New York, NY – May 30, 2025 – Portless, a U.S.-based innovator in global e-commerce fulfillment, has secured $18 million in Series A funding to transform how direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands navigate rising tariffs, regulatory shifts, and supply chain inefficiencies. The round was led by Commerce Ventures, with participation from eGateway Capital, Ground Up Ventures, and FJ Labs.
The investment comes at a pivotal moment for e-commerce brands, as the recent elimination of the de minimis trade exemption - which previously allowed duty-free imports of packages under $800 - has forced companies to rethink their fulfillment strategies.
Portless offers a fast, capital-efficient fulfillment model inspired by Shein’s success - shipping directly from its Shenzhen, China, warehouse to customers worldwide, bypassing traditional supply chain bottlenecks.
"There isn't a company in the US that isn't looking for a new way of doing things," Portless CEO Izzy Rosenzweig told Business Insider. "We're getting buried in inbound."
With the de minimis loophole now closed, Portless helps brands defer duty payments using Type 11 informal entry, allowing them to pay tariffs only when orders reach U.S. customers - improving cash flow and reducing financial strain.
"We raised our Series A with the understanding that de minimis would be ending," Rosenzweig said. "Brands need a smarter way to ship, and we’re providing it."
Portless’s direct fulfillment model enables brands to:
"In our model, it is like a live supply chain," Rosenzweig explained. "You're reacting immediately to the demand."
The company works with mid-market brands ($5M–$150M in revenue), including Canopy (home wellness), Andy & Evan (kids' clothing), and SA Fishing (apparel) - helping them improve profitability and customer satisfaction.
The new funding will accelerate:
"While today Portless is fundamentally changing cash flow with a new supply chain model, we want to simplify supply chain," Rosenzweig said. "A lot of things will change in our model, like small-batch manufacturing, and we'll be rolling out services."
Matt Nichols, General Partner at Commerce Ventures, sees Portless as the future of retail fulfillment:
"Portless is powering a revolution in the retail industry by helping DTC brands utilize the direct ship model that has historically only been available to a few of the largest retailers. In a time of confusing tariffs and regulatory restrictions, brands need this help more than ever. Portless is a game-changer for the DTC industry, and we’re excited to support their growth and vision."
As tariffs and supply chain disruptions reshape global commerce, Portless is empowering brands to stay agile, reduce costs, and scale efficiently. With 300% YoY growth and a rapidly expanding network, the company is poised to redefine e-commerce fulfillment.
For more information about Portless, please contact us today!
Investor Spotlight:
About Commerce Ventures
Commerce Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in and supporting the next generation of technology innovators transforming the retail and financial services industries. The firm is dedicated to identifying and empowering visionary entrepreneurs who are redefining commerce through cutting-edge technology and innovative business models.
The firm’s limited partner (LP) base comprises a strategic mix of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and leading corporations. This unique network enables Commerce Ventures to deliver significant value to its portfolio companies by facilitating introductions to potential clients, distribution partners, top-tier advisors, and key executive talent.
For more information, visit https://commerce.vc/.
About eGateway Capital
Formed in 2021, eGateway invests in the technology that enables the future of eCommerce.
The firm combines growth equity investing with M&A advisory services, delivering value to its partners through a hands-on approach. When eGateway invests, it actively engages with portfolio companies, leveraging its experience, extensive network, and advisory capabilities to drive growth and success.
Strategically headquartered in the Midwest—a region recognized as the eCommerce capital of the country—eGateway operates nationally while drawing on the strengths of its re-emerging market base. The firm’s location provides a unique perspective and access to a thriving ecosystem of innovation and commerce.
eGateway is built on a team of operators, advisors, and investors who are deeply passionate about collaborating with founders, entrepreneurs, strategic investors, and limited partners. The firm’s mission is to empower its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also the strategic support and resources needed to scale and thrive in the competitive eCommerce landscape.
For more information, visit https://www.egatewaycapital.com/.
Ground Up Ventures
Ground Up Ventures focuses on seed and pre seed companies. They help the next generation of world changing entrepreneurs build their companies from the ground up.
For more information, visit https://www.groundup.vc/.
FJ Labs
FJ Labs is a stage-agnostic venture fund headquartered in New York City. FJ Labs invests in ambitious founders solving big problems.
For more information, visit: https://www.fjlabs.com/.
