Edinburgh-based tech firm Shoply has been listed at number 67 on the Startups 100, the UK’s longest running index of disruptive new startups.
The Startups 100 showcases new businesses which demonstrate innovation, solid financials, economic impact, and the ability to scale.
An online marketplace that connects independent retailers to consumers in a digital space, Shoply provides a service-oriented retail product for convenience-minded consumers. The platform launched in 2016, initially as Drinkly: a drinks-on-demand delivery service, promising chilled beers, wines, spirits and more store-to-door in one hour.
A natural progression for Drinkly was to extend into a genuine convenience offering; it rebranded to Shoply in May 2020 to reflect this change in focus. The move to convenience home delivery has taken on increased significance during the Covid-19 pandemic; sales have risen by over 500% and Shoply is now available in 40 locations throughout the UK.
Shoply is currently collaborating with the Scottish Grocers’ Federation on a partnership that will see the home delivery platform piloted across several SGF member stores.
John Robertson, founder and CEO of Shoply, said: “Convenience store operators have stepped up to the plate in bridging a gap where supermarkets have failed in the delivery of goods to people in significantly reduced timeframes and what our marketplace does is connect these stores to their community in a safe and secure online shopping space. We’re really honoured to be listed in the Startups 100.”
