With an estimated 20-30% of U.S. inventory going unsold and often ending up in landfills, Sotira is stepping in to turn excess stock into opportunity. By leveraging AI, the startup streamlines how brands offload surplus grocery, health, wellness, and cosmetics products, matching them with verified buyers nationwide. Traditional liquidation has been slow and manual, but Sotira automates the process, ensuring suppliers quickly clear space and get paid upon pickup. As rising grocery prices make affordability a pressing issue, the platform also helps discount retailers provide premium goods at lower costs. Founded by UC Berkeley entrepreneurs Amrita Bhasin and Gary Kwong, Sotira recently secured $2 million in pre-seed funding to expand across the Midwest and Southeast, with future plans to enter the apparel market.
