BigCommerce launches $2m fund for start-up developers

eCommerce platform BigCommerce has launched a $2 million integration fund for start-up developers around the world, with each successful entry set to receive up to $20,000.

BigCommerce, which has offices in Sydney and Texas, is calling on developers to submit their integration and application ideas to receive a portion of the $2 million fund.

Each successful entry will receive an investment of up to $20,000 to help fund the development of their project.

Applications will be assessed on their ability to drive more traffic to stores running on BigCommerce.

Applications will also be assessed on their ability to integrate BigCommerce with existing systems and applications already used by business owners.

BigCommerce currently integrates with more than 100 applications including Facebook, eBay, MailChimp, Yahoo Search Marketing, Google Analytics and Google Website Optimiser. The Sydney-founded business made headlines in August last year, when it secured a $15 million investment from General Catalyst Partners.

BigCommerce chief marketing officer Jeremy Arnone says the company decided to launch an integration fund based on the “huge uptake” of its API.

“[It] is money we put aside to fund the development of BigCommerce integrations and applications from third-party developers,” Arnone says.

“The idea here is simple. If developers want to build on BigCommerce, we want to reward them for their hard work with up to $20,000 per project.”

“We’ll also provide them with exposure to almost one million website visitors per day, and over 20,000 clients via our website, email [and] social media.”

With regard to who can apply, the company says “anyone who would like to build an integration or web/mobile/desktop application that makes use of the BigCommerce API”.

“There are hundreds of existing devices, applications and web services… We’re looking for integrations or applications that make use of them to help our clients become more successful,” it says.

“Your integration or application should make it easier for BigCommerce clients to run their businesses and/or help them attract more visitors, orders or repeat purchases.”

BigCommerce has provided API documentation, compete with step-by-step instructions, as well as coding samples for applicants.

“Distribution of our integration fund is based on the complexity and usefulness of your application or integration,” the company says.

“When you apply, we’ll ask you some questions that will help us determine the fair portion of our integration fund to apply to your project.”

“Funds will be determined on a project-by-project basis, based on how much of a positive impact your application or integration will have on our clients.”

An application form for the fund can be found here.