Plato Raises $14,5 Million Seed Round to Power the AI Operating System for Distributors

• Plato secures $14,5M seed funding round, marking one of the largest in its category. The round was led by Atomico with participation from existing investors Cherry Ventures, Discovery Ventures and D11Z.Ventures
• The Berlin-based startup now aims to scale its AI OS for distributors globally, starting with its sales intelligence platform
• Already serving leading distributors, Plato reports +€100K ACVs and 90% software margins

Plato, the AI-based operating system for wholesale distributors, today announced the successful closing of its $14,5 million seed funding round. The round was led by leading European venture capital firm Atomico, with prior investors, including Cherry Ventures, doubling down. This investment highlights the confidence in Plato’s vision to transform the $3 trillion global trading industry through AI.

Plato develops AI-native software that automates core workflows in sales, quoting and ERP operations for distribution businesses. This is an industry that touches every 5th dollar of the global production output, yet remains critically underserved by modern software. The solution empowers sales teams with an AI copilot, boosting profits, and increasing sales efficiency via AI agents.

“We saw the problems first hand in my family’s distribution business and developed Plato with top-tier technologists to rethink the way the industry operates. We’re building the AI operating system for distributors, starting with intelligent sales automation. With this funding, we’re scaling Plato to move an entire industry to build a tech champion for the trade economy - from Germany, for the world.” says Benedikt Nolte, CEO at Plato.

Scaling the AI OS for Distribution

The platform unlocks hidden ERP data and automates manual tasks so sales teams can move from reactive to proactive selling. Plato has achieved significant early success, closing some of Europe’s largest distribution businesses with 6-figure average contract values (ACV). The funding will enable Plato to expand its vertical product offering into customer service and procurement, while supporting its international expansion. Key platform capabilities include:

• Sales Intelligence: Identifying customer risks and opportunities through proactive AI to drive revenue growth
• Process Automation: Automating repetitive processes such as order handling and internal communication
• Industry Software: Plato is purpose-built for distribution, tailored to the specific needs of wholesalers with large product portfolios

“What convinced us most about Plato is the rare quality of the founding team. This team truly has a “right to win” in this space, a burning passion for distributors and trade. They bring deep, first-hand industry expertise together with strong technical execution and the ambition to build a category-defining vertical AI company. Wholesalers are urgently looking for industry-specific AI software to solve operational challenges, and Plato is the solution.” says Andreas Helbig, Partner at Atomico.

A Critical Industry in Need of Innovation

The company was founded by Benedikt Nolte, Matthias Heinrich Morales and Oliver Birch. They initially built the platform within Nolte’s family wholesale distribution business, which had been struggling with legacy software systems and labour shortage. This practical origin has shaped Plato’s industry-led approach to AI transformation.

The distribution sector is under increasing pressure due to labor shortage, low margins, stagnating economy and the digital expectations of modern B2B buyers. Plato replaces manual sales and ERP workflows with agentic AI that directly drives revenue and efficiency.

• Up to 15% revenue uplift through better sales recommendations
• 5h saved per week via automated ERP quoting workflows
• 10x higher sales efficiency via better communication for field- & inside sales

Distribution moves the world. Plato moves distribution. This funding positions Plato to become the AI operating system powering the $3 trillion global trade economy. Sell smarter, grow faster.

About Plato

Plato develops the AI operation system for distributors, starting with a sales intelligence platform. Plato helps leading distributors leverage their data and automate their processes, increasing revenues by up to 15% without adding headcount. Founded in 2024 by Benedikt Nolte, Matthias Heinrich, and Oliver Birch, Plato was built from firsthand experience in wholesale distribution. Plato is committed to driving digital transformation and sustainable growth in the global wholesale distribution market. www.platoapp.ai

About Atomico

Atomico is the founder-built European venture capital firm. We partner with the most ambitious entrepreneurs using technology to rewire the world, better. Skype co-founder Niklas Zennström launched Atomico in 2006 with the belief that entrepreneurs are the ultimate gamechangers for positive transformation across the most critical aspects of our society and economy. Starting in Europe, the firm’s mission is to further their global progress, with a platform offering unmatched support from the early stage to scale. 160 of Europe’s most ambitious founders have partnered with Atomico, including Aiven, Bird (formerly MessageBird), DeepL, Hinge Health, Jobandtalent, Klarna, Neko Health, Pipedrive, Stripe, Supercell, TravelPerk and Wellhub. Atomico's team of investors and operational leaders are drawn from some of the most successful technology companies in the world, including Skype, Google and Twitter. www.atomico.com