Forge Founders Forge Ahead to Modernize Hardware Procurement: Engineer Brothers Launch Tech-driven Solution

Hardware companies face a challenging process when it comes to procuring the many parts needed for complex projects like rockets and satellites. The existing tools for requesting quotes, tracking orders, and managing workflows are outdated and inefficient. This can lead to delays, wasted money on expedited shipping, and a lack of transparency around team purchasing needs and supplier capabilities.

Brothers Emir and Haris Sahmanovic, both experienced engineers themselves, sought to tackle these issues head on with their new startup Forge. After working at major aerospace firms like Blue Origin and seeing procurement problems firsthand, Emir teamed up with software engineer brother Haris to launch Forge last year.

The platform provides a centralized system for hardware intake requests, purchase orders, quote comparisons, and automated supplier onboarding. Rather than getting buried in email chains and spreadsheets as is common now, Forge uses AI to extract procurement data from various sources and integrate it seamlessly onto its platform. Engineers can customize workflows and have visibility into team purchase histories.

Forge already has paying customers after graduating from Y Combinator’s Winter 2024 cohort. The company just closed a $2.1 million seed round led by Google’s Gradient Ventures to improve the product and grow their team. If successful, Forge stands to save hardware businesses significant time and money by bringing the outdated procurement process into the digital age. With the right tools, even complex purchases shouldn’t have to be an ordeal.