Phasio Raises $2.5 Million to Automate Manufacturing Processes for Small- to Medium-Sized Local Manufacturers
For small- to medium-sized local manufacturers, cultivating their network of customers is key to scaling up. But maintaining customer relationships means a lot of tasks that quickly snowball: generating quotes, sending screenshots back and forth about design requests, analyzing parts in a CAD platform and using Excel to calculate pricing before putting it in accounting software. The founders of Singapore-based Phasio say much of this communication takes place through a combination of WhatsApp, SMS and email, making the process even more unwieldy.
Automating Manufacturing Processes
Phasio automates all this by channeling WhatsApp, SMS and email messages into its manufacturing interface. Its AI chatbot, ManufacturingGPT, then asks customers about their requirements and helps them open a design request with the manufacturer or tells them what technology to fabricate with. It also provides an instant quote using Phasio’s automated pricing system. That startup’s goal is to make maintaining customer relationships easier, freeing up resources so local manufacturers can expand their businesses globally.
About Phasio
Founded in 2021 by Harry Conor Lucas and Sudharshan Raman, Phasio announced today it has raised $2.5 million in seed funding. Airtree Ventures led the round, with participation from 500 Global, Entrepreneur First, Michael Sorkin’s Gattaca Ventures and Tan Teik Guan.
Phasio is currently used by over 50 local manufacturers in markets like Singapore, Australia, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, Greece and the Netherlands. It works primarily with small- and medium-sized manufacturers in the additive, vacuum casting and molding segments. Phasio has also recently entered the computer numerical control segment, in which computers automate the control of tools.
The Founders’ Background
Both Lucas and Raman trained as mechanical engineers before founding Phasio. Lucas holds a degree in mechatronics, while Raman has one in aerospace engineering. Lucas told TechCrunch that while designing products, they realized even building a prototype was difficult. At the same time, they were drawn to the tech industry and “noticed the huge difference in velocity between software and hardware,” he says.
Phasio’s Mission
Phasio was created to enable local manufacturers scale and innovate by helping them build client relationships and provide them with the technical expertise needed to create better products.
The platform, which integrates with CAD software like Fusion360 and CREO, accounting software Zero and Quickbooks and shipping providers like Australia Post, UPS and FedEx, helps manufacturers and customers communicate on key parts of the manufacturing process. This includes instant quotations, real-time status updates, design collaboration and orders through a digital storefront.
Competitors and Differentiation
Phasio’s competitors include DigiFabster, AMFG, 3yourmind and Oqton in additive manufacturing and it is also indirectly up against legacy ERP systems like Netsuite and SAP, along with newer ones like Fulcrum, Katana and Odoo. But Lucas says that Phasio has found that its biggest competition is pen and paper or Excel.
Phasio differentiates by enabling full design collaboration inside the platform, he says. This includes real-time collaboration by leaving comments on parts rendered in 3D, which allows manufacturers to make their design services and fabrication more efficient.
Conclusion
Phasio aims to make maintaining customer relationships easier for small- to medium-sized local manufacturers, freeing up resources so they can expand their businesses globally. With its AI chatbot and automated pricing system, Phasio is poised to revolutionize the manufacturing industry.
FAQs
Q: What is Phasio?
A: Phasio is a platform that automates manufacturing processes for small- to medium-sized local manufacturers.
Q: What are the key features of Phasio?
A: Phasio’s key features include instant quotations, real-time status updates, design collaboration and orders through a digital storefront.
Q: Who are Phasio’s competitors?
A: Phasio’s competitors include DigiFabster, AMFG, 3yourmind and Oqton in additive manufacturing and legacy ERP systems like Netsuite and SAP, along with newer ones like Fulcrum, Katana and Odoo.
Q: How does Phasio differentiate itself from its competitors?
A: Phasio differentiates itself by enabling full design collaboration inside the platform, which allows manufacturers to make their design services and fabrication more efficient.
Q: What is Phasio’s goal?
A: Phasio’s goal is to make maintaining customer relationships easier for small- to medium-sized local manufacturers, freeing up resources so they can expand their businesses globally.
