Sensei builds contactless, autonomous store systems that use computer vision, AI-powered sensors, and real-time algorithms to automatically update customers' carts and present ready-to-pay item lists while protecting identity and privacy. The platform gives retailers real-time visibility into operations, reduces checkout costs, and helps prevent stock-outs. The company says it nearly doubled its number of stores over the past year and now operates with clients in Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, and Brazil. Sensei aims to reach 1,000 fully autonomous points of sale by 2026 and plans expansion into central and northern Europe. Financially, Sensei recently raised a €15 million Series A and previously closed a $6.5 million (€5.4 million) Seed in 2021. Sensei develops a proprietary platform that combines cameras, sensors and AI to enable checkout-free grab-and-go stores and forecourt formats. The platform allows retailers to automate existing and new stores, manage inventory in real time, and access insights into store usage. The startup plans to scale its R&D and launch new stores following the funding. Sensei positions itself against competitors such as Trigo and in a market where Amazon is selling cashierless store technology to other retailers. The company was founded by Vasco Portugal (CEO, ex-MIT), Joana Rafael (COO), Nuno Moutinho (CTO) and Paulo Carreira (CSO). It is based in Lisbon. Sensei, founded last year in Portugal, develops AI-powered algorithms for cameras that gather and analyse data on people and product performance in physical stores. The company says the data is anonymous and GDPR-compliant. Its product aims to help brick-and-mortar retailers close the data and insights gap with e-commerce by providing analytics on what drives shopping and product performance. Sensei's stated mission is to digitize physical stores and create smart stores that intuitively understand the needs of customers and employees to deliver more convenient, personalized shopping experiences. The startup participated in Metro and Techstars' retail accelerator last year. It has positioned its analytics as tools for retailers to implement changes that grow in-store sales.

Total raised

$25M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Oct 2024