In the fast-paced world of B2B sales, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Enter Uman, a Belgian startup that’s making waves with its innovative AI-driven software platform. The Ghent-based company has just secured €1.9 million in funding, marking a significant milestone in its journey to transform the sales enablement market.
Founded by Charles Boutens (CEO) and Sven Degroote (CTO), Uman was born out of a recognition of the challenges faced by modern B2B sales teams. In an era where customer expectations are at an all-time high and sales departments are grappling with shrinking budgets, mastering a complex portfolio of products and services can be a daunting task. This often leads to missed opportunities and lost sales.
Uman’s solution? An AI agent that leverages smart data governance and generative AI to provide sales teams with timely, relevant content and insights. This innovative approach allows sales professionals to engage with clients using personalized pitches and offers, without the need for extensive manual research and preparation. The result? Higher conversion rates, increased efficiency, and more cross-selling opportunities.
“The traditional B2B sales model is no longer delivering the returns companies need,” explains Boutens. “We saw the potential of AI to revolutionize this space and spent considerable time developing Uman to ensure we got every detail right.”
The startup’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Several industry leaders in IT, consultancy, and telecommunications across Western Europe are already using Uman’s AI agent. Notable clients include Proximus, msg global, and Belgian media conglomerate DPG Media.
With the new funding, led by Holland Capital and supported by existing investors imec and Seeder Fund, Uman is poised for significant growth. The investment will be used to scale the company’s international presence and further develop its product offerings.
Degroote emphasizes the company’s ambitious plans: “We’re ready to take Uman to the next level and introduce our AI agent to a broader audience. While we’re currently focused on Europe, with customers in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, we have our sights set on conquering the US market as well.”
The potential of Uman’s technology has clearly resonated with investors. Jorg van der Heijden, Partner at Holland Capital, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Uman’s innovative approach to sales enablement is already making waves in the industry. We’re confident that our support will help them reach new heights, particularly as we focus on scaling the team and expanding internationally.”
As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of modern B2B sales, solutions like Uman’s AI agent are becoming increasingly valuable. By automating and optimizing key aspects of the sales process, Uman is not just improving efficiency – it’s potentially redefining what’s possible in the world of B2B sales.
The company’s success story is also a testament to the thriving tech ecosystem in Ghent and Belgium at large. As more startups like Uman emerge and secure significant funding, the region is cementing its reputation as a hub for innovation in Europe.
Looking ahead, the future seems bright for Uman. With a solid product, growing client base, and fresh influx of capital, the company is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the global sales enablement market. As they continue to refine their AI agent and expand into new territories, Uman could well become a household name in B2B sales technology.
For sales teams struggling with complex portfolios and high-pressure environments, Uman’s AI-driven solution offers a glimpse into a more efficient, effective future. As the company grows and evolves, it will be exciting to see how its technology shapes the future of B2B sales across Europe and beyond.
