Retailgentic | Consumer Behavior & Retail Trend

Can your AI assistant really shop for you? What happens when the “Buy Now” button isn’t clicked by a person? In this episode, Nekuda CEO Ayal Karmi explains how his company is rethinking payments for a world where autonomous agents act on our behalf.

We talk about:
• The lightbulb moment from a failed pizza-ordering agent
• Why authorization (not just authentication) is the future
• Real-world agent examples: fashion stylists, car modders
• Competing (and not competing) with Stripe & PayPal
• Raising a seed round led by Madrona, with Visa & Amex on board

🔗 Visit Nekuda: https://nekuda.ai
🧠 Read their Substack: https://nekuda.substack.com


⏱️ Key Timestamps:
  • 00:35 – Ayal’s background in payments, AI, and crypto
  • 02:30 – The failed pizza-ordering agent that sparked Nekuda
  • 05:00 – The shift from AI-enhanced search to full agentic checkout
  • 08:10 – Early product pivots and the importance of intent in transactions
  • 12:00 – Who actually uses Nekuda’s tech: agent builders
  • 18:30 – Real-world agentic use cases: stylists, mechanics, and more
  • 21:00 – How their Substack brought in Visa & Amex as investors
  • 26:00 – Competing with incumbents like Stripe & PayPal
  • 34:45 – Will websites even exist in 2030?
📰 Subscribe to the free Substack: retailgentic.ai
📺 Watch episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@retailgentic
🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts: Spotify, Apple, etc.

Creators and Guests

Host
Scot Wingo
CEO and Co-founder, ReFiBuy.ai

What is Retailgentic | Consumer Behavior & Retail Trend?

Retailgentic explores consumer behavior and retail trends to help brands and retailers innovate. Join Scot Wingo for expert insights, actionable news, and ecommerce innovation strategies to navigate the future of retail and agentic commerce.