DW8 Growth, page-6181

Great to get the email today and to see 10th May specified for the beta launch of flagship platform, 'Market.'

Supported by our carefully constructed logistics network/capabilities, and our inimitable value offering to suppliers, we are about to give the main project the green light for its first phase: fantastic.

The delay has almost certainly been due to the Bibendum integration, which only began late April (which was articulated when that agreement was announced). This actually required 'additional development work' to develop a 'technical integration' between W.D. and Bibendum, so the team have done well if they have achieved that since late April (reference: https://www.digitalwine.ventures/blog/winedepot-leverages-technology-to-onboard-bibendum-buyers/).

The Bibendum deal was very smart I think. It came at the price of B2B launch delay, but it has meant we can synthesise proof of concept via a high-chance-of-success launch, by virtue of the trade buyer relationships we have accessed: and these are sticky trade buyer relationships (IE these are parties that have bought from Bibendum in the past, and so have a good chance of following them onto MARKET, especially with buyer incentives attached out the outset).

We will launch MARKET with a sticky supplier base via the logistics/MARKET value proposition, and a sticky trade buyer (beginning) base of 5000 Bibendum regulars.

I imagine a soft launch has happened already with a small number of ex-Bibendum trade buyers, and now we are moving into gear and will commence marketing campaigns directly to the 5000 Bibendum trade buyers, many of whom will be compelled to partake via the combination of the impressive SKU offerings and buyer incentive packages.

On a tangent, can't wait for that Insider Trading Club. I need some cases of pinot for the tassie winter. xx