Amazon Launchpad Helps Startups Launch Globally

Amazon has launched a new program designed to make it easier for startups to get their feet off the ground, distribute products and reach Amazon customers globally.

Amazon announced yesterday (July 28) the introduction of Amazon Launchpad, a program that Amazon said will offer a “streamlined onboarding experience, custom product pages, a comprehensive marketing package, and access to Amazon’s global fulfillment network, all geared toward helping startups successfully launch their innovations and share their stories.”

This means helping startups launch past those typical challenges that hold back startups from launching new products into the market. By tapping into Amazon’s resources, the program can help those startup companies drive more sales and boost brand awareness.

Along with the program, Amazon has also introduced an Amazon Launchpad store that showcases the startups. More than 200 products are currently available in the Amazon Launchpad store.

“As the pace of innovation continues to increase within the startup community, we want to help customers discover these unique products and learn the inspiration behind them. We also know from talking to startups that bringing a new product to market successfully can be just as challenging as building it,” Jim Adkins, Vice President of Amazon, said in a company news release. “Amazon Launchpad gives customers access to a dedicated storefront featuring a variety of innovative new products from emerging brands. For startups, we handle inventory management, order fulfillment, customer service, and more, allowing them to focus their efforts on the innovation that results in more cool products.”

The features designed to help participating startups include:

• Brand development: Founders have the chance to connect with customers via a Q&A about the startups. Products from the emerging companies are also featured on the Amazon Launchpad store.
• Customer reach: Amazon’s marketing tools — such as merchandised placements, personalized recommendations and participation in the Amazon Vine customer reviews program — will give those startups more brand visibility. The companies can also access to Amazon’s global fulfillment network, fast and free shipping with Amazon Prime, and customer service.
• Global expansion: For those startups ready to spread their global wings, Amazon Launchpad is equipped to help those companies go global with supply chain solutions and marketing programs in more than 10 Amazon marketplaces around the world.

To kickoff its Amazon Launchpad program, the eCommerce company is working with more than 25 venture capital firms, startup accelerators, and crowdfunding platforms to recruit startups for the program. A few of the companies that have been funded are: Andreessen Horowitz, Y Combinator, and Indiegogo.

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