Berlin-based Plato, an AI-based ERP automation platform for wholesale distributors, has successfully raised $6.5 million in Pre-Seed funding. The round was led by Cherry Ventures, with additional investments from the German government and C-level executives from major tech companies such as Microsoft, SAP, NVIDIA, Celonis, Personio, Sennder, and Forto.
Plato’s platform utilizes artificial intelligence to transform wholesale distribution by automating sales workflows and providing data-driven sales intelligence. Integrated seamlessly with existing ERP systems, it allows B2B sales teams to work more proactively, enabling them to process five times more information and improve customer engagement. By identifying relevant sales opportunities through thousands of customer signals, Plato helps sales teams optimize operations and increase efficiency, allowing distributors to grow sales with the same staffing levels, reducing labor costs, and adapting to digital demands in an industry grappling with labor shortages and economic pressures.
In addition to automating repetitive tasks, such as quote creation and order processing, Plato’s software offers features like churn alerts to re-engage at-risk customers, targeted up- and cross-selling recommendations, and next-best-action suggestions, ensuring that sales reps can focus on high-impact activities. Current clients report significant improvements in operational efficiency, with Plato contributing an 8x return on investment and saving up to 5 hours per employee each week.
The funding will accelerate Plato’s expansion, supporting team growth and broadening its reach to larger clients across the wholesale sector. The founders, Benedikt Nolte, Matthias Heinrich, and Oliver Birch, originally created Plato to modernize Nolte’s family wholesale business, which faced intense competition and outdated processes.
Today, Plato serves a growing client base, empowering wholesale distributors to streamline their operations, boost productivity, and gain a competitive edge in a challenging market.