Investment & Fund Management
European Investment Fund Partner
Full Credential Description
Antonis Argyros, at the age of 18, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by opening various sports shops in Athens. Recognizing the evolving landscape of retail in a fast-paced digital economy, he launched Greece's first online store about a decade ago, setting the stage for his vision to transform retail operations. In 2014, alongside his brother Stamatis, he founded Liater, a company that developed an innovative interactive marketing solution through virtual fitting rooms. This technology addresses a significant challenge faced by retailers: the inability for customers to try on clothes after store hours.
Liater's augmented reality technology allows consumers to virtually try on clothing using a simple setup of a PC and a 3D camera, creating an engaging and interactive shopping experience. This solution not only enhances customer engagement but also enables users to take photos and share their virtual try-ons on social media, further promoting the brands involved. Currently, Liater has established its presence in Greece and the US, with plans to expand into the Netherlands through a pop-up store in The Hague.
The company received crucial support from the European Investment Fund (EIF) when the Odyssey venture capital fund invested in Liater at the seed stage in 2014. This investment facilitated Liater's acceptance into the Dutch incubator Startup Bootcamp in Amsterdam in 2015, providing the necessary resources and network to scale its innovative solution. As a result of these strategic moves, Liater has successfully installed its virtual fitting rooms in various shops, including a contract with AthensÂ’ airport, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.