Didero Secures $30M Funding to Revolutionize Manufacturing Procurement Automation
In a significant development for the manufacturing sector, Didero has successfully raised $30 million in a Series A funding round co-led by Chemistry and Headline, with contributions from Microsoft’s venture fund M12. Founded by Tim Spencer, former leader of e-commerce startup Markai, along with procurement expert Lorenz Pallhuber and technical co-founder Tom Petit, Didero aims to streamline the complex procurement processes that manufacturers face.
The motivation behind Didero’s inception stemmed from Spencer’s first-hand experiences navigating the intricacies of procurement during the pandemic. “I found myself running this big team that was not really set up for success,” he remarked, highlighting the challenges inherent in traditional procurement strategies. The emergence of generative AI technology has prompted the team to design a solution that enhances efficiency and reduces manual workloads.
Didero integrates as an AI-driven layer above existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, effectively transforming fragmented communication methods—such as emails, WeChat messages, and purchase orders—into automated tasks. “Global trade runs on natural language communication,” Spencer explained, noting that the new platform automates many routine procurement workflows, allowing companies to focus on value-added activities.
Unlike competitors such as Levelpath and Oro Labs, which primarily address corporate purchasing needs, Didero is tailored specifically for manufacturers and distributors seeking to source essential raw materials and inputs. While the company faces competition from smaller players like Cavela and Pietra, Spencer asserts that Didero’s comprehensive solution handles the entire procurement lifecycle—from initial quotes through to final payments—catering particularly to larger entities.
Currently, Didero serves a range of customers, including sustainable packaging provider Footprint, and aims to expand its reach further into the manufacturing landscape.
