Tell us about VTEX.
I founded VTEX in 2000 with Geraldo Thomaz. Our first major digital commerce customer was Walmart, the biggest big box retailer in the Western Hemisphere. This wasn’t just another deal; it was the launchpad that took us from a regional player to a global leader in enterprise digital commerce platforms. Fast forward, and VTEX now powers over 2,400 B2B and B2C brands across 43 countries, including industry giants like Samsung, L’Oreal, and Colgate.
Our goal has always been crystal clear: help enterprise businesses drive sales by simplifying, accelerating, and connecting commerce in an unprecedented way. Our vision is for VTEX to be the backbone of a fully connected commerce ecosystem.
What makes VTEX unique?
VTEX is unique because we provide a composable and fully integrated enterprise commerce suite. We provide the best of two worlds: you can go fast when you want and achieve flexibility if you need it.
Our offering includes everything from a native marketplace to a powerful Distributed Order Management System, all deeply connected with more than 500 third-party solutions for the enterprise. VTEX adds to the offer a robust secure development framework called VTEX IO, where enterprises can customize using the same infrastructure as VTEX.
We’ve also challenged the idea that modern commerce solutions have to be expensive or complex. We focus on delivering real business value with simpler solutions at prices that make sense.
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What’s your advice to aspiring entrepreneurs?
I have two: Persistence is key. So you must become an entrepreneur if you can deal with a lifetime “loser” tag on your back. If you are too attached to your reputation, you will not take the risks that are necessary to thrive.
Find customers and profit first; then, you find investors. This is how the best companies are forged. Under the pressure of creating value, not products or powerpoints. The best entrepreneurs don’t just react to change; they anticipate it. They position the sails before the wind. Don’t try to follow the wind; you will always be a follower. That’s why we call ourselves the commerce suite of choice for bold CIOs and CEOs.
What excites you about VTEX?
We’re at the heart of transforming how businesses engage with customers, enabling seamless, omnichannel, and unified commerce experiences. We are on the edge of a critical moment for retailers worldwide.
A recent highlight is our partnership with Manchester City FC, where we’ve become the Official Digital Commerce Orchestration Partner of Manchester City group. This partnership allows fans to enjoy a unified experience, from match tickets to exclusive merchandise, all through one smooth checkout. It’s a perfect example of how digital commerce is reshaping fan engagement. The market is consolidating, and we see great opportunities for us.
How has VTEX evolved in recent years?
The digital commerce landscape has been evolving rapidly, but we’ve stayed focused on what truly matters: delivering results. While others get caught up in complexity, VTEX remains committed to a simple yet powerful approach: pragmatic composability. Instead of adding unnecessary layers, we prioritize real business benefits and make it easier for businesses to stay agile and connected in an increasingly dynamic world. Our goal is to provide a fully integrated ecosystem that allows companies to adapt quickly without the weight of technical overload. We are sustainable in growing all lines of our business: revenue, gross margin contribution, and profit. The VTEX brand has started to become a new normal for the retail and brand industry.
What can we expect from VTEX in the future?
More intelligence, agility, and connectivity will define the future of digital commerce. We are investing heavily in AI to provide smarter and more efficient customer experiences. The retail and brand need to operate leaner and in all possible channels – VTEX is committed to this future.
B2B commerce is also evolving quickly, and VTEX is positioning itself as a leader in digital marketplaces, enabling businesses to scale and innovate. Expanding globally remains a key priority, with North America and Europe, especially the UK, playing central roles.
