Volta, the Shopify-inspired platform for B2B transactions, secures Italy’s largest pre-seed funding round

Volta, an innovative startup based in Milan and Paris, has made its mark on the technology scene by raising the largest pre-seed funding in Italy, amounting to €6 million. This platform, inspired by the illustrious Shopify, is specifically designed to transform B2B transactions, providing a modern solution to distribution and wholesale companies that are still struggling with outdated management methods. This article explores Volta’s ambitions, the innovative features of its platform, and the reasons behind this massive investment.

A revolutionary platform for B2B transactions

Volta positions itself as the answer to the needs of medium-sized distribution companies in Europe that continue to rely on paper catalogs and manual ordering processes. Inspired by Shopify, but dedicated to B2B transactions, Volta offers a modern tool that allows companies to efficiently manage their catalogs and customers through an intuitive and integrated SaaS solution.

The success of the largest pre-seed financing in Italy

The fundraising, financed by Emblem and supported by prestigious investors such as Sequoia and a16z, amounts to 6 million euros, setting a record for an Italian pre-seed startup. The founding duo, Paul Guillemin and Mario Parteli, are banking on this financial windfall to propel Volta and make a first successful attempt in the world of B2B transactions.

A pressing need for digitalization

According to Paul Guillemin, the B2C has already taken a digital step forward, while B2B has lagged behind with dated methods. However, the need for a new solution is obvious, particularly at trade shows where companies juggle different versions of catalogs depending on the customers they meet. Volta simplifies this process by enabling centralized and flexible catalog management.

Features designed to facilitate the digital transition

Volta offers businesses the ability to load their existing catalogs, sync pricing and stock data with their ERP and manage customer relationships in a single interface. Although this solution is only 20% of Salesforce’s capacity, according to Guillemin, it is sufficient for the majority of companies.

Future expansion opportunities

Looking to the future, Volta could integrate logistics and financing solutions, thereby amplifying its value to distributors and wholesalers. As Volta increases its functionality, the attraction for this platform could intensify, transforming it into a key player in the B2B sector.

The men behind Volta

The success of this fundraising is partly due to the journey of its founders. Paul Guillemin, with his experience with Fretlink, and Mario Parteli, a veteran of the tech industry through his work at Rocket Internet and others, bring valuable expertise and a clear vision for Volta. Their common ambition is to make Volta a major and essential player in the field of B2B transactions.

Like other innovative initiatives in employment and the economy, such as the Zero Unemployed Territory initiative (https://boursealemploi.org/fr-be/territoire-zero-chomeur-linitiative-dhauts- val-co-redonne-hope-a-21-people-en-reconquete-de-lemploi/), Volta offers a solution that modernizes and simplifies existing tools, paving the way towards a transformation digital required.