UrbanStems
Overview
UrbanStems is an innovative e-commerce flower delivery service that provides on-demand, sustainably-sourced floral arrangements. Founded on Valentine's Day in 2014 by Ajay Kori and Jeff Sheely, UrbanStems was created to address frustrations with traditional flower delivery methods. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the company has gone on to raise over $51 million in funding to expand its operations across the United States.
Recent Developments
- April 2025: UrbanStems expanded its same-day delivery service to major cities like Miami, using partnerships like Walmart GoLocal to reach more customers quickly.
- January 2024: The company received $5 million in Series C extension funding, primarily to enhance its same-day delivery capabilities and expand into new markets.
- 2024: UrbanStems saw significant growth in its revenue, with notable days such as the Thursday preceding Mother’s Day marking the highest-ever daily sales.
- November 2023: New CEO Meenakshi Lala focused on streamlining operations and aiming for profitability by mid-2024, after expanding executive strategies and re-evaluating logistics and suppliers.
- 2023: They launched partnerships with Vogue and Bumble, bolstering brand exposure and customer engagement through novel collaborations.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | February 14, 2014 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Founders | Ajay Kori, Jeff Sheely |
| Revenue | $12.8 million (2025 estimate) |
| Key Investors | SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, DFE Capital Management, Motley Fool Ventures |
| Industry | E-Commerce, Floral Delivery |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 110 |
Early History
UrbanStems was co-founded by Ajay Kori and Jeff Sheely based on Kori’s frustrating experiences with sending flowers online because of delays and order inaccuracies. They launched UrbanStems in Washington, D.C. with the goal of revolutionizing flower delivery by ensuring timely and accurate service with a focus on sustainability. The early approach involved working directly with farms to supply fresh flowers that could be delivered quickly within local markets.
Company Profile and Achievements
UrbanStems is celebrated for its creative, trend-forward bouquets and high-quality sustainable practices. It owes its successful expansion and customer loyalty to strategic innovations such as:
- Same-Day Delivery: Initially launched in major cities, this service has expanded to eight key markets which now include New York, DC, LA, and Miami.
- Partnerships with Designers and Brands: Collaborations with entities like Vogue have helped cement UrbanStems’ brand as chic and contemporary.
- Sustainability Initiatives: The company partners with Rainforest Alliance certified farms to source its flowers, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
- Rapid Growth: UrbanStems achieved a 130% growth in 2020, expanding its platform by integrating enriched customer service technologies.
Current Operations and Market Position
UrbanStems continues to operate as a leader in the floral e-commerce industry by combining online retail with logistical innovations in delivery. The company’s market strategy includes expansion via strategic partnerships and a strong online presence that caters to a younger demographic looking for unique, stylish floral gifts. Competing primarily with other digital-first floral retailers like The Bouqs Company and 1-800-Flowers, UrbanStems has managed to carve out a niche by emphasizing high quality, stylish arrangements that can be delivered quickly in multiple markets.
Conclusion
UrbanStems has significantly disrupted the traditional floral delivery industry by leveraging technology and strategic partnerships. With a strong focus on sustainability and customer service, the company is well-positioned for continued growth. As UrbanStems looks to further expand their delivery services and product offerings, they stand to solidify their standing as a key player in the e-commerce and floral industries for years to come.