Our aim is to optimize customer’s e-commerce experience harnessing AI power: Velou Founder

Velou, a cutting-edge AI-powered retail technology start-up, is revolutionizing the e-commerce landscape by optimizing the customer experience for online shoppers. Founded by Sadee Gamhewa, a seasoned industry expert with over two decades of experience in product engineering and data science, Velou is making waves in the world of e-commerce. In this exclusive Q&A with Mirror Business, we delve into the story behind Velou, its vision, and its plans for the future. Following are excerpts from the interview:

Can you tell us about your background and how your experiences have led to the founding of Velou?

Certainly. I’ve had the privilege of working in the tech industry for over 22 years, focusing on product engineering, data science, and AI and Machine Learning. My journey included leadership roles in start-ups and Fortune 100 companies such as Sysco, Accenture, and Fujitsu. This diverse experience provided me with a unique perspective on the potential of AI in enhancing customer experiences. With a Computer Science degree from Edith Cowan University, Australia, I decided to found Velou to leverage my expertise and transform the e-commerce landscape.

Could you give us a brief history of how Velou came to be?

Velou was born in 2018 in the heart of Silicon Valley, California. It all started with me and a small, dedicated team passionate about enhancing the e-commerce experience. Over the years, our team has grown to a robust workforce of 40 individuals, and we’ve witnessed remarkable growth since 2022. Our journey began with a vision to harness the power of AI to optimize the e-commerce customer experience.
The inspiration for Velou came from a deep understanding of the untapped potential in AI to revolutionize e-commerce. My vision is to make online shopping more efficient and enjoyable for consumers while boosting retailers’ success. Velou’s mission is closely aligned with this vision by using AI to optimize the customer experience, bridging the gap between consumers and products. Our goal is to empower retailers and enhance customer-centricity.

Can you elaborate on how Velou will cater to end-consumers?

Velou’s primary focus is on enhancing the customer experience for end-consumers in the e-commerce domain. We use cutting-edge machine learning and AI models to understand customer intent and seamlessly connect it with the products in a retailer’s catalogue. This means customers can find what they want more easily, resulting in a smoother and more satisfying shopping experience.

What markets/regions will Velou operate in?

Velou is actively expanding its reach and is already witnessing strong adoption trends in the EU and the UK. We are on the cusp of launching our offerings in the United States. While we currently serve larger luxury brands globally, including companies like SAP, Salesforce, and LVMH, we are also working towards introducing our services to smaller businesses in the near future. Our goal is to become a universal product, transcending regional boundaries.

Could you explain what went into developing this AI co-pilot, in terms of manpower and investment?

Developing Velou has been an exciting journey. It required significant investment, both in terms of financial resources and manpower. We have a diverse team with expertise in AI, machine learning, data science, and product development. The synergy between our team members in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Paris, and Sri Lanka has been pivotal in the success of Velou.

How does the recruitment process work for Velou?

Our recruitment process is dynamic and inclusive. We value fresh perspectives and enthusiasm, which recent university graduates bring. Simultaneously, we recognize the importance of experience as we scale our operations. We are actively recruiting both locally and internationally to ensure our team is diverse and well-rounded. Our upcoming headquarters in Sri Lanka will combine engineering capabilities with AI and product development expertise from Silicon Valley, making us a truly global team.

What can we look forward to from Velou in the future? Any future expansion plans or new product rollouts?

The future of Velou is incredibly promising. We are excited to announce the launch of our new office premises in Sri Lanka, a testament to our rapid growth. Our team expansion is on the horizon, and we are on a positive growth trajectory. We are committed to catering to e-commerce retailers in Sri Lanka and other regions, bringing our innovative solutions to a broader audience. The sky’s the limit for Velou, and we have ambitious plans for global expansion.