gap between online and offline experiences, offering consumers a consistent journey regardless of the touchpoint they use.
For merchants, this flexibility represents a significant advantage in adapting to consumer habits, where shoppers expect to browse and buy wherever they are—whether on Instagram, through a chat on WhatsApp, or even while visiting a physical store. JUST empowers merchants to meet customers where they are, while maintaining a consistent and high-quality purchasing experience.
Significant Growth Metrics and Market Traction
Since its launch, JUST has gained considerable traction in the market, with over 1 million users and more than 500 merchants already adopting its solution. These impressive metrics underline the appeal and effectiveness of the JUST checkout experience for both merchants and consumers. The company’s innovative system outperforms traditional BNPL services by a factor of four, offering higher efficiency, increased conversions, and improved user satisfaction.
According to Andre de Haes, co-founder of lead investor Backed, JUST has demonstrated "strong conversion and share of wallet metrics." This is a testament to the company’s focus on delivering measurable value to merchants by improving not only checkout efficiency but also encouraging greater customer spending.
Strategic Expansion: Entering the UK and Beyond
With fresh funding in hand, JUST is embarking on an ambitious expansion strategy. The startup plans to strengthen its leadership position in the French market while expanding into the broader European landscape, starting with the United Kingdom—Europe’s largest e-commerce market. This move is designed to position JUST as a dominant force in one of the continent's most competitive e-commerce environments.
The company’s growth strategy is also heavily focused on continued investment in research and development to stay ahead of the curve in e-commerce technology. This includes recruiting top talent to further advance its plug-and-play checkout solution and refine the Commerce 3.0 model that JUST champions. By bringing together the best minds in retail tech, JUST aims to deliver increasingly sophisticated shopping experiences that resonate with consumers and boost revenue for merchants.
Cons and Challenges: Potential Barriers to Success
Despite its many advantages, JUST faces several challenges that could potentially hinder its success. One major concern is the implementation challenges that merchants might face. Integrating a new checkout system, even a plug-and-play one, into existing e-commerce platforms can present technical complexities. This process might require significant resources and technical support, which could be a barrier for smaller merchants with limited IT capabilities.
Another key challenge is consumer adaptation. While younger consumers are often eager to adopt new technologies, there is a segment of the market that may be resistant to change. Convincing these consumers to transition to a new checkout model requires building trust and ensuring a frictionless experience that meets their expectations. Addressing the needs of a diverse customer base is essential for widespread adoption.
Additionally, the e-commerce landscape is highly competitive, with numerous solutions vying to improve the checkout process and enhance the customer experience. JUST will need to clearly differentiate itself from other providers and continuously demonstrate its unique advantages to stand out in the crowded market. Competing against well-established payment solutions and checkout technologies means JUST must consistently innovate to maintain its edge.
Vision for the Future: Serving the Next Generation of Consumers
JUST’s vision is centered around creating a seamless, integrated shopping experience for the new generation of consumers who value convenience, personalization, and engagement. By breaking down barriers between various shopping channels and emphasizing decentralized, dynamic shopping experiences, JUST is catering to evolving consumer expectations. Whether it’s purchasing directly through social media, chatting on a messaging app, or in-store shopping, JUST’s omnichannel solution ensures that consumers have an easy, enjoyable experience every time.
The company’s focus on efficiency and personalization allows it to meet the needs of a tech-savvy generation that expects speed, simplicity, and intelligent recommendations throughout their shopping journey. With its innovative technology and ambitious expansion plans, JUST is poised to make a substantial impact on the e-commerce landscape in France, the UK, and beyond.
A Bold Step Towards Commerce 3.0
JUST is redefining what e-commerce can be by transforming checkout into a moment of opportunity for merchants and a point of convenience for consumers. With a plug-and-play checkout system that not only simplifies transactions but also drives sales through integrated marketing, JUST is setting the bar for the next phase of online shopping—Commerce 3.0. As the company looks to expand its reach across Europe, its focus remains clear: deliver a superior, seamless, and omnichannel shopping experience for today’s consumers.