How is big data changing the retail market?

TRP: What do you think is the most exciting new tech development you have seen in the retail market?

OA: By far, big data marketing is the most exciting development I've seen in the retail market. In fact, if you were to talk to Bill Gates, he'd probably say the same thing. He recently said that machine learning is the biggest technology to watch over the next decade.

The reason that big data marketing is so exciting is because it recreates the experience that customers used to have with their local butcher shop. For example, when you walked into the shop, the butcher probably knew exactly what you wanted to order because you built a personal relationship over time.

Today, predictive technology offers customers the same experience – by analysing a customer's behaviour, a retailer can predict a customer's next move, and therefore, market to each individual much more effectively.

TRP: Do you have any further funding rounds on the horizon?

OA: We are series B funded by Mayfield Fund and Sequoia Capital. I can't discuss future plans, but as a rapidly growing start-up, funding rounds are certainly a possibility.

TRP: Do you intend to look at other international markets beyond Europe and the US, if so when?

OA: Today, the United States and the United Kingdom are our two strongest markets. We will continue to grow throughout Europe over time, and we are also beginning to grow our reach in the Asia Pacific region as well.

TRP: How do you believe your proposition fundamentally differs from others in the market?

OA: The first generation platforms from IBM, SAP and Adobe offer in-depth functionality, but they are not easy to use and require lengthy deployment cycles. The start-up point solutions on the market are easy to use, however, they do not offer in-depth, end-to-end functionality like AgilOne does.

AgilOne is the only, all-in-one platform on the market that is both easy to use and offers in-depth functionality. And because AgilOne is cloud-based, customers can get up-and-running very quickly and experience results with their first marketing campaign.

TRP: Where do you expect AgilOne to be in 18 months time?

OA: In 18 months time, we expect to expand our reach among SMB retailers. We will continue our growth in the U.S., Europe and Asia Pacific markets specifically.