Swap Launches The Nest, A Community Curated for Brands to Connect, Develop, and Grow

Recognizing the Gap in Non-Transactional Relationships, Swap is Offering Brands the Opportunity to Forge Authentic Connections Within the Industry

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Swap, the e-commerce operating system (OS) that connects operations on one platform for e-commerce brands, today introduces The Nest, a space for brand leaders to connect, develop, and build towards the next opportunity for their company. The Nest is a sanctuary from the sales-driven partners and tired brand dinners, it’s a community designed for genuine networking via online, and in-person, engaging events. Swap also announces Nicole Hartwig is joining the company as Head of Community to lead the development of The Nest.

As 40% of professionals are uncertain about how to leverage their networks effectively, The Nest is designed for brand professionals seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking community that evolves alongside the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce. Previously, brands lacked a space to connect organically without the pressure of profit-motivated interactions. Swap recognized this gap in the market, and is cultivating a community for brand leaders to connect freely. In an industry often dominated by transactional relationships, The Nest is redefining the status-quo, creating a fresh alternative for brand professionals to engage in authentic conversations, foster collaboration, and build a thriving peer network.

"As Swap continues to push boundaries and innovate in the retail sector, I’m thrilled to join the growing community we’re building with The Nest,” said Nicole Hartwig, Head of Community at Swap. “I started my career in retail, but I’ve never seen a space designed to be both a sanctuary and a spark—a space where brands can step away from the typical and step into what's possible. The Nest was born from a simple truth: community can supercharge everything. This is where brands will find their people—and their next big leap."

While it can be difficult for brands to take the first step towards meaningful engagement with industry leaders, The Nest offers an accessible way to approach connection through several key verticals, including:

• Community-Driven Engagement: Hosted on Circle, The Nest facilitates direct, open communication between brand professionals.
• Exclusive IRL Events: Unlike conventional brand dinners, The Nest’s curated gatherings provide authentic experiences designed for true relationship-building.
• Strategic Growth & Support: Led by a dedicated team focused on new opportunities, partnerships, and community cultivation, The Nest ensures ongoing value for its members.

“Brand leaders today crave real connections, not just another sales pitch,” said Juan Pellerano-Rendon, Chief Marketing Officer at Swap. “The Nest is about creating a space where brands can engage authentically, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships that drive their businesses forward. By fostering a community-driven approach, we’re giving brands the support, insights, and opportunities they need to grow on their own terms.”

Open to individuals across marketing, operations, growth, and leadership roles, The Nest offers a space where members can exchange insights, collaborate on industry challenges, and discover new opportunities, all without the pressure of transactional networking. Whether emerging brands looking for guidance or established names aiming to refine their strategies, The Nest provides the connections and resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.

This announcement follows Swap’s recent $40M Series B funding, which is fueling the company’s push to solidify its leadership in the U.K., accelerate expansion into the U.S. and EU, and break into new markets like Australia and Canada. The investment will also drive Swap’s entry into underserved verticals such as beauty, home goods, and consumer technology. To learn more about Swap, visit https://www.swap-commerce.com/.

About Swap:

Swap was founded in 2022 by Sam Atkinson and Zach Bailet to empower merchants with a seamless, fully integrated experience that connects the myriad complexities of their operations. From cross-border and inventory management to pricing and returns - Swap drives efficiency and fuels extraordinary growth with AI-powered insights and actions. Swap is the first platform to connect every key operation in the merchant journey while leveraging data, analytics, and AI to unlock value and drive unmatched growth.