Retail startup Another raises a $2.5M seed to help sell excess inventory

Corina Marshall, with over a decade of experience in retail digital marketing, identified significant shortcomings in the industry’s approach to managing unsold inventory. Many retail brands traditionally resort to discount retailers like Nordstrom Rack to offload excess items, but this often results in financial losses due to inefficient inventory management. The process is cumbersome, with products scattered across various warehouses, leading to uncertainty about their value and optimal timing for sales. "The lag in the off-channel inventory funnel complicates the movement of products to locations that are most beneficial for brands and retailers," Marshall explained in an interview with TechCrunch. To tackle this challenge, she founded Another in 2024, introducing a software solution designed to streamline the management of unsold goods. The secondary market for excess stock is characterized by strict timelines and fluctuating pricing, which means retailers need immediate access to real-time data and coordination to ensure that items transition smoothly from retail to storage and then to sales points. Another integrates with existing software systems, including those handling customer returns, to centralize data and workflows across an organization. This integration empowers teams with unified access to information, enhancing decision-making processes. On Tuesday, Another announced a successful seed funding round of $2.5 million, led by Anthemis FIL and Westbound. Marshall connected with her lead investors through an industry event last year, and the funding will accelerate product development and expand the team. While she acknowledges competitors like Ghost, which also offers solutions for unsold inventory, Another aims to assist brands in managing excess stock before resorting to bulk resellers, who often sell items at steep discounts—something many brands wish to avoid. Marshall emphasized that Another’s technology delivers real-time analytics, equipping teams with the insights needed to make informed decisions on inventory movement. This approach aims to enhance both profitability and sustainability, as unsold goods are frequently destroyed if not sold quickly. She envisions a future where consumers enjoy better prices and options, while brands and retailers increase profitability and minimize waste, creating a mutually beneficial scenario for all parties involved.