The Procurement Software Podcast

EPISODE SUMMARY: Tropic co-founder Justin Etkin (newly appointed CEO) and Head of Procurement Michael Shields join James to unpack how AI is upending traditional software buying. They explain why AI-native spend is growing 82 to 127% year-over-year while overall software spend is only up about 20%, and why consumption-based pricing makes the old seat-based approval playbook useless. The conversation covers Tropic's shift from a services business into a data-driven intelligence platform, the launch of its new AI Consumption Management product, and why 2027 budget season will be far less forgiving of AI overspend than 2026 was. For procurement leaders heading into planning season, it's a practical look at where the real risk, and opportunity, now sits. GUEST BIOS: Justin Etkin co-founded Tropic in 2019 as COO alongside David Campbell, and was named CEO in August 2026 as the company shifted from a services-led procurement business into a proprietary data and AI intelligence platform. Before Tropic, he worked at Bain. Today Tropic manages over $23 billion in software spend and has delivered $425 million in customer savings, drawing on intelligence from more than 100,000 completed negotiations. Michael Shields is Head of Procurement & Strategy at Tropic, where he runs procurement for the company that sells procurement software. He built the procurement function from the ground up at Qualtrics, later led procurement at MX, and began his career at Honeywell. He's also taught supply chain management as an adjunct professor at Brigham Young University and is a well-known voice on LinkedIn for making procurement's business value accessible. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why running procurement inside a procurement-software company exposes the "reputation problem" the function has, and how data and supplier intelligence is now table stakes, not a nice-to-have. Why AI-native software spend is growing 82 to 127% year-over-year (versus about 20% for software overall), and why that gap comes down to procurement not being in the room early enough. Why consumption-based (token/usage) pricing breaks the old seat-based approval process, and what teams need instead: real-time alerting, commit-vs-actual visibility, and leverage to renegotiate before overages hit. Why 2026's "experimentation pass" on AI budget overruns won't repeat in 2027, since CFOs will expect hard caps and much tighter forecasting. Why market intelligence and benchmarking data, not just workflow or process tools, are becoming the real differentiator procurement teams need to prove their value to finance. Why ignoring mid-tail and long-tail vendor spend, not just the biggest "fathead" contracts, is where the hidden risk and savings are piling up. TIMESTAMPS: [00:02] Guest Introductions: From COO to CEO, and Running Procurement for a Procurement Company [04:25] Tropic's Evolution: From Services Business to Proprietary Data and AI Intelligence Platform [09:20] Why AI-Native Spend Is Outpacing Traditional Software (82 to 127% YoY Growth) [20:00] Inside AI Consumption Management: Tackling Runaway, Usage-Based Spend [24:28] Why Market Intelligence Is Becoming Table Stakes for Procurement Teams [37:19] Usage-Based Pricing's Future, and Where to Learn More About Tropic RESOURCES & LINKS: Connect with Justin Etkin on LinkedIn Connect with Michael Shields on LinkedIn Check out Tropic Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder App Sign up for the EntProc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let's talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

EPISODE SUMMARY Eshan Jayamanne is the founder and CEO of Krane, an AI-native procurement and material management platform built specifically for construction. In this episode, he explains why 95% of construction procurement is still run on spreadsheets and email, how that gap costs projects time and money, and why general ERPs and project management tools like Procore or Autodesk were never built to solve it. James and Eshan dig into how Krane's AI agents handle the "grunt work" of tracking bids, materials, and lead times while keeping humans firmly in the decision-making loop. It's a sharp look at how AI is starting to change one of construction's most overlooked cost centres. GUEST BIO Eshan Jayamanne is the Founder and CEO of Krane, an AI-powered construction supply chain platform. He combines deep construction industry expertise with a background in engineering, analytics, and technology. Before founding Krane in 2023, he worked on major projects for organisations including Microsoft, Chevron, UCSF, and Caltrans, focused on productivity, supply chain optimisation, and lean construction, experience that exposed the industry's persistent procurement and coordination gaps. KEY TAKEAWAYS Why 95% of construction procurement teams, even on billion-dollar projects, are still coordinating materials through spreadsheets and email How a single overlooked lead-time change on a procurement log can quietly derail a construction schedule Why general ERPs and construction platforms like Procore and Autodesk solve upstream design coordination but not downstream procurement risk How Krane's AI agents (like Milo for reading specs and Chase for supplier follow-up) remove admin work while keeping vendor selection decisions with humans Why building a "data moat" from project to project is becoming a competitive advantage in construction procurement Why supply chain risk is now considered the second-biggest constraint on data centre builds, after power supply TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Guest introduction & Krane's rapid growth to $21B in active projects [01:50] The construction site problem that sparked Krane [08:06] Where procurement projects actually fall apart [11:52] Why ERPs and construction industry software tools fall short on procurement [16:39] Inside the AI agents: Milo, Chase, and the human-in-the-loop [28:41] Case studies, the future of AI in construction, and where to find Krane RESOURCES & LINKS Connect with Eshan Jayamanne on LinkedIn Book a demo of Krane Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder App Sign up for the EntProc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let's talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

EPISODE SUMMARY Dheev Arulmani, COO and co-founder of Valdera, joins James to unpack one of procurement tech's most underserved areas: chemicals and raw materials sourcing. He explains why this $6 trillion, hyper-fragmented category breaks generic source-to-pay suites, and how Valdera's verticalised, AI-native approach handles infinite spec permutations, regulation and supplier data. Essential listening for direct materials buyers and anyone weighing up whether to choose a horizontal suite over a specialist platform. GUEST BIO Dheev Arulmani is co-founder and COO of Valdera, the AI-native sourcing platform for chemicals and raw materials he launched in 2021 with his sister Sruti. Previously an Engagement Manager at McKinsey in its chemicals and agriculture practice, he led supply chain and procurement transformations for large manufacturers. He holds a BS in Chemical Engineering and Economics from MIT and earlier worked in electrochemistry research and venture investing. KEY TAKEAWAYS Why chemicals can't be sourced like finished goods, infinite spec permutations demand purpose-built data infrastructure How verticalised platforms beat one-size-fits-all suites for complex categories Why "start small, prove value, scale up" beats boiling the ocean How storytelling across stakeholders unlocks procurement's real value TIMESTAMPS [00:02] Meet Dheev and Valdera [05:11] The upstream data problem [07:19] Where legacy suites fall down [32:55] Key skills that direct procurement teams need [34:15] The future of source-to-pay suites [38:14] Where to find Valdera RESOURCES & LINKS Connect with Dheev Arulmani on LinkedIn Book a demo of Valdera Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder App Sign up for the EntProc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let's talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

EPISODE SUMMARY: In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads welcomes Andrew Stroup, co-founder and CEO of Leverage AI, to discuss the massive inefficiency hiding in how procurement teams manage purchase orders and track supplier visibility. After leading Project N95, the national clearinghouse for PPE during COVID, Andrew identified a critical gap: supply chains still run on email and spreadsheets, and most SMEs and mid-market manufacturers can't force suppliers to sign up and use their new platforms. Leverage AI solves this by meeting suppliers where they already are, integrating directly with ERPs to automate PO workflows without the friction of custom portals. For procurement leaders managing thousands of supplier relationships, this conversation cuts through the hype around AI and shows what actually works. GUEST BIO: Andrew Stroup is co-founder and CEO of Leverage AI, a supply chain visibility platform for mid-market manufacturers and distributors. He brings an unconventional background: aerospace engineer, Pentagon advisor, White House Fellow under the Obama administration, and operations leader across cybersecurity and robotics. During COVID, Andrew built and scaled Project N95 to 250 people in three months, serving as the national nonprofit clearinghouse connecting healthcare providers with vetted PPE suppliers. This mission-critical experience shaped his understanding of supplier management at scale. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Why meeting suppliers where they are matters more than forcing new logins: SMEs typically have little leverage with 80% of their supply base, so solutions must operate via email (the lowest-friction communication layer) rather than requiring suppliers to adopt portals they'll never prioritise. How plugging into ERPs as a boundary layer beats building standalone platforms: ERPs are your system of record. Leverage AI sits as middleware between your internal workflows and external suppliers, enriching data without ripping-and-replacing, which is why it actually gets adopted. Why AI works best in the invisible layers, not the interface: The real value of agentic workflows is automating data collection, email processing, and research, leaving humans to make decisions with perfect information rather than replacing human judgment entirely. How supplier scorecards powered by real-time data change negotiations forever: Live performance metrics (on-time delivery, change requests, cost trends, benchmark comparisons) give you fact-based leverage in supplier conversations instead of gut feeling or quarterly surveys. Why surfacing hidden errors is a feature, not a bug: Customers often see more problems when they first implement visibility, but those are mistakes that have been costing them cash for years. The software finally makes them visible. How procurement elevates from order-taker to strategic adviser: When AI handles PO admin, your team moves from data entry to supplier negotiations, working on relationships and alternative sourcing. That's the work that actually moves the needle on cost and risk. TIMESTAMPS: [00:03] Andrew's Background: From Aerospace Engineer to Supply Chain Problem-Solver [03:15] Project N95 and the Light Bulb Moment: Why Supply Chain Visibility Became Mission-Critical [06:41] Why Email Still Wins: The Friction Problem in Enterprise Adoption [13:58] The Dirty Jobs Approach: Why PO Management Is the Wedge to Solve [22:14] How AI Actually Works in Leverage AI: Automating Data, Not Decisions [31:06] Industry Profile and ICP: Who Uses Leverage AI and Why It Works [32:33] Customer Surprises: Time Savings, Scorecards, and Hidden Errors [37:06] The Future of Procurement in 2030 and Beyond RESOURCES & LINKS: Connect with Andrew Stroup on LinkedIn Check out Leverage AI Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Entproc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads welcomes Malin Schmidt, founder and CEO of Kodiak Hub, to discuss what it really takes to build a world-class SRM platform from the ground up. Malin brings an engineering and operations background to a space most founders enter from procurement itself, and that outside perspective has shaped everything from how Kodiak Hub's product is architected to how the company is run. This episode covers the full arc: from a niche supplier rating tool to a global execution platform, navigating the messy middle of scaling a SaaS company, and why the business case for SRM is finally getting easier to make. A wide-ranging conversation with a lot of hard-won founder insight, well worth your time whether you're building a procurement tech company or buying one. You'll learn why geopolitical disruption has shifted the SRM conversation from nice-to-have to business-critical, and how Kodiak Hub is helping procurement teams become truly AI-native. Key Takeaways: Why SRM only delivers real value when the stakes are high, specifically in direct material and manufacturing environments, where supplier performance directly hits operations How Kodiak Hub shifted its business case framing from ROI to cost of inaction, and why that resonates more with CFOs and CPOs in today's risk environment What the "land and expand" model looks like in practice: starting with operational risk management and moving customers toward strategic, top-line value over time Why recruiting operators over C-suite titles is the right call at the growth stage, and how that shapes leadership decisions at around 100 employees What Sweden's structural advantages (small domestic market, high tech adoption, institutional trust, social safety net) have to do with its outsized output of scalable tech companies Why the human touch in customer success is becoming more important as AI adoption accelerates, not less Timestamps: [00:02] Malin's Background and Why She Founded Kodiak Hub [04:53] From Kodiak Rating to Kodiak Hub: The Rebrand Story [08:35] Scaling from 3 to 100 People: The Hardest Phases of Growth [16:37] Why Sweden Produces So Many World-Class Tech Companies [22:00] International Expansion: DACH, UK, and the US [29:52] Building the Business Case for SRM Software [33:34] AI, Bjorn, and What AI-Native Procurement Actually Means And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Malin Schmidt on LinkedIn Check out Kodiak Hub Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder App Sign up for the EntProc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let's talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads speaks with Jeff Gerber, CEO of Suplari, about the evolution from traditional spend analytics to AI-powered spend intelligence. The conversation explores how procurement teams can move beyond static dashboards and begin leveraging predictive insights and autonomous agents to drive better decision-making. Can AI-Powered Spend Intelligence Transform Procurement? Jeff shares the story behind Suplari’s journey—from startup to Microsoft acquisition and back to independence—highlighting how an AI-native foundation has enabled faster innovation. The discussion focuses on how modern platforms are shifting from reporting on past spend to actively identifying opportunities and recommending actions in real time. A key theme is the growing role of AI agents in automating complex procurement tasks, from managing tail spend to improving data quality and accelerating category strategy development. The episode also tackles common challenges such as poor data and limited internal resources, showing how AI can unlock value even without perfect inputs. There is also a strong emphasis on usability, with conversational interfaces and prompt libraries helping users engage with AI more effectively, regardless of technical expertise. Key insights include: Why spend intelligence must go beyond dashboards to drive action How AI agents can continuously monitor and optimise tail spend The reality of working with imperfect data, and how AI improves it How prompt-driven interfaces accelerate user adoption Why AI enables faster, more effective category strategy development Whether you are exploring AI in procurement or looking to enhance existing analytics capabilities, this episode offers a practical view of what’s possible today, and what’s coming next. Timestamps: [00:00:01] Introduction and Jeff Gerber’s journey. [00:03:55] Building AI-native spend intelligence platforms. [00:11:15] Competing with DIY analytics and legacy systems. [00:15:48] Overcoming poor data quality challenges. [00:22:02] Managing tail spend with AI agents. [00:29:02] Prompt libraries and user adoption of AI. [00:33:38] AI in category strategy development. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Jeff Gerber on LinkedIn Check out Suplari Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Entproc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads explores the rise of free B2B procurement software and what it really means for buyers. Joined by Tom Ruello, VP of Sales at SpendHound, the conversation unpacks how removing the price barrier can accelerate adoption—without compromising value. Can Free SaaS Management Software Beat Existing Tools? Tom explains how SpendHound’s model works: offering a genuinely free SaaS management and benchmarking platform, monetised through aggregated, de-identified market data. The discussion tackles common procurement concerns—data privacy, commercial viability, and long-term product development—while highlighting the importance of transparency and a sustainable business model. Key insights include: Why free tools can outperform paid alternatives in mid-market and enterprise environments The pros and cons of data-driven monetisation models How benchmarking and AI-driven insights are transforming software renewals What procurement teams should ask vendors before committing Why time savings can be just as valuable as cost savings Whether you’re budget-constrained or simply exploring smarter ways to manage SaaS spend, this episode provides a balanced view of risk, reward and opportunity. Timestamps: [00:00:01] Introduction to free B2B procurement software. [00:03:09] The origin of SpendHound’s free model. [00:08:08] Monetisation through aggregated data. [00:17:41] Mid-market vs enterprise adoption. [00:20:05] AI-driven contract analysis and benchmarking. [00:29:18] How to get started and implementation timeline. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Tom Ruello on LinkedIn Check out SpendHound Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Entproc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads welcomes Mike Cargiulo, founder of MJC Sourcing, for a conversation that challenges the tech-first narrative in procurement transformation. Mike shares how MJC Sourcing supports mid-market organisations with hands-on, execution-focused procurement expertise. Rather than leading with slide decks, Mike and his team roll up their sleeves — delivering rapid results in complex sourcing, stakeholder engagement, and supplier negotiations. With a focus on flexible, expert resourcing, his firm fills capability gaps where internal headcount is stretched thin. Can Lean Procurement Teams Really Outperform the Big Players? We explore how smaller, agile procurement teams — armed with the right mindset, strong processes, and modern tools — can deliver more value per head than traditional enterprise setups. Mike also shares why he believes process and people come before tech, and how AI is supercharging productivity without replacing human judgement. Also discussed in this episode: How to build procurement credibility in organisations with limited influence Why bringing in A-players beats training average hires The hidden risk of relying solely on internal category experts How AI is helping sourcing professionals manage increasing workloads Why agility and flexible talent are essential to future-proofing procurement A compelling conversation on transforming procurement through smart resourcing, sharp execution, and a realistic view of technology’s role. Timestamps: [00:01:09] Why MJC Sourcing was founded. [00:03:05] Execution vs presentations in consulting. [00:04:22] On-demand procurement expertise. [00:07:36] Upskilling internal teams through collaboration. [00:10:23] People, process and tech – in that order. [00:13:45] Productivity gains with AI in procurement. [00:16:10] Value creation beyond savings. [00:21:02] Driving procurement influence in tough cultures. [00:25:15] Data’s role in enabling procurement. [00:29:21] Can small teams outperform enterprise procurement? [00:30:30] What’s next for MJC Sourcing. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Mike Cargiulo on LinkedIn Check out MJC Sourcing Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Entproc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads is joined by Gregory Vider and Markus Sinz, co-founders of apadua, recorded live at their Indirect Procurement Days event near Frankfurt, Germany. Drawing on their backgrounds as procurement practitioners and founders, Gregory and Markus share a grounded, thoughtful perspective on what AI really means for procurement. Rather than hype or job-replacement narratives, the discussion focuses on AI as an enabler that amplifies human capability, improves decision-making, and removes low-value administrative work. AI, People, Mindset, and Skills: Why they all matter The conversation explores apadua’s journey from a conventional sourcing platform to rebuilding an AI-native product from scratch, driven by deep user research rather than surface-level feature injection. James and the apadua team unpack why “human in the loop” remains critical, how procurement roles may shift towards more generalist and strategic profiles, and why differentiation in an AI-first world will come from people, not models. Also discussed in this episode: How to tell real AI capability from marketing noise Why procurement adoption of AI will be gradual, not sudden The future size and shape of procurement teams Why apadua pursued ISO 27001 and what buyers should ask about cybersecurity A reflective, pragmatic conversation on the future of procurement in an AI-enabled world. Timestamps: [00:00] Podcast introduction and episode setup [01:05] Final episode of 2025 and IPD event context [02:45] Introduction to Gregory Vider and Markus Sinz from apadua [03:20] Why AI creates confusion in procurement teams [04:25] How to tell real AI capability from marketing hype [05:45] AI as an enabler, human-in-the-loop vs automation [12:15] Rebuilding apadua as an AI-native procurement platform [15:50] How AI will reshape procurement roles and skill sets [27:40] The future size and structure of procurement teams [33:00] Cybersecurity, ISO 27001, and what buyers should ask And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Gregory Vider on LinkedIn and Markus Sinz on LinkedIn Check out apadua Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Entproc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads welcomes Matthew Spencer, procurement veteran and founder of FlockScore, a newly launched startup rethinking how supplier performance is captured and shared across industrial supply chains. Matthew brings a rare perspective as a procurement practitioner-turned-founder, having led SRM and sustainability at Bekaert Group before identifying a critical market gap: supplier scorecards were siloed, static, and lacked ecosystem-level insight. FlockScore aims to change that, offering a collaborative, AI-powered model for tracking supplier performance. Can we really crowdsource Supplier Performance Data? We unpack how FlockScore’s “open contribute-to-access” model lets procurement teams upload anonymised supplier performance data in exchange for aggregated, comparative insights. Matthew explains how AI agents enrich these insights by scanning public sources for issues like recalls, shutdowns, or delivery disruptions, without exposing contributor identity. Also discussed in this episode: Why supplier performance often takes a backseat to compliance and innovation The limits of traditional scorecards and why category-specific metrics matter How FlockScore enhances, not replaces existing SRM and S2P systems Why soft supplier feedback from stakeholders should be part of every scorecard What makes FlockScore different from review platforms and peer benchmarking A fascinating deep dive into how collective intelligence and AI are reshaping supplier evaluation, built for procurement, by procurement. Timestamps: [00:01] Intro to Matthew Spencer, FlockScore [01:14] Matthew’s background [02:18] FlockScore analogy [03:44] The “aha” moment and data gap externally [06:02] Why supplier performance management is underrated today [11:27] Engaging stakeholders effectively [13:04] Open contribute-to-access model and credits [18:50] FlockScore’s AI and difference to traditional tools offerings [23:37] Cultural and category differences, flexible taxonomy and future vision for procurement And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Matthew Spencer on LinkedIn Check out FlockScore Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Entproc Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads is joined by Gaurav Sharma, Head of Procurement Centre of Excellence at MTN, with a background that uniquely combines procurement expertise and data science. We explore how Gaurav’s journey from category manager to leading digital transformation has shaped his view on procurement technology, user adoption, and the need for more practical, cost-effective solutions. Alongside his corporate role, he introduces his side project, SuperNegotiate, designed to simplify sourcing processes and enable tool-less digitisation for procurement newcomers. Is Procuretech Overpriced and Overhyped? Gaurav shares why many e-sourcing tools fall short of addressing real category manager needs, focusing instead on vanity features. He explains how AI and machine learning are already transforming sourcing, paving the way for outcome-based pricing models and moving procurement away from traditional RFPs. Other topics covered include: Why data science skills are becoming essential in procurement How current tools fail to deliver true user-centric functionality The growing demand for tech-savvy procurement professionals Why outcome-based pricing could reshape procurement tech contracts How Super Negotiate offers a lightweight entry point for digital procurement A must-listen for anyone interested in the next generation of procurement technology and the evolving skill sets that will define future teams. Timestamps: [[00:00] Introduction to Gaurav Sharma and His Unique Skills [01:14] Journey from procurement to data science [04:34] The future of procurement skills and technology [08:55] Critiquing procurement tech and vanity features [13:56] In-house solutions vs. traditional procurement tools [21:11] Super Negotiate: a new approach to sourcing [30:11] The future roles of procurement teams And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Gaurav Sharma on LinkedIn Check out Supernegotiate Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads is joined by Oscar Fernandez, founder of ProCREWment and former Principal Procurement at mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) company FreeNow. We dive into a compelling case study on building an effective procurement process using existing tools, without splurging on expensive enterprise suites. Oscar shares how his small procurement team transformed chaos into clarity by leveraging Jira, Workato, and Yooz to automate intake-to-PO, approvals, and even contract renewals. This episode is a blueprint for procurement leaders operating in fast-growth environments with tight budgets and limited resources. Improvising and Triaging your Tech Stack for Success You’ll hear how Oscar turned Jira—typically used for IT support—into a fully functional procurement intake and requisition system, integrated with finance and legal workflows. Plus, why choosing a standalone e-sourcing tool like DeepStream delivered faster ROI than investing in an all-in-one platform. Other topics covered include: Why Jira became the backbone of their intake and approval flows Using Workato to link tools and automate tasks across systems How they structured parallel approvals to speed up decision-making Automating contract renewals and spend visibility with Atlassian modules Why DeepStream was the right sourcing tool for their needs Tips for prioritising digitisation based on procurement maturity A must-listen for procurement professionals seeking practical, flexible solutions to scale procurement operations. Timestamps: [01:46] Meet Oscar Fernandez, his procurement journey [03:45] Starting with manual-heavy processes at FreeNow [05:43] Early chaos: approvals and email overload [07:26] Spotting inefficiencies and team scaling challenges [10:12] Cost barriers to adopting full suites [13:18] Jira as a no-code intake and requisition tool [17:47] Automating approvals and connecting tools with Workato [23:45] Choosing e-sourcing over analytics or SRM [27:16] Why DeepStream fit their sourcing needs [32:09] Advice for procurement leads with limited budget [33:22] About ProCREWment—Oscar’s consultancy initiative And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Oscar Fernández on LinkedIn Check out ProCREWment Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads welcomes Brajan Gatys, Procurement Operations Lead at Personio, to explore how lean procurement teams can build powerful systems without specialist procurement tech. Recorded after James and Brajan met in person at the Wolf Pack Summit in New York, this episode is a masterclass in how low-code and no-code platforms can transform procurement operations at scale. Brajan walks us through how Personio uses tools like Airtable, Make, and Jira to manage intake, automate purchasing workflows, and even parse contracts with LLMs, all without being locked into a single vendor. Instead of buying off-the-shelf procurement suites, his team has built over 250 automations tailored to their exact needs. Running Procurement in Airtable, Jira, and Make You’ll learn why agility, vendor flexibility, and team-wide tech fluency have been core to Personio’s success, and how other teams can adopt a similar mindset. Other topics covered include: Avoiding traditional P2P and orchestration suites in favour of low-code tools Using Airtable as a central procurement database and workflow engine How they integrate with Ironclad (CLM) and Workday (ERP system) Automating contract parsing and clause extraction with AI Building internal SRM scoring models based on vendor risk and importance Creating a culture that blends procurement expertise with tech-savviness A must-listen for tech-savvy procurement teams looking to do more with less. Timestamps: [01:05] Meet Brajan Gatys, Personio [03:30] Why they chose low-code over SaaS [07:40] Airtable as the procurement engine [10:20] Automating POs and vendor onboarding [14:00] Sourcing and async vendor collaboration [18:00] Contracts, Ironclad, and clause extraction [22:30] SRM scoring and supplier risk [27:00] Culture, mindset, and learning low-code [32:00] Time-saving tips and breaking the “no capacity” cycle And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Brajan Gatys on LinkedIn Check out Personio Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, James Meads sits down in person with Harry Wilde, co-founder of Cotiss, a source-to-contract platform purpose-built for regulated industries. Recorded live at the Wolfpack Summit in New York, it’s a rare face-to-face conversation packed with insight, humour, and honest reflections on building procurement tech for complex sourcing needs. They unpack how Cotiss helps procurement teams running high-stakes, non-price-driven RFPs—think airports buying hovercrafts or telcos procuring fibre optic cable, by simplifying evaluation, driving internal engagement, and replacing spreadsheets with intuitive tools. Sourcing Complex Stuff with Less Price Focus The conversation also explores how Harry and his co-founders spotted a global gap in the market for mid-sized, heavily regulated organisations still stuck with Excel and email, and decided to build a tool that balances ease of use with just enough customisation. Other topics covered include: Why big, “gnarly” RFPs demand more than just basic e-sourcing tools What good procurement planning should look like How AI should be applied to solve real problems—not just add hype Cotiss’s US go-to-market strategy and learnings from New Zealand Why fast implementation cycles matter for small procurement teams A must-listen for procurement leaders, founders, and anyone navigating sourcing in complex, regulated environments. Timestamps: [01:20] Guest introduction: Harry Wilde [04:30] Sourcing in regulated industries [07:10] What makes Cotiss different [10:20] Founding story & background [14:30] Expanding into the US market [18:10] Best practice sourcing process [22:00] Evaluation tools & impact [26:10] AI use in sourcing tools [30:00] Implementation & where to learn more And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Harry Wilde on LinkedIn Check out COTISS Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, Raphael, co-founder and CEO of Growin.Co interviews your usual host, James Meads, alongside Linkana co-founder Leo Cavalcanti. It's a lively and forward-looking discussion about the next wave of digital transformation in procurement. They explore how AI, agentic automation, and no-code tools are disrupting traditional approaches—especially for mid-market businesses looking to leapfrog outdated ERP systems and legacy S2P suites. Postcards from Brazil - Conversations on Procuretech The conversation dives into how AI is already being used in supplier onboarding, document validation, and spend analytics. James and Leo also reflect on whether SaaS UIs will soon be replaced by agent-driven interfaces—and the strategic decisions procurement tech founders must now make. Other topics covered include: Why mid-sized firms are well-placed to leapfrog legacy systems The rise of no-code tools and what they mean for small teams Moving from structured to unstructured data with AI The challenge of understanding real customer problems Insights into the emerging Latin American procurement tech scene A must-listen for procurement professionals, founders, and anyone curious about the future of digital procurement. Timestamps: [00:35] Guest introductions: James Meads & Leo Cavalcanti [03:15] Why procurement needs better tech—and where mid-market firms fit in [07:42] How AI is changing supplier onboarding and document validation [11:20] The rise of no-code tools and what they mean for smaller businesses [16:05] Is the SaaS UI dead? Enter: agentic automation [20:51] Why defining the problem is more important than choosing the solution [26:34] Common buyer mistakes when scoping procurement tech [30:12] Challenges and opportunities in the LatAm procurement tech ecosystem [34:45] Advice for founders building in procurement today And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Raphael Traticoski Check out Growin.Co Connect with Leo Cavalcanti Check out Linkana Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of the Procurement Software Podcast, host James discusses the critical topic of cybersecurity in procurement with expert Jano Bermudes from CyXcel. They explore the importance of cybersecurity in vendor selection, the regulatory landscape, and the necessary precautions organisations must take to protect their data. Cybersecurity 101: what to consider when Buying Software The conversation covers security questions procurement professionals should ask when evaluating software vendors, the importance of security certifications like ISO 27001 and SOC 2, and how companies—big and small—can mitigate cyber risks in their supply chains. Jano shares insights into regulatory requirements such as GDPR and DORA, the complexities of supplier compliance, and the critical contract clauses buyers should insist on to protect their businesses. Other topics covered include: How small businesses can enhance their cybersecurity approach Common pitfalls in cloud software security assurances Why due diligence and ongoing monitoring are essential Negotiating limitation of liability clauses in contracts Timestamps: [00:48] Guest introduction: Jano Bermudes [02:02] Key cybersecurity questions [07:53] Important regulations & compliance [11:44] Cloud security misconceptions [14:29] Security certifications explained [19:25] Due diligence importance [24:16] Essential contract clauses [30:00] Negotiating liability limits [34:56] Where to learn more And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Jano Bermudes on LinkedIn Check out CyXcel Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

Welcome back to The Procurement Software Podcast! We’re kicking off Series 6 with a shift to a monthly format and an emphasis on more guest episodes. This week, host James Meads welcomes back Sheldon Mydat, founder and CEO of Suppeco, marking his third appearance on the show. Together, they dive deep into the transformative potential of generative AI in SRM and how it’s revolutionising the way procurement professionals handle unstructured and qualitative, rather than quantitative data. This episode unpacks the evolution of SRM from spreadsheets and KPI dashboards into a dynamic, relationship-driven process that prioritises operational excellence, resilience, and narrative over mere numbers. If you’ve been curious about AI’s real-world applications in procurement, this conversation is a must-listen. Generative AI in Supplier Relationship Management Suppeco is on a mission to redefine SRM by introducing a digital relationship layer that integrates operational data from diverse sources such as emails, chats, and project documentation. This approach focuses on the qualitative aspects of supplier relationships, fostering collaboration and mitigating risks. Sheldon explains how SRM has evolved from being KPI-heavy to prioritising relationship-driven resilience, a shift accelerated by the pandemic. With the SRM market projected to hit $8 billion by 2030, the importance of this transformation is evident. Generative AI is particularly suited for analysing unstructured data, which makes up a significant portion of operational information. Suppeco’s AI capabilities dynamically identify risks, measure cultural fit, and optimise supplier relationships, providing actionable insights and creating contextualised RFPs. By offering a scaled-down SME version, Suppeco ensures that even smaller organisations can leverage advanced SRM features, making it accessible and impactful across different business sizes. Addressing data privacy concerns, Sheldon highlights Suppeco’s multi-tenancy system, which keeps customer data securely isolated and ensures that models are never trained on proprietary information. This robust approach underscores their commitment to confidentiality and compliance, ensuring that businesses can adopt this technology confidently. Timestamps: [00:01:00] Introduction to Series 6 and guest Sheldon Mydat. [00:03:12] Sheldon’s approach to investing $50,000 in procurement tech. [00:09:27] The evolution of SRM and Suppeco’s role. [00:14:50] Managing unstructured data in SRM. [00:22:31] Use cases for generative AI in SRM. [00:29:34] Addressing data privacy concerns. [00:35:05] Integrating external data sources into SRM platforms. [00:37:24] Democratising SRM for SMEs. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next month, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Sheldon Mydat on LinkedIn Check out Suppeco Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this special Christmas episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, we celebrate the end of 2024 with a roundup of the latest developments in the procurement technology space. James shares insights on the evolution of the industry and presents predictions for 2025 in the "state of procuretech address." Whether you're enjoying a festive meal or relaxing during the holiday season, this episode aims to educate and inspire professionals about the exciting changes shaping the procurement landscape. 2025 Procurement Software Market Predictions This week, James announces a change for The Procurement Software Podcast coming in 2025. We're shifting from weekly podcast episodes to a dynamic weekly newsletter, which will also house a couple of subscriber-only podcasts. Plus, we're keeping The Procurement Software Podcast too with monthly, open access episodes. A key focus of the newsletter will be audience segmentation. Procurement practitioners and tech professionals have distinct needs, and this tailored approach ensures we put out content that resonates with both groups individually. Expect insights that are specific, actionable, and engaging. While podcast episodes will become monthly, the emphasis will shift to producing high-quality, in-depth discussions on key topics. This ensures every release is impactful and well-researched. Finally, audience feedback will play a central role in shaping this new chapter. By aligning with listener preferences, the podcast evolves into an even more valuable resource for its community. Stay tuned as Procurement Software Podcast embraces this exciting new direction! Timestamps: [00:02:03] Weekly newsletter transition announcement. [00:08:59] Procurement tech warning signs. [00:12:51] Agentic AI in procurement tech. [00:17:27] B2B marketplaces' future relevance. [00:21:06] AI's impact on procurement roles. [00:26:58] AI in document analysis. [00:31:20] Build versus buy debate. [00:33:30] Software buying versus building. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads welcomes Gregory Vider, co-founder and CEO of Apadua, to discuss their recent Indirect Procurement Days invite-only mini conference held near Frankfurt, Germany. Their conversation delves into the benefits of networking in a more intimate setting compared to larger conferences. Tune in to explore how these innovative events could shape the future of marketing in the procurement space. Private Events as a Marketing Strategy This week, Gregory explores the rise of micro events and their unique role in transforming procurement marketing. These intimate gatherings offer a fresh alternative to traditional conferences, prioritising personal connections and meaningful engagement. Gregory highlights how micro events, like Apadua’s recent gathering at the Villa Rothschild in Königstein, create a relaxed atmosphere for attendees to connect. Through informal settings—such as a “kitchen party” with tapas and self-serve drinks—participants can engage in deeper conversations and build lasting relationships. A key insight is the focus on community-building. By bringing together satisfied clients and potential customers, Apadua fosters authentic interactions that extend beyond the event itself. Gregory explains how this approach strengthens emotional connections with the brand, laying the groundwork for trust and loyalty. Another advantage? Micro events offer cost-effective solutions while giving organisers complete control over the attendee experience. This enables companies to align the event’s structure with their values and goals, ensuring a more targeted and impactful outcome. By reimagining networking through micro events, Gregory demonstrates how companies can create memorable experiences, nurture relationships, and drive long-term value in today’s dynamic procurement landscape. Timestamps: [00:03:07] Productivity and collaboration platform. [00:04:11] Procurement and stakeholder collaboration. [00:11:41] Kitchen party event concept. [00:12:11] Unconventional event networking experience. [00:17:06] Emotional attachment to software. [00:21:30] ROI from conference participation. [00:25:49] Community building through events. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Gregory Vider on LinkedIn Check out Apadua Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Procurement Software Podcast, host James Meads welcomes Richard Brown from Anvil Analytical to discuss the transformative power of spend analytics in procurement. The conversation explores the evolution of spend analytics technology, highlighting the advancements from previous years and discussing practical applications that can help organisations operate faster, better, and smarter. Tune in to learn how these developments are reshaping the procurement profession and the tools available to help organisations embrace change. Disruptive Spend Analytics and Carbon Analytics This week, Richard sheds light on the growing importance of spend analytics tools, particularly when integrated with consultancy services. This winning combo can optimise procurement strategies across every industry. He highlights how this combination delivers both immediate insights and ongoing value, meeting the evolving demands of procurement professionals. Richard emphasises the critical role of visibility in spending patterns, enabling organisations to identify cost-saving opportunities, negotiate better supplier terms, and make informed decisions. He explains how tools equipped with advanced AI and large language models (LLMs) revolutionise data handling—turning unstructured data, like invoices in multiple languages, into actionable insights. A key insight is the shift from traditional consultancy to integrated solutions. With tools such as Anvil that extend beyond short-term projects, it's helped their parent company 4C to now offer long-term partnerships, fostering trust and collaboration over a longer period. Richard also explores Anvil’s approach to democratising analytics for SMEs, providing cost-effective solutions that meet their unique needs while building sustainable client relationships. This adaptability empowers smaller organisations to unlock the benefits of advanced spend analytics, but without overwhelming their existing processes. By integrating cutting-edge technology with tailored consultancy services, Richard demonstrates how spend analytics can drive immediate value and establish a foundation for long-term success in the dynamic procurement landscape. Timestamps: [00:01:10] Spend analytics in procurement. [00:05:22] Customer demographics in procurement services. [00:09:44] Accelerated sector entry with LLMs. [00:10:36] Unstructured data processing solutions. [00:15:08] Revenue stability through technology. [00:20:00] SME analytics pricing model. [00:22:23] Customer acquisition through procurement tech. [00:24:25] Carbon accuracy pyramid challenges. [00:29:50] Long-term carbon reduction partnerships. And that wraps up another episode of The Procurement Software Podcast! Thanks again for listening, and do please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or rate us on Spotify. Every one helps! We'll be back at the same time next week, so see you there. If you want to learn more about Procurement Software, check out the useful links below. Stay in touch! Connect with Richard Brown on LinkedIn Check out Anvil Analytical Download our Tech Map for Enterprise Download our Tech Map for Mid-Market Download our Tech Map for SMEs Find your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder app Sign up for the Procurement Software Newsletter Book an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement! Connect with James on LinkedIn