Reinventing the supply chain: How AI is transforming the middle market of retail

Inventory management is one of the main concerns for retail companies, especially for those in the middle market that are striving to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. With the fast-paced evolution of supply chains and the diversification of distribution channels, many brands are turning to technology solutions to better manage their operations. In this context, Autone, a startup founded in 2021, offers a platform powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that transforms inventory management and reimagines how retailers operate.

Cutting-edge technology for the middle market

Autone has developed an inventory optimization platform based on machine learning algorithms and advanced predictive analytics. These technologies allow for the analysis of both internal and external data to anticipate demand, adjust replenishment levels, and avoid both overstocking and stockouts.

“Middle market companies have long suffered from outdated systems that didn’t allow them to fully leverage their data,” explains Adil Bouhdadi, co-founder and CEO of Autone. “With Autone, we offer a modern and intuitive solution that enables retailers to make decisions based on concrete, real-time data.”

Autone’s platform is designed to meet the specific needs of high-end and middle-market brands, companies often limited by rigid or non-scalable tools. Thanks to AI, Autone helps reduce inventory levels by 55% and improve forecast accuracy by 25%, delivering results that resonate with brands seeking operational efficiency.

Immediate gains for retailers

The advantages offered by Autone translate quickly into tangible benefits for companies. In addition to reducing inventory levels, the platform enables a 30% increase in sales and saves up to 45 hours of manual work per week for teams managing inventory.

“We saw immediate results after integrating Autone,” says a representative from Roberto Cavalli, one of the platform’s clients. “In just three months, we recovered our investment thanks to more efficient replenishment management and more accurate forecasts.”

This type of rapid return on investment is particularly important for middle-market retailers, who must juggle growth and profitability. Autone offers them a turnkey solution to optimize their operations without burdening them with complex systems.

Adapting to an increasingly complex supply chain

In a world where supply chains are becoming increasingly fragmented and globalized, the ability to adapt to demand fluctuations and delivery delays is crucial. Retailers often face shortened sales cycles while maintaining tight margins.

“One of the strengths of our platform is its ability to integrate a multitude of data points to provide precise and actionable recommendations, even in the most complex contexts,” says Harry Glucksmann-Cheslaw, co-founder and CTO of Autone. “We help retailers not only optimize their inventory but also anticipate demand fluctuations, which allows them to stay responsive and competitive.”

Autone analyzes up to 100 million data points per client, providing a comprehensive and detailed view of future inventory needs. This predictive approach is essential for anticipating consumer needs while reducing costs related to excess inventory and stockouts.

Strategic support for global expansion

With a €15.6 million funding round in October 2024, led by General Catalyst, Autone benefits from strategic support that will enable it to accelerate its international expansion. This funding marks a key milestone for the startup, which aims to grow in both Europe and the United States—two critical markets for retail companies.

“We firmly believe in Autone’s growth potential in the middle market of retail,” says Zeynep Yavuz, a representative of General Catalyst. “Retailers need modern tools to make better decisions, and Autone is at the forefront of this transformation.”