Retail-tech Mercado Único raised $395K in pre-seed funding led by US accelerator TechStars, as the only Brazilian startup of this batch selected for the JP Morgan-backed program. Brazilian accelerator Strive and several angel investors also participated in the round.
Mercado Único’s AI-powered platform connects retailers and distributors to manufacturers who offer products nearing their expiration dates or with cosmetic defects at discounted prices. With this solution, Mercado Único prevents suppliers from incurring additional disposal costs and reduces excess stock waste.
“Our focus is to be a complete solution for manufacturers with excess of inventory. Mercado Único helps with pricing strategy, demand forecasting and the marketing of goods,” said Leonardo Mencarini, CEO of Mercado Único.
According to the World Resources Institute, Brazil wastes approximately 41 million tons of food per year. Mercado Único’s goal is to save 600,000 kg of food in 2024 and reach $10M in sales by 2025.
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