33. Poplar Studio

Founders: David Ripert, Laurie Ainley
Founded: 2018
Website: poplar.studio/

Talk about being popular – this is Poplar Studio’s third year in the Startups 100, and it remains high in the ranks for 2022. But what’s the secret behind its buzz? 

Augmented reality experiences are a trending strategy when it comes to targeting tech-savvy consumers. And thanks to Poplar Studio, AR tech can be deployed by retail businesses with ease.

Poplar Studio delivers powerful 3D and AR previews of products to improve the virtual shopping experience, whether that’s across ecommerce or social platforms – metaverse included. Simply put, customers can better visualise or “try on” clothes and accessories, which can help boost sales and minimise returns.

Thanks to Poplar Studio, AR tech can be deployed by retail businesses with ease.

For clients, there are a number of AR commerce services to choose from, such as product visualisation, virtual try-ons, and 3D display ads, as well as a built-in management system and analytics page to keep track of performance. Additionally, Poplar’s AR marketing tools, which include mini-games and face filters, are a great avenue for brands to build engagement online.

Founded in 2018 by David Ripert and Laurie Ainley, the company has since partnered with some of the biggest global brands, including Universal, Disney, Pepsi, BBC, Shopify and L’Oréal. Poplar Studio recently worked with makeup brand Maybelline to create a lipstick try-on filter – a successful example of the company’s visual technologies.

Customers can better visualise or “try on” clothes and accessories, which can help boost sales and minimise returns.

The tech integrates with the major ecommerce platforms, including the heavyweights like Wix, WooCommerce, Shopify, Magento, and BigCommerce.

Over 60% of consumers prefer a brand that features AR experiences as opposed to one without, and with the rate that technology evolves and improves each year, Poplar Studio is in a prime position for the years ahead.