Richmond startup roundup for 2020: New concepts for coronavirus challenges
December 28, 2020
Jackson Ward Collective is a business incubator aimed at Black entrepreneurs that launched in September. Pictured, left to right, are co-founders Kelli Lemon, Rasheeda Creighton and Melody Short. (
Courtesy of Will Royé/The 123 Agency)
A year dominated by the pandemic provided plenty of opportunity for local startups to address the range of problems that came with it. And as some had to pivot to rise to the occasion, others found themselves well positioned to capitalize on the moment.
Here’s a roundup of the most interesting news from Richmond’s startup scene in 2020:
Richmond-based online marketplace for small retailers adds home delivery
Courtesy of Lokii)
Just in time for the holidays, a Richmond-based online marketplace for small retailers has pivoted into home delivery.
Lokii, which launched in March and now features the wares of more than two dozen local brands
, in recent months rolled out a delivery service for select stores on its app and website.
The program currently does deliveries on behalf of six Richmond stores: Mamie’s Apothecary, The Wild Heart, Little Nomad, Ladles & Linens Kitchen Shoppe, Homme Essentials and AlterNatives.
Lokii has about 30 Richmond stores featured on its site, including Sassy Jones (one of Richmond’s fastest-growing private companies) and Ledbury. In total, it lists a few hundred stores across the country in places like Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.