Retail media startup Thanks bags $2.6 million in seed funding and adds eBay and Zip to partner list

Ad network specialist Thanks has announced both $2.6 million in seed funding from venture firms Peak XV Partners, Founder Collective and Side Stage Ventures, alongside multinational partnerships with eBay and Zip.

“We’re all customers at the end of the day, and we all navigate - and often avoid - the constant bombardment of ads. We built Thanks because we believe the relationship between advertisers and customers should be rewarding, but it must be delivered in a way that respects the customer and adds value to their day,” says Steven Tesoriero, Co-CEO and Co-founder at Thanks.

“Acquisition is broken - retention is everything! Customers want to feel valued when they buy, which is why brands like Sezzle and eBay partner with Thanks,” says Amanda Herson, General Partner at Founder Collective. “We back founders, not just ideas, and I’m incredibly impressed by Thanks' vision to scale while keeping customer delight and brand authenticity at the core."

Since its launch in 2022, Thanks has expanded across APAC, the US, and the UK. Today, it partners with a network of retail marketplaces, ticketing platforms, and e-commerce brands worldwide, including eBay, Zip, and Sezzle.

“We’ve always focused on enhancing the customer journey,” says Jake Necklen, Senior Director of Marketing at Sezzle. “Thanks not only drives incremental revenue but also provides customers with compelling, relevant offers at the perfect moment, which drives higher repeat usage and retention.”

“We are always seeking innovative ways to enhance our customer experience and drive sales. Our partnership with Thanks.co has proven to be a game-changer,” says Savannah Watt, Senior Growth Marketing Manager at HelloFresh. “They have been able to deliver new customers for us at a consistent rate and have not only boosted our sales, but also strengthened our brand’s presence in a competitive market.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Retail media will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which will open for entries in March, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.