Tom: Congratulations, Manuel, on Tagbase.io being nominated as one of the ECR Top30 Innovations in E-Commerce for 2025! For those unfamiliar, can you tell us a bit more about the ECR Top30 and what it means to be part of this prestigious list?
Manuel Mertl: Thank you, Tom! The ECR Top30 is an initiative by the ECR Community to spotlight the most innovative and impactful solutions tackling loss prevention in e-commerce. Being included in this list means we’re recognized for our ability to address a critical issue: counterfeiting and piracy, which cause significant economic damage and risk consumer safety worldwide. The fact that our technology has been highlighted among the top 30 innovations globally is incredibly validating and motivating for our team.
Tom: That’s an impressive achievement. How does Tagbase.io contribute to solving the challenges ECR focuses on?
Manuel Mertl: At Tagbase.io, we’re revolutionizing product authenticity by bridging the physical and virtual worlds. Our platform uses tamper-proof NFC technology to allow consumers to instantly verify a product’s authenticity without needing a dedicated mobile app. This approach not only protects brands from counterfeit losses but also builds consumer trust by ensuring safety and transparency. These are precisely the types of solutions that align with ECR’s goals of innovation in combating losses and improving e-commerce practices.
Tom: It’s clear why ECR recognized you. I also hear you have some exciting plans lined up, particularly with LEAP 2025. Can you tell us more about what’s coming?
Manuel Mertl: Absolutely! Next week, we’ll be at LEAP 2025 in Riyadh, participating in the Rocket Fuel Pitch Competition. It’s an incredible opportunity to present our solution on a global stage alongside some of the world’s most innovative companies. What makes it even more special is that we’ll officially launch our platform just before attending LEAP. Our team has worked tirelessly to get to this point, and going live is a major milestone we’re extremely proud of.
Tom: Launching your platform ahead of such a big event sounds like a bold move. What inspired that decision?
Manuel Mertl: We wanted to ensure that when we step onto the LEAP stage, our platform is not just a concept but a fully functional solution ready to make an impact. This launch is a testament to our confidence in the technology and the market’s readiness for a robust authenticity solution. Timing the launch with LEAP amplifies our momentum and helps us connect with potential customers and partners in real time.
Tom: That’s very exciting! What does being part of ECR Top30 and attending LEAP 2025 mean for Tagbase.io’s future?
Manuel Mertl: Both milestones highlight that the industry sees value in what we’re building. ECR Top30 connects us with key players focused on improving e-commerce, while LEAP gives us the platform to reach a global audience and drive adoption. These achievements are stepping stones toward our vision of empowering physical products with secure digital identities and making a real difference in tackling counterfeiting worldwide.
Tom: What’s your message to your supporters and the broader industry as you take these big steps forward?
Manuel Mertl: To our supporters, thank you for believing in us. Your trust fuels our determination to succeed. To the broader industry, we’re excited to collaborate on creating a safer, more transparent future for e-commerce. This is just the beginning, and we’re confident that Tagbase.io will set new standards in product authenticity.
Tom: Thank you, Manuel, for sharing your journey. Congratulations again on the ECR Top30 nomination, and best of luck with your platform launch and the LEAP 2025 competition!
Manuel Mertl: Thank you, Tom. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far and are looking forward to even greater milestones ahead.