Berlin-based AI platform Plato, dedicated to automating ERP processes for wholesale distributors, has successfully secured $6.5 million in Pre-Seed funding. The funding round was spearheaded by Cherry Ventures, with added support from the German government and prominent tech executives from companies such as Microsoft, SAP, NVIDIA, Celonis, Personio, Sennder, and Forto.
Plato was co-founded by Benedikt Nolte, Matthias Heinrich, and Oliver Birch to modernize and support Nolte’s family wholesale business, which was facing closure due to high competition, outdated ERP systems, and inefficient processes. The founders developed Plato as a response to challenges in the wholesale sector, including labor shortages, rising competition, and a pressing need for digital transformation in sales and operations.
Plato’s platform leverages artificial intelligence to streamline workflows and provide actionable sales intelligence, seamlessly integrating with existing ERP systems. By automating repetitive tasks, such as quote generation and order processing, Plato enables sales teams to focus more on customer engagement and strategic growth. Its AI-driven recommendations for cross-selling, up-selling, and churn prevention allow B2B sales teams to maximize efficiency and enhance revenue opportunities without increasing headcount.
CEO Benedikt Nolte describes Plato as a comprehensive solution designed for the wholesale sector. “Plato is the all-in-one platform where distribution sellers thrive. Our solution transforms how distributors engage with their data, automating processes and unlocking profitability,” he stated.
Plato’s impact on client operations has been notable. The platform allows sales teams to handle up to five times more information and increase customer-facing activities by 65 percent, all while saving up to 20 percent of sellers' time. With Plato’s assistance, wholesalers are able to scale operations with existing staff and onboard new hires faster, addressing industry-wide challenges while remaining competitive.
According to Jasper Masemann, Partner at Cherry Ventures, “Plato’s product aligns perfectly with our AI thesis of augmenting the modern workforce. Their team’s industry knowledge and technical expertise make them uniquely positioned to address the needs of the wholesale market, providing a decisive advantage over competitors.”
Since its inception, Plato has expanded its client base significantly, onboarding several of Germany’s largest wholesale distributors. Early adopters, such as Layer Grosshandel, have reported substantial gains in sales productivity and reductions in manual workloads, validating Plato’s value proposition.
With the new funding, Plato plans to invest in team expansion, focusing on enhancing its AI capabilities and accelerating product development to cater to large clients with extensive sales operations. By enhancing automation and intelligence in ERP processes, Plato aims to be a transformative force for the wholesale industry, allowing distributors to thrive amid economic uncertainties and digital demands.
