How expert-driven AI for e-commerce is transforming online shopping
Most online shoppers abandon their carts because they don’t get the guidance they need during the decision-making process. That’s where expert-driven AI for e-commerce is making a game-changing difference. Startups like Remark are blending real human insights with artificial intelligence to create a more personalized and informed shopping experience—similar to talking with a helpful store assistant. This innovative approach helps users feel more confident in their purchases and boosts conversion rates significantly. Remark, a startup pioneering this model, recently raised $16 million in Series A funding to expand its human-in-the-loop AI platform for e-commerce.
Image Credits:Remark
Instead of relying solely on historical data or third-party sources, Remark trains its AI models using live conversations between real experts and shoppers. These interactions not only help customers make better buying decisions but also serve as valuable datasets for improving AI performance. Remark’s platform also creates expert AI personas that can answer customer questions 24/7, making expert advice continuously available. This hybrid model has already led to a 10% net revenue increase for their partners—an encouraging result for retailers and investors alike.
Remark’s unique approach to building expert-driven AI for e-commerce
What makes Remark stand out is how it uses human expertise not just as a temporary feature but as the core input to its AI system. When a customer visits an online store powered by Remark, the system generates tailored questions to guide them through their purchase. For example, if someone is shopping for cookware, the site might ask whether they’re using a gas or induction stovetop. These prompts spark a real-time chat with a trained expert who can recommend the right product based on the user’s needs.
Once the human expert provides advice, the platform stores the interaction to train its AI models. Over time, this allows Remark to create intelligent agent personas that can replicate expert knowledge at scale. By blending real-time human support with continuously improving AI models, Remark offers online shoppers the kind of help they typically find in physical stores. According to CEO Theo Satloff, this approach aims to bridge the conversion gap between in-store (30–35%) and online (around 1.5%) shopping experiences.
Funding boost fuels Remark’s expert-powered AI strategy
With $16 million in new funding led by Inspired Capital—and backing from Stripe, Neo, Spero Ventures, Shine Capital, and Visible Ventures—Remark is poised to accelerate its growth. The company plans to expand its 25-person team and invest heavily in AI model training. This investment brings its total funding to $27 million, reinforcing confidence in its business model. Remark is also evolving its monetization strategy, shifting from a revenue-sharing model to a SaaS-based pricing structure. Now, the company charges e-commerce brands based on web traffic, allowing for more predictable revenue and better scalability.
This funding round places Remark in a competitive landscape filled with startups using AI to enhance everything from product search and virtual try-ons to dynamic page generation. What differentiates Remark is its focus on conversational commerce powered by real human knowledge. Instead of replacing human touchpoints, Remark amplifies them—offering a unique value proposition to online retailers who are eager to increase trust, reduce returns, and raise average order value through more confident purchasing decisions.
The future of expert-driven AI for e-commerce is hybrid, human, and helpful
As AI continues to evolve, the e-commerce industry is moving toward a hybrid model where human expertise complements automation. Remark’s expert-driven AI for e-commerce exemplifies this shift by focusing on what matters most: helping people make informed choices. The model acknowledges that while AI can process vast amounts of data, it’s the human element that builds trust and guides nuanced decisions. By combining expert insights with scalable AI personas, Remark is creating digital shopping assistants that actually feel helpful.
This people-first approach aligns perfectly with how modern shoppers behave. Before making a purchase, they often seek advice from Reddit threads, friends, or niche review sites. Remark’s platform brings that advisory layer directly into the shopping experience—reducing friction, improving satisfaction, and ultimately driving more sales. As more retailers adopt this model, expert-powered AI could become the gold standard for online customer service and conversion optimization. If Remark continues to innovate in this space, it may not only compete but lead the future of e-commerce interaction.
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