SEATTLE, WA – November 10, 2025 - Ethosphere, the voice AI platform transforming retail operations, announced its nomination for the Vendors in Partnership (VIP) “Retail Tech Disrupter Award,” recognizing groundbreaking technology reshaping the future of retail. The honor highlights Ethosphere’s growing impact as retailers embrace AI-driven tools to improve in-store performance and frontline team engagement.

The winner will be announced live at the annual Vendors in Partnership Awards Gala in New York City on January 9th. The gala event brings together retail executives, innovators, and solution providers to celebrate the industry’s most influential technology leaders.

“We’re honored to be recognized among such transformative leaders in retail technology, and by the leading retail brands in the world,” said Evan Smith, CEO and Co-founder of Ethosphere. “This nomination underscores how rapidly retail brands are rethinking how AI can support their people — not replace them. Voice AI is becoming an everyday coaching companion, empowering retail store teams to develop rapidly, sell better, and connect more deeply.”

The “Retail Tech Disrupter Award” spotlights companies that redefine operational excellence through creativity, innovation, and measurable results. Ethosphere’s nomination follows a year of rapid growth and validation, which has included:

• Invitation to be spotlighted by The National Retail Federation in their Innovator's Showcase at NRF’s Big Show in in January 2026. Ethosphere will be featured prominently at the biggest moment in retail, alongside just 50 companies chosen.

• Recognition by the Retail AI Council with the Startup Innovation Award. Ethosphere competed against 20 finalists, initially selected from over 1,000 early-stage retail tech companies. The highly coveted award was decided by direct votes from participating retail brands, underscoring industry validation.

• Selection to be part of Plug and Play's Spring 2025 Batch of innovators. Joined a fellowship group in the Retail and Brand category, to complete a 3-month accelerator program with support from connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies.

With its voice-first AI technology, Ethosphere captures real, in-store conversations between associates and customers to deliver actionable coaching and performance insights. This unique approach helps retailers understand what’s happening in every store, transforming how leaders support teams and drive consistent, measurable improvement.

Learn more:
●     Visit our website
●     Book a demo
●     Follow us on LinkedIn

About Ethosphere

Ethosphere provides a new way for retailers to support their teams. Using LLMs and advanced voice AI to turn actual in-store conversations and customer interactions into specific, actionable operational insights. This human-centric technology gives frontline sellers clear, impactful guidance, completely changing the way leaders share feedback and support their teams with personalized development. Ethosphere’s solution strengthens vital human connections between in-store teams, and brand and customers, driving loyalty and sales. By enhancing these authentic interactions, Ethosphere helps your people excel where it matters most.

Understand your stores. Bring your brand ethos to life. With Ethosphere.

Contact
Evan Smith
Evan@ethosphere.ai