The Bouqs Company

Founded: 2012
Founder: John Tabis, Juan Pablo Montúfar
Headquarters: 4766 Admiralty Way 12007, Marina del Rey, California, 90295 USA
Phone: 888-320-2687
Number of employees: 51-200
Website: www.bouqs.com

Overview

The Bouqs Company is a prominent player in the eCommerce sector specializing in online flower delivery and subscription services. It is known for its farm-to-table model of operation, ensuring fresh and sustainably sourced flowers reach customers with an innovative approach.

The company was founded in 2012 by John Tabis and Juan Pablo Montúfar with the objective of disrupting the traditional floral industry. Montúfar, an experienced farmer from Ecuador, and Tabis, a brand strategy expert, combined their knowledge and skills to establish The Bouqs Company. The initial concept was simple: directly connect eco-friendly farms to customers, eliminate wasted flowers, and provide a superior customer experience.

The Bouqs Company boasts a unique business model that differentiates it from traditional florists. This model revolves around cutting flowers only after a customer places an order, which significantly reduces waste and ensures the flowers’ freshness. Furthermore, the company advocates sustainable farming practices, engaging with farmers who refrain from using harmful pesticides and conserve water. By bringing the farm-to-table concept into the flower industry, The Bouqs Company has revolutionized the way flowers are sold and delivered.

The company’s product offerings encompass a wide array of flowers and designs, catering to various customer tastes and occasions. From roses, lilies, and sunflowers to mixed bouquets, The Bouqs Company has an extensive range of options. They offer products for different occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and other special events. Besides, the company also provides a subscription service allowing customers to receive fresh flowers weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. This subscription model has proven particularly popular, contributing significantly to the company’s recurring revenue.

Acquisitions

Since its inception, The Bouqs Company has maintained an active M&A (Mergers and Acquisitions) strategy. In 2018, it acquired the online flower delivery company, FlowerShop.com, which allowed The Bouqs Company to broaden its product range and customer base. Further, in 2020, it purchased Plant Club, expanding its offering to include a wider variety of indoor plants.

Funding Rounds

The Bouqs Company has undergone several funding rounds since its establishment in 2012. In December 2013, the company raised $1.1 million in Seed funding led by investors including Quest Venture Partners and Siemer Ventures. This was followed by a $6 million Series A funding round in August 2014, which was led by Azure Capital Partners and included participation from KEC Ventures, Quest Venture Partners, and Enspire Capital.

The Series B funding round in February 2016 was a major step forward for the company, with $12 million raised from investors like Partech, Azure Capital Partners, Quest Venture Partners, and Enspire Capital.

The Series C round, where The Bouqs Company raised $30 million in June 2019. The lead investor in this round was Yamasa Co Ltd, with participation from Partech, Azure Capital Partners, NextEquity Partners, Reimagined Ventures, and Quest Venture Partners.

Each of these funding rounds has played a significant role in helping the company grow and expand its operations. As a privately-held company, The Bouqs Company has relied on these investments to finance its innovative, farm-to-table model of floral delivery, fuel its expansion, and enter new markets.

Partnerships

The Bouqs Company has established some notable partnerships to extend its reach and offer more services to its customers. Here are a few of the significant collaborations:

The Knot: In 2019, The Bouqs Company partnered with The Knot, a leading wedding planning platform. This partnership allowed The Bouqs Company to provide its floral arrangements services seamlessly to couples planning their weddings via The Knot platform.

Whole Foods: In 2017, The Bouqs Company partnered with Whole Foods to sell its bouquets in the grocery chain’s Southern Pacific locations. The partnership allowed Whole Foods customers to purchase The Bouqs Company’s eco-friendly floral arrangements in person at the stores.

Nordstrom: In 2016, The Bouqs Company joined forces with Nordstrom for a limited-time offering. During this partnership, customers could order The Bouqs Company’s floral arrangements from the Nordstrom website.

These partnerships demonstrate how The Bouqs Company has leveraged collaborations with other brands to expand its reach and make its products more accessible to a wide range of customers.

Recognition and Awards

The Bouqs Company has received several recognitions and awards for its innovative business model and its commitment to sustainability.

Forbes’ List of Most Promising Companies: The Bouqs Company was included in Forbes’ “America’s Most Promising Companies” list in 2015, a recognition that highlights the potential of the company in the years following its establishment.

Fast Company’s List of Most Innovative Companies: The Bouqs Company was listed in Fast Company’s “World’s Most Innovative Companies” in 2020, a testament to the company’s disruptive and innovative business model in the floral industry.

Certification from Rainforest Alliance: The Bouqs Company received certification from the Rainforest Alliance for its environmentally responsible farming practices. This certification acknowledges the company’s commitment to preserving the environment and promoting sustainable farming practices.

These recognitions and awards certainly testify to the company’s progressive approach and its success in transforming the traditional floral industry.

Commitment to Sustainability

The Bouqs Company has indeed shown a strong commitment to sustainability. This commitment is woven into the core of its operations and manifests in various aspects of its business model.

Farm-to-Table Model: The Bouqs Company uses a unique farm-to-table model where flowers are cut only after an order is placed. This drastically reduces waste and ensures that only the necessary number of flowers is harvested.

Sustainable Farming Practices: The company only sources flowers from farms that follow sustainable farming practices. These practices include reducing water use, avoiding harmful pesticides, and implementing methods that are better for the environment. This commitment ensures that their products have a minimal ecological footprint.

Direct Sourcing: The Bouqs Company sources flowers directly from farmers, bypassing middlemen. This direct sourcing allows for full transparency in their supply chain and ensures that the farming practices adhere to their sustainability standards.

Rainforest Alliance Certification: The company’s commitment to sustainability has been recognized by the Rainforest Alliance, an international non-governmental organization working to create a better future for people and nature. The Bouqs Company has received certification from the Rainforest Alliance for its environmentally responsible farming practices.

Recyclable Packaging: The Bouqs Company uses recyclable packaging materials for its bouquets, further reducing its environmental impact.

These factors all contribute to The Bouqs Company’s overall commitment to sustainability, distinguishing it from many traditional florists.

Consumer-Friendly Policies

The Bouqs Company has implemented several consumer-friendly policies to ensure customer satisfaction and build loyalty. Here are some of the key elements:

Satisfaction Guarantee: The Bouqs Company stands behind the quality of its products and offers a satisfaction guarantee to its customers. If a customer is not satisfied with their order for any reason, the company promises to either resend the bouquet or provide a full refund.

Flexible Subscription Service: The Bouqs Company offers a flexible subscription service, called “Bouqs Co. Subscription,” which allows customers to receive fresh flowers weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. Customers can customize their subscription according to their preference in flower types and can even skip deliveries or cancel the subscription at any time without penalty.

Customer Service: The Bouqs Company has a dedicated customer service team that provides assistance with ordering, delivery, and any issues that may arise. They have numerous ways for customers to reach out, including email and a live chat feature on their website.

Order Tracking: The Bouqs Company provides an order tracking feature which allows customers to keep track of their delivery in real-time, offering peace of mind about when their flowers will arrive.

Secure Payment Methods: The company provides secure payment options to safeguard customers’ personal and financial information. Customers can pay via major credit cards or PayPal.

These policies emphasize The Bouqs Company’s commitment to a positive customer experience and demonstrate a strong focus on customer satisfaction.

The Bouqs Company’s emphasis on freshness, sustainability, and customer experience has set it apart from many competitors in the floral industry. The company has indeed made its mark by challenging industry norms and shaping new standards in online flower delivery. As it continues to grow, The Bouqs Company is set to remain at the forefront of innovation in its industry.

Disclaimer: Please note that the names and positions of employees mentioned may be subject to change, as individuals may move to different roles or organizations. While we make every effort to keep our information accurate and up-to-date, we cannot guarantee that all employee details are current or complete. We encourage you to verify the identity and positions of any individual mentioned and check their Linkedin Profile before taking any action based on their role.