Summary:
Dave Clark launches Auger to tackle supply chain software issues.
Clark aims to unify disparate systems used by companies.
$100 million funding secured from Oak HC/FT.
Plans to grow to 20 employees and launch a V1 product within nine months.
Supply chain tech investments are showing signs of recovery.
Dave Clark's New Venture
Dave Clark, the former CEO of Amazon's global consumer division and briefly the head of Flexport, is making waves again in the startup scene with the launch of his new company, Auger. This innovative venture aims to tackle the chaos of 'Franken-software' that currently dominates supply chain management.
Clark expressed his astonishment at how companies like Nike and Lululemon still rely heavily on outdated tools like Excel to manage their supply chains. He stated, "A shocking amount of supply chain still runs on Excel."
Background and Vision
After a tumultuous year at Flexport, where he resigned amid claims of overspending and overhiring, Clark is back with a renewed purpose. His vision for Auger is to create a unified platform that simplifies supply chain management, integrating the multitude of systems used by companies for procurement, forecasting, and enterprise resource planning.
He aims to design a system that offers the same ease of use as consumer applications we interact with daily. Clark noted that many companies juggle 8 to 20 different systems that are rarely integrated, leading to inefficiencies.
Building Auger
Clark has relocated back to Seattle, the home of Amazon, to leverage the area’s tech talent for Auger, which has already secured $100 million in funding from Oak HC/FT. He plans to grow his team to around 20 employees and aims to release a V1 product within the next nine months.
Despite the overall decline in venture capital activity, investments in supply chain technology have shown signs of recovery, with a $2.4 billion investment noted in recent reports. As Clark embarks on this journey, he hopes to fill the existing gaps in the market for efficient supply chain solutions, drawing from his extensive experience in logistics.
Robots transport goods to employees in an Amazon fulfillment center.
Conclusion
With Auger, Dave Clark is set to challenge the status quo in supply chain management, aiming to provide companies with the tools they need to operate more efficiently in today's complex logistics landscape.
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