Plato, a startup developing an AI-based operating system for wholesale distributors, has announced the closing of a $14.5 million seed funding round led by Atomico. The company aims to improve operational efficiency and commercial performance in the distribution sector by automating sales workflows and ERP systems.

Industry Challenges and AI Solutions

The distribution sector is under increasing pressure from labor constraints, low margins, economic uncertainty, and rising digital expectations from B2B customers. Plato aims to address these challenges by replacing manual processes with AI-driven automation.

Plato's platform automates core workflows in areas such as sales, quoting, and ERP operations. By leveraging data within existing ERP systems, the platform reduces manual work and enables sales teams to operate more proactively, supporting efficiency and revenue growth.

Key Features and Future Plans

Key features include AI-driven sales intelligence to identify risks and opportunities, automation of repetitive processes such as order handling and internal communication, and industry-specific software tailored to wholesalers managing large and complex product portfolios. The new funding will be used to expand the platform's functionality into areas such as customer service and procurement, as well as to support international expansion.