Have you ever wondered why some online brands forge stronger connections with their customers or why certain e-commerce businesses consistently outperform their competitors? The answer might be simpler than you think: mobile apps. In today’s digital landscape, a dedicated mobile app can be the key to fostering customer loyalty and driving sales. However, for many merchants, the cost and complexity of creating and maintaining these apps have been significant barriers—until now.
Enter Reactiv, a groundbreaking platform co-founded by Ross Correia (CEO) and Zack Elias (COO), that makes mobile app creation accessible to e-commerce merchants of all sizes. We're thrilled to announce that Bonfire Ventures has led their $5 million Seed round, with participation from Foxe Capital, Dahher Capital, and Alumni Ventures.
Redefining Mobile App Creation for E-Commerce
Reactiv is the first AI-forward app platform that empowers Shopify merchants to create a seamless, fully customized mobile app for their store within seconds. Unlike other solutions that require days or even weeks of manual work, Reactiv uses advanced AI to automatically generate app content based on the merchant’s existing mobile site. This not only speeds up the process, but also ensures that the app stays updated without the need for ongoing maintenance from an engineering team. Additionally, Reactiv’s upcoming launch of app clips—hybrid versions of apps that allow customers to interact with key features without downloading—will further enhance its appeal. This innovation enables brands to send push notifications to customers who engage with targeted advertising, offering a free alternative to traditional retargeting campaigns. Customers we spoke to during the due diligence process said that choosing Reactiv was a no brainer. They provide a higher quality solution to a massive pain point at a fraction of the cost of alternatives.
A Team Built for Success
Ross and Zack are awesome. From the first call I knew they were founders I wanted to back. Not only do they have the perfect background to solve the problem they’re building for, they’re also just good humans. Ross and Zack met as operators in a little-known company called Shopify, where they began building their expertise in the ecosystem. They both went on to work at Plobal and saw the massive opportunity around mobile apps - including how broken current solutions are - for the first time. Anyone who invests in companies that serve the Shopify ecosystem knows how difficult it is to navigate go-to-market. Ross & Zack’s clarity around how they were going to execute immediately made them outliers in an otherwise complicated space.
Since investing, it’s been more of the same - grit, dedication, curiosity and a collaborative spirit. The kind of founders we always hope to partner with.
Early Traction and Proof Points
The amount of traction the company has achieved in just over a year of operating has been extraordinary. One of the things we’ve been most impressed by is the founders’ remarkable ability to move fast. When we met in Spring ‘24 they had quit their jobs, started the company, gotten a complex MVP out the door and established a waitlist of 80+ brands eager to use the product all in the span of 6 months. One of their flagship customers, Missouri Star Quilt Company (a $200 million revenue brand with a dedicated following), was so impressed with Reactiv’s platform that they became both a customer and investor in the company. This kind of validation at such an early stage speaks volumes about the importance of Reactiv’s place in the market.
What's Next: Scaling for Success
With fresh funding in hand, Reactiv is gearing up for significant growth. The company has already tripled its team size, adding top AI/ML engineering talent to support its ambitious goals. For Shopify merchants looking to elevate their e-commerce business, Reactiv offers a powerful solution. Whether you're interested in a more affordable self-service option or an enterprise-level solution, Reactiv has tailored offerings to suit businesses of all sizes.
Visit their website to learn more about how Reactiv can revolutionize your mobile app strategy and drive your e-commerce success.
