What is Snapette?
Snapette functioned as a location-aware mobile application designed to bridge the gap between physical retail boutiques and digital consumers. By enabling users to discover and share high-end fashion items—specifically shoes and bags—from nearby stores, the platform created a community-driven catalog that anticipated the modern omnichannel retail experience. Founded by Harvard graduates in Palo Alto, the company leveraged geographic data to drive foot traffic to brick-and-mortar partners, effectively digitizing the boutique shopping experience. Its influence remains evident in contemporary retail strategies that prioritize seamless integration between online discovery and in-person purchasing.
How much funding has Snapette raised?
Snapette has raised a total of $1.3M across 1 funding round:
Angel/Seed
$1.3M
Angel/Seed (2011): $1.3M with participation from Forerunner Ventures, Accel Partners, and 500.com
Key Investors in Snapette
Forerunner Ventures
Forerunner Ventures partners with founders to build category-defining companies at the intersection of technology and human behavior, focusing on emerging consumer demands.
Accel Partners
A premier global venture capital firm that supports early-stage and growth-stage companies, known for its long-term commitment to disruptive technology startups.
500.com
500.com Limited is a leading online sports lottery service provider in China, offering integrated digital tools and community venues for its user base.
What's next for Snapette?
Following its acquisition by PriceGrabber in 2013, Snapette transitioned from an independent startup to an integrated component of a larger e-commerce ecosystem. The strategic capital infusion provided the necessary runway to refine its location-based algorithms and expand its retail partnerships across major metropolitan hubs. While the brand itself has ceased operations, the underlying technology and the data-driven approach to fashion retail pioneered by the team continue to inform current industry standards. The legacy of this venture serves as a case study for how mobile-first platforms can successfully disrupt traditional retail models through localized engagement and community-centric content curation.
See full Snapette company page