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Constructor Raises $25M Series B Led by Sapphire Ventures, Tripling Valuation to $550M

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New capital will fuel further product innovation and international expansion — helping ecommerce companies transform product discovery with AI

SAN FRANCISCO, June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Constructor, the leading AI-powered product discovery and search platform for enterprise ecommerce companies, today announced that it has closed a $25 million Series B round, bringing the company’s valuation to $550 million. This marks a nearly triple valuation since its 2021 Series A and brings total funds raised to date to more than $85 million. Sapphire Ventures led the round with participation from existing investor Silversmith Capital Partners. With this new capital, Constructor will continue to accelerate product development and innovation — applying the cutting-edge clickstream-based AI it pioneered to further improve ecommerce product discovery — and continue its rapid international expansion.

The oversubscribed Series B round came at a time when Constructor was not actively fundraising. The fresh funds also cap off record-setting growth and momentum for the company – with proof points of recent success, including:

Doubled revenue for the third year in a row.Powered more than 100 billion shopper interactions over the past six months, enabling some of the world’s biggest businesses to drive hundreds of millions of personalized experiences every day.Increased headcount by 45% over the past year.Increased overall customer base by 50% over the past year. Leading ecommerce companies and household names — including Under Armour, Petco, Sephora, Birkenstock, Target Australia and many more — use Constructor’s AI to improve how buyers search for and discover the best items for them.Maintained an average 98.5% client retention rate over the last three years, by far the highest in the industry.Unveiled AI Shopping Assistant (ASA), an award-winning conversational product discovery tool blending generative AI with Constructor’s personalization technology.Expanded internationally — particularly across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), where it has tripled revenue since 2022 and increased customer-facing headcount by 133% since the beginning of this year.

“In today’s competitive ecommerce environment, having a powerful AI search solution that can best capture shopper intent is crucial to driving topline revenues — yet until now, existing tech has remained rudimentary,” said Rajeev Dham, Partner at Sapphire Ventures, who will be joining as a Board Director. “With more than a decade of experience in the field, Eli and the team at Constructor have developed a state-of-the-art, AI ecommerce search engine that has delivered best-in-class ROI for many household enterprise brands. We are incredibly excited to partner with the team as they set a new standard in powering a hyper-personalized shopper experience.”

Eli Finkelshteyn, CEO and Co-founder of Constructor, said: “We’re very proud of this fundraise, but it’s important for us to remember that it’s only a symptom of doing good work for our customers. If we don’t use this to do better for them, then we’re missing the point. We started Constructor off with what, at the time, seemed like a crazy idea to most of our industry: that learning shoppers’ preferences via AI can give them a far better search and product discovery experience than simply matching on the keywords they type. We believe putting AI at the core of our system from the beginning has played a large role in the successes we’ve been able to bring our customers — but also believe there’s always room to serve them better, and that’s the main thing we want to use this investment for. Our success will always be a symptom and function of theirs. And through our partnerships with Sapphire Ventures and Silversmith Capital Partners, we’re extremely excited to build out more ecommerce functionality and expand to additional geographies — driving more value for our customers around the world.”

Constructor is well-positioned to continue its relentless pace of product innovation, helping customers apply multiple types of AI — including advanced algorithms, machine learning, large language models, transformers, natural language processing, generative AI and more — to improve product discovery while optimizing for ecommerce metrics that matter. Even as many retailers are tightening their belts under current economic conditions, there has been strong and escalating demand for Constructor’s platform, with companies doubling down on their investments to improve the customer experience. Customers report results including: 16.5% increase in average order value, 247% increase in revenue per visit, 13% increase in search conversions, 92% increase in recommendations conversions, a $40 million increase in revenue, greater than 20x ROI and more.

Leading pet health and wellness retailer Petco recently turned to Constructor to power and personalize search results, browse experiences, product recommendations and landing pages across its website and mobile app — driving a 13% increase in ecommerce conversions and 4% increase in site-wide revenue.

“The thing we liked about Constructor was that not only was it real AI, specifically made for our industry, but that their AI is incredibly transparent,” said Tony Gabriele, Vice President of Digital Strategy, Petco. “None of it is black box – so we don’t have to guess what it’s doing or why – and when we have questions, the Constructor team is always happy to talk us through it. We evaluated every vendor on the market, and Constructor was just different. The system is easy to use, the team is motivated and delightful to work with, and most importantly, it paid for itself plus the cost of switching in less than a year after we implemented it.”

According to a Forrester blog, “Improving product discovery is one of the most effective ways to have a meaningful, positive impact on digital metrics, with a clearly attributable return and relatively low investment (in terms of cost for tech and time to value).” Constructor’s technology and vision play a key role in this, and Constructor was recently ranked highest in the strategy category in “The Forrester Wave™: Commerce Search And Product Discovery, Q3 2023.”

“AI-first companies like Constructor are leading a shift in software away from simply offering workflow management, towards delivering business results,” said Silversmith General Partner, Sri Rao. “We are encouraged by the company’s ability to maintain its dedication to innovation and customer success while navigating rapid growth since our initial investment, and are excited to both expand our commitment as well as welcome Sapphire Ventures as Constructor enters the next phase of growth.”

About Constructor
Constructor is the only search and product discovery platform tailor-made for enterprise ecommerce where conversions matter. Constructor’s AI-first solutions make it easier for shoppers to discover products they want to buy and for ecommerce teams to deliver personalized experiences in real time that drive impressive results. Optimizing specifically for ecommerce metrics like revenue, conversion rate and profit, Constructor generates consistent $10M+ lifts for some of the biggest brands in ecommerce, such as Sephora, Petco, Birkenstock, The Very Group, home24, Grove Collaborative and Fisheries Supply. Constructor is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2015 by Eli Finkelshteyn and Dan McCormick. For more, visit: constructor.com

About Sapphire Ventures
Sapphire is a global software venture capital firm with more than $10 billion in AUM and team members across Austin, London, Menlo Park and San Francisco. For over a decade, Sapphire has partnered with visionary management teams and venture funds to back companies of consequence. Since its founding, Sapphire has invested in more than 170 companies globally resulting in more than 30 Public Listings and 45 acquisitions. The firm’s investment strategies — Sapphire Ventures, Sapphire Partners and Sapphire Sport — are focused on scaling companies and venture funds, elevating them to become category leaders. Sapphire’s Portfolio Growth team of experienced operators delivers a strategic blend of value-add services, tools and resources designed to support portfolio company leaders as they scale.

About Silversmith Capital Partners
Founded in 2015, Silversmith Capital Partners is a Boston-based growth equity firm with $3.3 billion of capital under management. Silversmith’s mission is to partner with and support the best entrepreneurs in growing, profitable technology and healthcare companies. Representative investments include ActiveCampaign, Appfire, Apryse, DistroKid, impact.com, Iodine Software, LifeStance Health, Onbe, and Webflow. For more information, including a full list of portfolio investments, visit www.silversmith.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/constructor-raises-25m-series-b-led-by-sapphire-ventures-tripling-valuation-to-550m-302174068.html

SOURCE Constructor

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IP GUANGDONG debuts at the Media Center of APEC Economic Leaders’ Week

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1 hour ago

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November 15, 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South.

The media center for the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week opened on November 11 in the host city of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, southern China.

Located in Hall 2 of the Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center in Futian District, the APEC media center spans around 15,000 square meters. It will offer services including meeting updates, radio and television broadcast feeds, press briefings, and smart news gathering and production tools for nearly 5000 Chinese and international journalists.

IP GUANGDONG, a community open to anyone who wants to share Guangdong’s stories with the world, has set up a themed space called “A Home for Asia-Pacific Friends” at the APEC media center. The space offers Chinese and international journalists a friendly, homelike atmosphere and has been a popular photo spot since opening day.

What unique experiences does IP GUANGDONG offer at the APEC media center? Here is a first look.

Bringing Guangdong’s hospitality to the front lines of reporting

Openness, innovation and cooperation are the three priorities for the APEC China 2026, and they also reflect Guangdong’s approach to welcoming guests. Through “A Home for Asia-Pacific Friends,” IP GUANGDONG is using the occasion to build friendships and offer thoughtful, welcoming services to journalists from around the world. Reporters coming to Shenzhen may be unfamiliar with the city, find it hard to source material, have little space to film on camera or lack equipment, so IP GUANGDONG has set up a range of support services in the themed space.

IP GUANGDONG is a shared platform for Guangdong’s international image, and its library holds more than 50,000 high-quality images and videos from and about the province. Its “Visual Content Station,” located within the themed space, allows Chinese and international journalists to quickly purchase and license high-quality images and footage of Guangdong, providing a one-stop solution to difficulties in sourcing content and uncertainty over usage rights.

In the age of new media, news production moves at almost lightning speed. With a Pocket camera in one hand and a microphone in the other, a single reporter can gather and edit news right at the scene.

To support this way of working, IP GUANGDONG has teamed up with its partner DJI to set up a dedicated DJI service station, where Chinese and international journalists can borrow Osmo Pocket 4 cameras. Reporters can register on site with valid media credentials and borrow a camera for their reporting. During breaks, they can also capture the beauty and variety of Shenzhen, sharing their images with the world through IP GUANGDONG.

Discovering and sharing stories behind Guangdong products

Guangdong goods have continued to attract attention online and offline this year. Their global reach is underpinned not only by Guangdong’s strength in smart manufacturing, but also by the cultural appeal embedded in its products. Every Guangdong product has a story worth telling. Drawing on this rich source of news stories, IP GUANGDONG has teamed up with its partners to display a diverse selection of finely crafted Guangdong products at the themed space’s service counter, giving journalists a place to discover local creations and find inspiration.

Reflecting the current boom in designer collectible toys, IP GUANGDONG is showcasing a range of representative designer toy brands and characters from Guangdong. Highlights include dolls featuring Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, the mascots of the 15th National Games, who have just turned two. Also on display are 3D metal puzzles from Piececool and original characters Laura and the panda Mr. PA from ToyCity. Both companies behind these two brands are based in Dongguan, known as China’s designer toy capital. Also featured are Guangdong’s “three teas”: Yingde black tea, Chaozhou Dancong tea and Zijin cicada tea. Rich in positive symbolism, they offer a vivid introduction to Lingnan culture.

By introducing the products on display in this compact showcase, IP GUANGDONG will work with visiting journalists to explore the stories behind them and share with the world the message that “Guangdong products make the world better.”

Exploring Guangdong without leaving the venue

The IP GUANGDONG themed space also invites visitors to enjoy interactive experiences. Between assignments, journalists can relax and take away their own memories of Guangdong from the APEC China 2026.

At the center of the space, IP GUANGDONG has installed a photo booth where journalists can create personalized postcards featuring Guangdong’s landmarks and scenery. Visitors simply step inside, have their photo taken and choose their favorite Guangdong backdrop. Their custom postcard is generated on the spot, taking them on a virtual tour of the province without leaving the venue.

All 16 landmark images were captured by IP GUANGDONG creators. They include Zhao Junhui’s photograph of the Shenzhen International Exchange Center, the main APEC meeting venue; Liu Shihui’s image of Danxiashan in Shaoguan; Luo Jinping’s view of the “Sea of Pineapples” in Zhanjiang; and Qiu Xuqing’s photograph of the Zhongshan Memorial Pavilion in Shantou Small Park. Each image reveals a different facet of Lingnan’s beauty and reflects the platform’s vision: “Everyone creates, everyone showcases, everyone shares.”

IP GUANGDONG has also prepared 2,000 surprise gift bags for Chinese and international journalists. The bags contain Guangdong specialty snacks, everyday essentials, small cultural and creative gifts, and postcards from the “Snacks of Guangdong” series illustrated by guest contributor XiaoLin Comics. These gifts bring an element of surprise and fun to journalists’ day.

A space to connect: Say “Hello, friend!”

The APEC media center is both a place for Chinese and international journalists to work efficiently and a setting for face-to-face conversation and for sharing observations and experiences. The IP GUANGDONG themed space includes a dedicated area for interviews, discussions and cultural exchanges.

As visitors enter, they are greeted by the words “Hello, friend!” in 12 major languages used across APEC member economies.

On the columns flanking the space, IP GUANGDONG and Chinese tech brand HONOR present “Home Through the Lenses of Asia-Pacific Creators,” a collection of photographs created collaboratively by contributors from around the world. Images from across the Asia-Pacific are displayed alongside scenes of Lingnan, bringing different cultures into conversation through photography.

On the way from the work area to the dining area, journalists can enjoy a calming visual interlude at “Asia-Pacific Perspectives: Impressions of Guangdong,” an illustration exhibition jointly produced by IP GUANGDONG and China Daily. It features 40 selected works by illustrators from APEC member economies, including China, the US, Russia, Japan, Singapore and Indonesia. Guangdong’s streets and lanes, natural landscapes and the warmth of the Asia-Pacific family come to life in their illustrations. Journalists are invited to slow down, glimpse one another’s lives in familiar scenes, unwind and feel a little closer.

Don’t miss out! It’s giveaway time!

How to claim your IP GUANGDONG surprise gift bag

Dates and times: November 11–19, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 2:00–6:00 p.m.

How to claim: Scan the QR codes to follow IP GUANGDONG’s WeChat Official Account and WeChat Channels account. Then scan the registration QR code to join the platform and upload your first snapshot to receive a surprise gift bag.

Availability: Limited to 200 bags per day, on a first-come, first-served basis.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ip-guangdong-debuts-at-the-media-center-of-apec-economic-leaders-week-302939601.html

SOURCE South

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The First Cartridge-Free Smart Waterless Diffuser Is Here. What Would You Fill It With?

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6 hours ago

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November 14, 2026

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Lephrone set out to solve a frustration for customers who want smart control over their home fragrance and the freedom to choose their own oils. The H300 is the first waterless diffuser to combine cartridge-free refills, Wi-Fi app control, smart home integration, and an in-app fragrance oil library with scanning and personal notes. Customers can use their favorite compatible oils, create their own blends, and use the app to set a scenting schedule and track how much oil is left.

NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — “There are thousands of fragrance oils out there, so why lock yourself into just one brand?” said a Lephrone developer.

“Lephrone took the best of the diffuser world and left the worst behind.”

We wanted to make a device for people who need a ritual to unwind and want more control over their surroundings. There’s a whole world of sensory experiences out there, and our goal was to bring the way you manage scent at home into the digital world.

With the H300 lephrone diffuser, we kept what we liked about smart cartridge-based diffusers: Wi-Fi connectivity, lephrone app, voice control, and the ability to recognize oils and track how much is left. We made sure it supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. We also did away with what frustrated us most: never-ending subscriptions, cartridges that run out too quickly, and limits on which oils you can use. With the H300, you get to choose the oils you want and create blends you love.

We also added support for multiple users and multiple diffusers, so everyone in the household can control the devices and set schedules. The H300 can run even when it’s offline.

We’re releasing our own fragrances, too. In the app, you can scan them into your personal fragrance library and write down how a scent made you feel, whether you liked it, and what others at home thought of it. That matters because after trying a few oils, it’s easy to forget which one you loved most or which one everyone else kept asking for.

We’re rolling this out to more Lephrone models next. Stay tuned.

Media Contact

Elina, Lephrone, 1 6463844148, info@lephrone.com, Lephrone

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/the-first-cartridge-free-smart-waterless-diffuser-is-here-what-would-you-fill-it-with-302939367.html

SOURCE Lephrone

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HONGQI EHS4 Set for Global Debut in Venice: Eastern Elegance Arrives in Europe

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7 hours ago

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November 14, 2026

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VENICE, Italy, Nov. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HONGQI, one of China’s leading automotive marques, will introduce its all-new all-electric SUV, HONGQI EHS4, to the European market. Making its global debut in Venice, Italy, on 16 November 2026, the EHS4 marks another milestone in the brand’s international expansion.

68 Years of Heritage: A Distinctive Expression of Modern Luxury
Founded in 1958, HONGQI has spent 68 years building its automotive heritage through independent innovation, engineering excellence, and craftsmanship. Guided by a longstanding commitment to quality and safety, the brand continues to bring its distinctive heritage to a global audience.

With its Munich Advanced Design Centre, HONGQI combines global design perspectives with its rich Eastern heritage. Guided by a European Neoclassical Design Philosophy, the EHS4 brings together Eastern design influences and global aesthetics. Developed around European consumer needs, it represents HONGQI’s first model tailored specifically for Europe.

HONGQI EHS4: A New Choice for All-Electric Mobility
Bringing together Eastern and Western design aesthetics, HONGQI EHS4 balances distinctive styling, driving comfort and everyday practicality. Its Celadon Paint draws inspiration from the refined beauty of traditional Longquan celadon, while the Eyes of Infinite Allure lighting design creates a distinctive visual identity. Inside, the Crystal Control Knob adds an elegant touch to the cabin.

With a driving range of up to 470 kilometres and fast-charging capability of approximately 20 minutes, the EHS4 is designed for convenient everyday electric mobility. Its 87.4% space utilization makes intelligent use of interior space, enhancing passenger comfort and practicality.

Safety and quality remain central to its development. Equipped with seven airbags and intelligent driver-assistance technologies, the EHS4 draws on FAW’s more than 70 years of automotive manufacturing expertise to deliver advanced technology, refined driving quality, and dependable vehicle performance.

Venice: A New Chapter in Europe
On 16 November 2026, HONGQI EHS4 will make its global debut at the Scuola Grande di Santa Maria della Misericordia in Venice. The event will bring together European dealers, media representatives, and industry guests to witness an important milestone in HONGQI’s European journey.

A distinctive expression of Eastern elegance, now coming to Europe.

SOURCE HONGQI

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