AI, Accelerators & Commerce at NY Tech Week

As part of this year’s NY Tech Week, SHOPLINE partnered with AcceleratorCON to host “The New Consumer Stack: How Tech + Accelerators Are Reinventing Product-Based Startups”—a thought-provoking session exploring how emerging technologies and startup support systems are reshaping the path to scale for product-based companies.

Held at Mabou MINES in New York City, the conversation brought together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders for a deep dive into what it now takes to build a successful consumer brand.

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A Conversation That Mattered

At the heart of the session was Christopher Yang, Co-President at SHOPLINE and SHOPLINE US, who joined a stellar panel including Emily Baum (Project W) and Trisha Okubo (Maison Miru), moderated by Aishwarya Balaji.

Together, they unpacked how generative AI, automation, and accelerator partnerships are dramatically shortening the path from idea to shelf. The conversation highlighted how brands today must think beyond product—they must also build the right tech stack, support system, and customer strategy to thrive in a competitive, omni-channel environment.

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Key Insights

Some of the most compelling takeaways included:

• AI adoption is now table stakes. From tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney to predictive inventory models, founders are using AI to improve speed, personalization, and scale.
  
  
• Accelerators are evolving. Beyond funding, they now offer infrastructure, market access, and hands-on support with building digital-first operations.
  
  
• The modern consumer stack is lean, integrated, and data-powered. SHOPLINE’s platform exemplifies this shift—helping over 600,000 brands launch, scale, and expand globally with unified commerce solutions.
  
  

Before the panel began, the moderator conducted a live audience poll to gauge how founders in the room are using AI. The results were clear: most attendees are already using AI tools weekly—many, daily—to support everything from marketing to logistics.

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Final Thoughts

It was a high-energy session that reminded us just how quickly the consumer landscape is evolving. At SHOPLINE, we’re proud to be at the intersection of this transformation—helping founders and partners build for the future with speed, intelligence, and confidence.

Special thanks to AcceleratorCON for co-hosting this timely conversation, and to everyone who joined us for a great afternoon of insights and networking.