Proton

Proton builds an AI-powered industry cloud platform designed specifically for distributors. Founded in 2018, the company unifies CRM, product information management, eCommerce AI and Order & Quote Entry AI within a single platform, supported by one data layer and AI system. The software connects ERP, CRM, PIM and eCommerce sources to give commercial teams a complete view of each customer, and automates manual work such as order entry and data enrichment.

The platform's technical scope spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, CRM software, product information management, eCommerce, order and quote entry automation, data enrichment and ERP integration. Its CRM component is designed to tell sales teams which customers to call, which products to recommend and when to reach out; PIM is held within the same data layer; and the eCommerce AI and Order & Quote Entry AI components automate quoting and order processing. Proton reports a threefold profit return per dollar spent and an additional day of sales per month for each sales representative.

The company targets the wholesale distribution sector, including industrial and dental distribution, an $8 trillion industry it regards as historically underserved by technology. Named customers include MSC Industrial, ORS Nasco, Vallen, Swish and Benco Dental. Proton was founded by Benjamin 'Benj' Cohen, whose family has worked in distribution since 1930, and states its mission as helping distributors reclaim market share, grow revenue and protect margins, with an emphasis on reducing rather than adding work for sales teams.