PlumRiver Technology
A business-to-business web-based service provider that provides dynamic and seamless links between large manufacturers.
| Date | Investors | Amount | Round |
|---|---|---|---|
$4.0m | Series A | ||
| Total Funding | 000k | ||
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PlumRiver Technology, founded in 2002 by John Marchione and Whit Johnson, established itself as a provider of business-to-business (B2B) ecommerce and digital merchandising solutions. The company's core offering, the Elastic Suite, is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform designed to streamline the wholesale buying and selling process for manufacturers and retailers. This technology bridges the gap between a seller's enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and their retail partners, enabling functionalities like real-time inventory management, order processing, and the use of print-free digital product catalogs.
The firm primarily targeted manufacturers and wholesalers in specialty retail markets. Its client roster included major brands in the outdoor, surf, footwear, apparel, cycling, and sporting goods verticals, such as Patagonia, The North Face, Burton, Shimano, and Vans. PlumRiver's business model is based on subscription-based access to its web-based applications, which are designed to integrate with a client's existing IT infrastructure. The platform aims to enhance sales efficiency, reduce costs, and provide a more sustainable approach to wholesale purchasing.
A significant milestone in the company's history was the acquisition of CenterStone Technologies in November 2018, a strategic move to standardize the B2B ecommerce interface between manufacturers and retailers. In early 2016, PlumRiver had previously acquired Elastic Suite, which became its flagship platform. The company's growth trajectory culminated in its acquisition by Emerald Holding, Inc. (NYSE:EEX) on December 31, 2020. This acquisition was part of Emerald's strategy to expand its digital commerce capabilities and provide year-round engagement for its customer base, which is heavily involved in B2B trade shows like Outdoor Retailer and Surf Expo. The integration allows Emerald to offer a bundled solution encompassing lead generation, product discovery, and transactions, combining physical events with a digital transactional platform.
Keywords: B2B ecommerce, wholesale platform, digital merchandising, SaaS, order management, ERP integration, digital catalogs, specialty retail, outdoor industry, sporting goods, footwear apparel, sales automation, procurement software, PlumRiver, Elastic Suite, Emerald Holding, John Marchione, Whit Johnson, CenterStone Technologies, B2B sales platform