Brand & Retail Innovation Day Recap: Seattle Tech Week 2025

Brand & Retail Innovation Day

Brand & Retail Innovation Day by Niftmint was a highlight of Seattle Tech Week and a powerful showcase of how innovation is shaping the future of commerce, brands, and retail.

Over the course of the day, more than 50 founders, investors, and innovators came together to connect, share ideas, and dig into what is next for the industry. The energy in the room was electric with conversations between people building category-defining companies, investing in bold ideas, and rethinking how brands engage with customers in a rapidly changing market.

We recorded every one of our panel discussions and you can watch them in full below, but here is a look at what made the day so impactful.

How AI and Emerging Tech Are Reshaping Commerce

Kicking off the day, Michael A. Agustin of Curie and John Shao of Pipe17 shared how new technology is transforming both the way customers shop and the logistics systems that power retail.

Their conversation explored the intersection of AI-powered 3D product visualization, advanced order management, and emerging sales channels, giving attendees a firsthand look at what the future of commerce could look like. From captivating product experiences to frictionless fulfillment, this session offered a roadmap for brands navigating rapid change.

Key insights included:

• How ultra-realistic 3D product models are driving higher sales conversion

• Scaling from a small brand into a multi-channel retail powerhouse

• The growing impact of TikTok Shop, influencer-driven sales, and conversational commerce

• Why the "language model" internet may be the next major platform shift

• The role of authenticity and personalization in building brand loyalty

• Leveraging AI agents and automation to streamline operations

• Strategies for staying relevant as commerce ecosystems evolve

For founders, retail tech builders, and e-commerce strategists, this session underscored the importance of blending cutting-edge tech with customer-centered experiences.

Brand IP Protection in the Age of Generative Content

In one of the most thought-provoking sessions of the day, Adam Philipp, founder of AEON Law, unpacked the rapidly evolving world of intellectual property in an era where AI and digital replication are rewriting the rules.

From AI training data rights to counterfeit goods, Adam walked through real-world examples like Anthropic’s book scanning controversy, the MetaBirkins NFT dispute, and the Jack Daniel’s “Bad Spaniels” trademark battle. Each case illustrated how copyright, trademarks, and brand protection strategies are shifting and how quickly brands must adapt.

Key takeaways included:

• How AI models use (and sometimes misuse) copyrighted material

• The difference between owning a product and owning its IP rights

• The concept of trademark dilution and how it can damage brand value

• Modern anti-counterfeit tactics, including Schedule A litigation

• How RFID, NFC, and digital twins can prove product authenticity in both physical and digital environments

Whether you are a brand owner, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the future of IP, this conversation delivered expert guidance and bold predictions on where law and technology are headed next.

AI-Driven Customer Experience in Commerce

In another standout session, Evan Smith of Ecosphere and Danesh Badlani of Drip shared how AI is transforming both in-store retail operations and e-commerce marketing.

From the sales floor to the inbox, their discussion explored tools that empower store managers with real-time insights, streamline personalized campaign creation, and help brands respond to customer needs with greater speed and precision. The conversation bridged the gap between physical and digital touchpoints, offering practical ways to drive growth in today’s retail environment.

Key insights included:

• Why 85% of retail revenue still comes from physical stores, and how to better leverage that channel

• Giving “superpowers” to store managers through AI-powered coaching and performance data

• Cutting email design time from three hours to twenty minutes using AI-generated drafts

• Overcoming brand trust challenges when adopting new retail and marketing technology

• Balancing employee feedback with privacy and workplace culture

• Navigating generational shifts in expectations for real-time performance metrics

• Avoiding "shiny object" AI tools that do not solve core business problems

• Moving from reactive to proactive customer engagement strategies

For brand leaders, retail tech builders, and e-commerce strategists alike, this session delivered both vision and actionable tactics for elevating customer engagement while improving operational efficiency.

The Energy in the Room

Beyond the panels, the biggest win of the day was the connections being made. Conversations kept going long after the sessions ended, with attendees trading ideas, forming partnerships, and sharing resources. Seeing so many people passionate about the future of commerce and meeting others in the same vertical was inspiring.

What’s Next

We are keeping the momentum going. Niftmint is now hosting monthly events through our Showroom event series, dedicated entirely to the commerce vertical. Whether you are a founder, investor, or operator, Showroom is your space to connect, share, and explore what is next in brand and retail innovation.

If Brand & Retail Innovation Day was any indication, the future of commerce is not just coming. It is being built right now, in rooms just like this one.

---

About Niftmint

Niftmint helps brands protect and authenticate their products through secure digital twins, enabling proof of ownership, lifecycle tracking, and enhanced customer engagement. Our technology bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, giving brands the tools to safeguard their IP, incentivize product use, and build deeper customer relationships.

If your brand is looking to future-proof its products, fight counterfeits, and unlock new ways to connect with customers, we’d love to talk. Connect with us to explore how we can work together.