In a groundbreaking move for Italy’s startup ecosystem, Milan and Paris-based Volta has raised an impressive €6 million ($6.3 million) in the nation’s largest pre-seed funding round. The company’s mission is clear: to revolutionize the business-to-business (B2B) sales landscape through its innovative software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform. Volta aims to streamline B2B sales processes similarly to how Shopify transformed business-to-consumer (B2C) commerce, addressing the lag in digital adoption among European midsize wholesale and distribution firms.
These businesses often still rely on paper catalogs and manual order processing, especially noticeable at trade shows and client meetings where physical catalogs prove cumbersome and inefficient. The need for a digital transformation in this area is evident, and Volta is poised to deliver a solution that not only simplifies these processes but also integrates seamlessly with existing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
Revolutionizing Catalog Management
Simplifying Integration with Existing Systems
Volta’s platform targets midsize businesses by offering a straightforward approach to digitizing catalog management. Companies can easily upload their existing catalogs to Volta from Excel files or ERP systems. Once uploaded, the data is verified for accuracy, ensuring the information migrated is both reliable and up-to-date. Volta’s interface allows for the creation, management, and sharing of digital catalogs, maintaining synchronization with ERP systems for real-time pricing and inventory data.
This streamlined process facilitates efficient catalog updates and order tracking, making it significantly easier for companies to manage their product offerings. By modernizing the traditional paper-based method, Volta provides a more agile and dynamic way for businesses to present their products. This digital transformation enhances productivity and helps businesses respond quickly to changes in market demand or inventory levels.
Enhancing Customer Management
Beyond catalog management, Volta offers robust customer management capabilities. Users can create detailed client profiles, categorize customers based on various criteria, and monitor negotiations within the platform. Although it may not boast the extensive functionality of larger customer relationship management (CRM) systems like Salesforce, Volta’s solution provides adequate tools to meet the needs of many midsize businesses.
This focused functionality allows businesses to manage customer interactions more efficiently, track the progress of negotiations, and personalize their sales approach based on client data. By integrating these capabilities, Volta ensures that its users can manage their customer relationships effectively, contributing to a more streamlined sales process. The platform’s user-friendly interface and practical features make it a valuable asset for businesses looking to enhance their B2B sales operations.
Future Prospects and Expansion
Adding New Features
Looking ahead, Volta has ambitious plans to expand its platform with additional features that add value beyond basic catalog management. The company envisions integrating logistics capabilities and offering financing options to create a more comprehensive solution for its users. These enhancements will help retain users by continuously delivering new functionalities that address the evolving needs of midsize wholesale and distribution firms.
By adding logistics integrations, Volta aims to simplify the often complex process of managing supply chains, allowing businesses to coordinate deliveries and track shipments more efficiently. Financing options would provide users with the financial flexibility needed to grow their operations, navigate cash flow challenges, and invest in new opportunities. These planned features reflect Volta’s commitment to continuous improvement and its dedication to meeting the diverse needs of its user base.
Strong Foundational Support
Volta’s rapid fundraising success stems from its experienced founding team, including Paul Guillemin, formerly of Fretlink, and Mario Parteli, founder of Abiby and a tech veteran. Their extensive backgrounds in tech and logistics have played a crucial role in shaping Volta’s vision and gaining investor trust. The company’s strong financial backing comes from leading investors such as Emblem, Robin Capital, and Founders Future, as well as prominent family investment firms and angel investors. This support positions Volta to innovate B2B commerce effectively.
With solid financial backing and expert leadership, Volta is ready to implement its ambitious plans, significantly advancing digital transformation in B2B transactions. The company aims to change how midsize wholesalers and distributors operate, bringing them into the digital era akin to the B2C sector’s advancements.
Volta’s journey to modernize B2B commerce has just begun, but it already shows a promising future. As the platform evolves, midsize wholesale and distribution firms can anticipate a more efficient, digitally-focused approach to sales and customer relationship management, transforming from paper catalogs to digital solutions and driving success in the digital age.
