Belgium-based Azumuta raises €2.8M to help companies digitalise shop floor operations

Ghent-based B2B SaaS platform Azumuta has announced that it has secured €2.8M in a fresh round of funding. Azumuta helps companies in the manufacturing industry streamline their work instructions, training, and audits on the shop floor. 

The round saw participation from the Flemish investment company PMV, Angelwise, and four private investors.

Platform to support workers in manufacturing industries

Azumuta, founded in 2016 by Batist Leman, is a SaaS Software that helps manufacturing companies eliminate paperwork and digitise shop floor operations.

Many SMEs and larger companies struggle with inadequate supervision, quality control, and employee training, leading to mistakes, inefficiencies, and hidden turnover losses. 

Azumuta’s software supports employees at different levels in the production process and provides upper management with insights into shop floor performance.

Batist Leman explains, “In many companies today, instructions and quality controls for operators are only available on paper. Not only are they unclear and not up to date, but the possibility of feedback and analyses are also lacking.”

“Our software offers clear work instructions and in-line quality control, which automatically adapts to the operator’s skills and the configuration of the product order.”

“Azumuta visually and interactively guides the operator through the entire production process. This allows even less experienced people to participate productively right away, increases productivity, and quickly detects any inefficiencies in production,” adds Lema.

Capital utilisation

Jan Vorstermans, Managing Partner at Angelwise, says that the funds will help Azumuta to focus on international growth and further software development. 

“Azumuta can now focus on supporting their international customers and continue the organic growth abroad. For this purpose, the search for expert software developers and experienced sales professionals in the manufacturing sector is already underway,” says Vorstermans.

“We are meanwhile becoming a global player and therefore consciously set the bar very high in our recruitment,” adds founder Batist Leman. “The team must be able to cope with and help support the rapid growth, for which the software we deliver must be innovative and of excellent quality.”

Azumuta’s potential

Azumuta’s platform serves multiple industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and chemicals. It offers real-time analytics and reporting, aiding companies in monitoring performance and improving efficiency and quality. 

The platform includes four modules including Digital Work Instructions, Skills Matrix & Training, Audits & Digital Checklists, and Quality Management.

Several Belgian manufacturing companies, including Novy, Duvel Moortgat, Nitto, and Atlas Copco, are working with the Azumuta software.

Roald Borré, Group Manager Risk Capital at PMV says, “The market size of the manufacturing industry is large. The European sector alone has over 29 million employees and 2 million manufacturing companies across SMEs and large enterprises.”

“Many companies still work with pen, paper, or Excel, translating into a great opportunity for Azumuta. With the capital support, they can gamble on larger companies to broaden their customer base.”

“It is almost becoming unthinkable for an Operations Manager not to have a platform to support the people on the factory floor,” adds Dirk Vermunicht, investor and member of the Board of Directors.

Competitive advantage of Azumuta software

According to Azumuta, it excels by integrating multiple modules into one platform, setting itself apart from international competitors who offer singular modules requiring separate programming.

Batist Leman says, “For the implementation of our software, no separate programming is required, but thanks to an OpenAPI, we are easily connectable with ERP systems and even workstation peripherals such as torque tools, scales, and other tools.”

“This makes our platform quickly deployable, very powerful, and flexible. Moreover, we feel empowered by the enthusiastic reactions of our customers, who often choose us because of our user-friendly user interface and the complementarity and interaction between the modules. Therefore, we are well positioned to compete internationally.”

Brief about the investors

PMV is building a sustainable Flemish economy. They support “ambitious” businesses and projects, aiming for both social impact and financial returns. The firm provides tailored financial solutions, including capital, loans, and guarantees, assisting entrepreneurs from startup to international expansion. 

PMV collaborate with the government and partners on key projects, managing a substantial portfolio worth €1.7B.

Angelwise, founded in 2021, is an early-stage investment fund concentrating on assisting startups and young companies in progressing to their next growth phase. The fund, backed by shareholders including PMV COI, BAN Flanders, the fund managers, and over 80 business angels, has raised €20M to foster a digital transformation ecosystem in society.