Live Verdure Ltd has secured a controlling stake in AI innovator Decidr.ai and reported robust e-commerce growth for its Edible Beauty brand, underscoring its strategic pivot towards AI-driven expansion.
- Acquisition of 51% controlling interest in Decidr.ai via $13.2 million interest-free loan
- Decidr.ai wins multi-year contracts across diverse industries in Australia and the US
- Edible Beauty e-commerce sales jump 64% year-on-year and 143% quarter-on-quarter
- Capital raising of $6.92 million supports growth initiatives
- Executive Chairman David Brudenell shifts to executive role to drive growth
Strategic Acquisition Bolsters AI Capabilities
Live Verdure Ltd (ASX: LV1) has taken a decisive step in its transformation into an AI-enabled growth company by acquiring a controlling 51% stake in Decidr.ai Pty Ltd. This acquisition, facilitated through a $13.2 million interest-free loan repayable over three years, aligns with Live Verdure's vision to embed advanced AI technologies across its portfolio and external markets.
Decidr.ai, which launched commercially in late October 2024, has quickly demonstrated its platform's agility and scalability by securing multi-year subscriptions with clients spanning healthcare, FMCG, finance, energy, and media sectors in both Australia and the United States. This diverse customer base underscores the platform's versatility and positions Decidr as a leader in agentic AI solutions.
Edible Beauty's E-Commerce Momentum
The health and wellness brand Edible Beauty, under Live Verdure's umbrella, reported its strongest quarter to date with e-commerce sales soaring 64% compared to the prior corresponding year and an impressive 143% increase quarter-on-quarter. This growth was driven by a strategic focus on new customer acquisition and increasing average order value (AOV), supported by the integration of Decidr's AI-powered sales agent, AVA.
Notably, the quarter saw a 232% surge in new customers year-on-year and a 67% increase from the previous quarter, alongside a 20% uplift in AOV. The company also enhanced marketing efficiency, with a 23% increase in blended return on ad spend (ROAS) and a 31% reduction in customer acquisition costs compared to the previous year.
Capital and Leadership to Fuel Growth
Supporting these operational advances, Live Verdure successfully raised $6.92 million through the conversion of unlisted options, attracting both new strategic cornerstone investors and commitments from existing shareholders. This capital injection underpins the company's expansion plans, particularly the scaling of Decidr's AI technology and continued development of its health and wellness brands.
In a leadership move to accelerate growth, David Brudenell transitioned from Non-Executive to Executive Chairman, signaling a hands-on approach to driving the Group's strategic objectives.
Looking Ahead: AI-Driven Innovation and Market Expansion
Live Verdure's dual-track AI enablement strategy is evolving beyond optimizing its core brands to pioneering the Agentic Web, an ecosystem of autonomous AI agents designed to streamline workflows and enhance decision-making across industries. Partnerships with platforms like The Growth Faculty, CareerOne, and ELMO Software are set to broaden Decidr's reach into HR, content creation, and property management sectors.
Meanwhile, Edible Beauty is pursuing international growth through new wholesale agreements, including a premium distributor in Hong Kong and entry into Amazon Premium Beauty in the US, aiming to build brand awareness and revenue streams beyond the Australian market.
While the 13 Seeds brand continues to undergo operational optimization and cost reduction efforts, Live Verdure's overall trajectory reflects a confident pivot towards AI-enabled growth and diversified market presence.
Bottom Line?
Live Verdure’s strategic acquisition and AI-driven growth initiatives position it well for scaling across sectors, but execution and market expansion remain key to sustaining momentum.
Questions in the middle?
- How effectively will Live Verdure integrate Decidr.ai’s operations and technology to maximize synergies?
- Can Edible Beauty sustain its rapid e-commerce growth amid competitive and challenging retail environments?
- What impact will international expansion efforts have on Live Verdure’s revenue diversification and profitability?