Sophie Frères @LiSA. Disrupting retail industry with next gen shoppertainment SaaS

saas.unbound is a podcast for and about founders who are working on scaling inspiring products that people love, brought to you by https://saas.group/ . I’m your host Anna Nadeina, Head of Growth for saas.group.

In this episode #29 we talk with Sophie Frères, Co-founder and CEO of LiSA, a suite of shoppertainment software solutions. Working with some of the biggest brands in retail, they’re on a mission to transform the industry and make shopping fun! We discuss the company’s early strategy of targeting enterprise-level brands and retailers and how they’ve evolved to cater to smaller brands, offering them the opportunity to experiment with shoppable experiences.

Transforming Retail With Shoppertainment Solutions

In the rapidly evolving retail landscape, where consumer expectations are constantly shifting, businesses are seeking innovative ways to engage their customers and drive sales. Enter LiSA, a suite of shoppertainment software solutions that is poised to disrupt the industry. Led by co-founder and CEO Sophie Frères, LiSA is on a mission to transform the way people shop, making the experience more engaging, interactive, and, ultimately, more enjoyable.

Shoppertainment, a term that combines shopping and entertainment, is the core of LiSA’s offering. By integrating live video, interactive features, and gamification elements into the shopping experience, LiSA aims to create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for consumers. This approach not only enhances customer engagement but also drives increased sales and brand loyalty.

From Enterprise to Product-Led Growth

LiSA’s journey has been one of strategic evolution, as the company has navigated the complexities of the retail industry. Initially, the company targeted enterprise-level brands and retailers, leveraging its expertise and tailored solutions to cater to the needs of large-scale players. This approach allowed LiSA to establish a strong foothold in the market and gain valuable insights into the challenges faced by major industry players.

However, as the company’s offerings matured and the demand for shoppertainment solutions grew, LiSA recognized the opportunity to expand its reach and cater to a wider range of businesses. The company has since shifted towards a product-led growth (PLG) strategy, offering its suite of shoppertainment solutions to smaller brands and retailers, empowering them to experiment with and integrate these innovative experiences into their own e-commerce platforms.

This shift has been a game-changer for LiSA, as it has allowed the company to tap into a broader market and provide more businesses with the tools to transform their retail offerings. By democratizing access to shoppertainment solutions, LiSA is enabling smaller players to compete with larger industry giants, leveling the playing field and driving further innovation in the retail sector.

Exploring Social Commerce and Fundraising Strategies

As LiSA continues to evolve, the company has also been exploring the exciting and dynamic world of social commerce. Recognizing the growing importance of social media platforms in the shopping experience, LiSA has been working to integrate its shoppertainment solutions with leading social platforms, allowing brands and retailers to create seamless and engaging shopping experiences directly within these channels.

As major retailers seek to incorporate these innovative approaches into their overall strategies, this move has been very well received. LiSA’s ability to navigate the complexities of social platforms and deliver effective shoppertainment solutions has positioned the company as a valuable partner in the rapidly evolving world of social commerce.

Alongside its product-led growth and social commerce initiatives, LiSA has also been actively exploring fundraising strategies to support its continued expansion and innovation. The company’s success in securing funding from investors who recognize the transformative potential of shoppertainment has been a testament to the strength of its vision and the growing demand for its solutions in the market.

Transforming the Image of Social Commerce

One of the key challenges that LiSA has faced in its journey has been the initial skepticism surrounding the concept of live shopping and social commerce. Many industry players were hesitant to embrace these emerging trends, viewing them as fads or gimmicks rather than sustainable and meaningful solutions.

However, LiSA’s unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful shoppertainment experiences has helped to transform the perception of social commerce. By demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating these solutions into retail strategies, LiSA has been able to overcome the initial skepticism and showcase the true potential of shoppertainment in driving customer engagement, sales, and brand loyalty.

As more businesses witness the success of LiSA’s clients in implementing these innovative approaches, the industry’s perception of social commerce has shifted. What was once viewed as a niche or experimental concept is now being embraced as a critical component of a modern, customer-centric retail strategy.

Family Business and Building Team Culture

Underpinning LiSA’s success is the company’s strong foundation as a family business. With Sophie at the helm, the company has cultivated a unique and vibrant team culture that draws upon the values and principles of family-owned enterprises.

This familial approach has fostered a sense of camaraderie, trust, and shared purpose among LiSA’s employees, who are deeply invested in the company’s mission and committed to driving its growth. By prioritizing the well-being and professional development of its team, LiSA has been able to attract and retain top talent, further strengthening its position as a leader in the shoppertainment space.

As LiSA continues to expand and evolve, the company’s family-oriented culture will undoubtedly play a crucial role in maintaining its competitive edge and fostering a dynamic, innovative work environment. By blending the agility and entrepreneurial spirit of a startup with the stability and long-term vision of a family business, LiSA is poised to continue its transformative journey in the retail industry.