Workinlot

Digital B2B marketplaces are transforming the concept of trade for many industries. With their digital infrastructure, these platforms facilitate transactions between large companies and other businesses (B2B), offering various efficient collaboration opportunities.

They serve as a central hub where companies can connect, buy, and sell products and services, develop their brands, and manage their supply chains.

The new value chain created by digital B2B marketplaces in optimizing trade is expected to expand its impact in the coming years.

As companies increasingly turn to digital platforms for their sourcing and procurement needs, we anticipate that B2B marketplaces will become even more crucial in connecting buyers and sellers and supporting efficient B2B transactions. The flexibility of the digital marketplace business model allows it to be adapted to various industries and meet different business needs.

Consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturers have found a new way to differentiate themselves from the competition through the latest business intelligence and digital efficiency gains brought by B2B.

Digital B2B marketplaces support CPG manufacturers by connecting them with independent retailers, granting access to a wider range of products, and simplifying procurement processes. By selling directly to eB2B platforms in this new market, manufacturers gain more efficient access to a larger number of stores.(The eB2B opportunity for consumer-packaged-goods manufacturers)

Industries grappling with sustainability and efficiency issues can gain a competitive edge by integrating digital platforms into their operations. (Digital Product Passports - Startups Collaborating with Manufacturers)

Textile, mobility, machinery, and healthcare have seen a surge in digital B2B marketplace models.

To thrive in this new landscape, we advise businesses to focus on understanding platform options, aligning value propositions with existing distribution channels, and building the necessary skills to collaborate effectively with digital B2B platforms.

Success Stories of Digital B2B Marketplaces across Industries

FMCG / CPG - Fast-Moving Consumer Goods

Growin: A B2B collaboration platform for the packaged consumer goods production chain. Growin helps companies manage outsourced collaborations with contract manufacturers, co-packers, and material and packaging suppliers. Growin supports FMCG companies in improving how they launch new products, develop their innovation ecosystems, and address complex industrial challenges.

Spryker: Spryker has provided digital innovation infrastructure to the sector since 2014, supporting companies in growing in areas such as Enterprise Marketplaces, B2B Commerce, and IoT Commerce. With its flexible and agile enterprise B2B commerce platform, Spryker offers an ecosystem approach to companies looking to expand across continents.

Heavy Machinery

MachineryTrader: Connects buyers and sellers of used heavy machinery. It has facilitated transactions exceeding $20 billion and has over 1.5 million listings.

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers: This global auction company uses a digital B2B platform to facilitate online auctions of heavy machinery and equipment. It has generated more than $4 billion in annual gross auction revenues.

Construction

BuildingConnected: This platform connects construction contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. It simplifies the procurement process, enhances communication, and increases project visibility.

PlanGrid: This digital B2B platform provides various tools for construction teams for project management, collaboration, and on-site management. It has helped improve efficiency and reduce costs in construction projects.

Textile

Fibre2Fashion: A marketplace for the textile industry, offering a platform that facilitates buying and selling for suppliers, manufacturers, exporters, buying offices, importers, and trade agents in the textile and apparel value chain.

Distichain: A digital B2B textile marketplace platform that brings together companies across the supply chain for those seeking white-label production, supporting the creation of turnkey products. Distichain is a trade tech infrastructure platform, providing B2B marketplace solutions in many different verticals.

Healthcare

Claroty: Previously operating under Medigate, this platform connects hospitals, healthcare providers, and medical device manufacturers. It facilitates secure data exchange and improves the interoperability of medical devices.

Vizient: A healthcare group's purchasing organization uses the eB2B platform to help member hospitals pool their purchasing power and negotiate better prices with suppliers.

Transportation

Uber Freight: This platform connects shippers and truck drivers, optimizing freight transportation and reducing empty miles.

Flexport: Provides global logistics solutions for companies of all sizes, simplifying shipping, optimizing routes, and offering real-time tracking.

We’ve provided a few examples of successful digital B2B marketplaces across various industries. Our research shows that there are many other successful examples as well.

This article aims to illustrate the significant potential of digital B2B marketplaces in simplifying processes, increasing efficiency, and driving innovation across different industries.

In general, the digital transformation of trade can be impactful for various industries, but it’s important to remember that each industry will have its own specific needs for alignment.

With an accurate design and industry alignment, digital B2B platforms can radically restructure traditional commerce, reduce costs within the value chain, increase product availability, and highlight the advantages of data analysis. (Digital disruption: The rise of eB2B in fragmented retail)

This is particularly meaningful for innovative companies that want to differentiate from the competition, develop value-added production chains, and access intercontinental markets.

Workinlot facilitates engagement between corporations & PoC-validated startups, driving innovation and investment opportunities.

For corporate-startup collaboration projects, we offer services ranging from engagement design to project implementation with our curated methodologies and expertise.

This know-how transfer has enabled companies to establish corporate venture capitals, open innovation platforms, and venture builder structures with greater learning.