Behind the Scenes of Scaling Internationally - Malin Schmidt from Kodiak Hub

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 operationsHow 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 environmentWhat the "land and expand" model looks like in practice: starting with operational risk management and moving customers toward strategic, top-line value over timeWhy recruiting operators over C-suite titles is the right call at the growth stage, and how that shapes leadership decisions at around 100 employeesWhat 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 companiesWhy the human touch in customer success is becoming more important as AI adoption accelerates, not lessTimestamps:[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 MeansAnd 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 LinkedInCheck out Kodiak HubDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder AppSign up for the EntProc NewsletterBook 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 actionHow AI agents can continuously monitor and optimise tail spendThe reality of working with imperfect data, and how AI improves itHow prompt-driven interfaces accelerate user adoptionWhy AI enables faster, more effective category strategy developmentWhether 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 LinkedInCheck out SuplariDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Entproc NewsletterBook 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 environmentsThe pros and cons of data-driven monetisation modelsHow benchmarking and AI-driven insights are transforming software renewalsWhat procurement teams should ask vendors before committingWhy time savings can be just as valuable as cost savingsWhether 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 LinkedInCheck out SpendHoundDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Entproc NewsletterBook 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 influenceWhy bringing in A-players beats training average hiresThe hidden risk of relying solely on internal category expertsHow AI is helping sourcing professionals manage increasing workloadsWhy agility and flexible talent are essential to future-proofing procurementA 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 LinkedInCheck out MJC SourcingDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Entproc NewsletterBook 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 matterThe 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 noiseWhy procurement adoption of AI will be gradual, not suddenThe future size and shape of procurement teamsWhy apadua pursued ISO 27001 and what buyers should ask about cybersecurityA 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 askAnd 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 LinkedInCheck out apaduaDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Entproc NewsletterBook 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 innovationThe limits of traditional scorecards and why category-specific metrics matterHow FlockScore enhances, not replaces existing SRM and S2P systemsWhy soft supplier feedback from stakeholders should be part of every scorecardWhat makes FlockScore different from review platforms and peer benchmarkingA 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 procurementAnd 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 LinkedInCheck out FlockScoreDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Entproc NewsletterBook 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 procurementHow current tools fail to deliver true user-centric functionalityThe growing demand for tech-savvy procurement professionalsWhy outcome-based pricing could reshape procurement tech contractsHow Super Negotiate offers a lightweight entry point for digital procurementA 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 teamsAnd 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 LinkedInCheck out SupernegotiateDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Procurement Software NewsletterBook 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 SuccessYou’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 flowsUsing Workato to link tools and automate tasks across systemsHow they structured parallel approvals to speed up decision-makingAutomating contract renewals and spend visibility with Atlassian modulesWhy DeepStream was the right sourcing tool for their needsTips for prioritising digitisation based on procurement maturityA 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 initiativeAnd 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 LinkedInCheck out ProCREWmentDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Procurement Software NewsletterBook 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 MakeYou’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 toolsUsing Airtable as a central procurement database and workflow engineHow they integrate with Ironclad (CLM) and Workday (ERP system)Automating contract parsing and clause extraction with AIBuilding internal SRM scoring models based on vendor risk and importanceCreating a culture that blends procurement expertise with tech-savvinessA 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” cycleAnd 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 LinkedInCheck out PersonioDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Procurement Software NewsletterBook 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 FocusThe 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 toolsWhat good procurement planning should look likeHow AI should be applied to solve real problems—not just add hypeCotiss’s US go-to-market strategy and learnings from New ZealandWhy fast implementation cycles matter for small procurement teamsA 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 moreAnd 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 LinkedInCheck out COTISSDownload our Tech Map for EnterpriseDownload our Tech Map for Mid-MarketDownload our Tech Map for SMEsFind your perfect procurement tech solution in our Software Finder appSign up for the Procurement Software NewsletterBook an Intro Call and let’s talk all things Digital Procurement!Connect with James on LinkedIn