Bendi raises $1.04M in Pre-Seed Funding for its AI-powered supply chain risk management platform

Bendi, a London-based startup focused on AI-powered supply chain risk management, has recently raised $1.04 million in pre-seed funding. This round was led by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital, with additional contributions from Heartfelt Capital, Chasing Rainbows, Innovate UK, and angel investors. The funding aims to accelerate the development of Bendi’s flagship platform, Prism, which uses AI to address complex global supply chain risks by analysing and monitoring environmental, social, and governance (ESG) indicators in real time.

Founded in 2020, Bendi tackles the growing need for transparency and accountability in supply chains, particularly as companies face new regulatory pressures. With regulations like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive and the US Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, businesses are increasingly required to ensure sustainable practices throughout their supply chains. Bendi’s Prism platform aids companies in this endeavour by offering a streamlined, automated way to identify and assess risks, covering over 100 ESG indicators such as human rights violations and environmental hazards.

Bendi’s co-founders bring extensive expertise to this mission. CEO Mandeep Soor has a background in strategy from Boston Consulting Group and has worked with the British Business Bank and data science startup Pivigo. Chief Research Officer Benjamin Norsworthy has over 15 years of experience in sustainability with companies like Burberry and Global Fashion Agenda, while CTO Olivier Bacs has led software development for firms like CircleCI and The Economist. Their combined skills have shaped Prism into a tool capable of navigating the complexities of modern supply chains.

Bendi’s Prism platform is particularly valuable for its AI-driven approach, which offers a faster and more comprehensive alternative to traditional risk assessment methods. Historically, supply chain assessments involved manual tasks, such as questionnaires, indexes, and site audits, which were time-consuming and often incomplete. Bendi’s AI solution addresses these challenges by gathering data from multiple sources in real time and across over 35 languages. This multilingual capability allows the platform to offer insights into deep-tier supply chain operations, where direct oversight is often lacking. The platform's comprehensive analysis covers hard-to-track issues like labor abuses and environmental non-compliance.

The technology behind Bendi’s Prism platform uses over 100 risk indicators to identify potential issues. This includes detailed insights on specific topics such as chemical contamination, union-related conflicts, and unethical labor practices. By analysing these indicators continuously, the platform provides companies with real-time data, allowing them to act proactively on supply chain risks. This capability is crucial in today’s fast-paced regulatory environment, where delays in risk assessment can lead to reputational damage and financial penalties.

CEO Mandeep Soor explained the importance of Bendi’s mission, stating, “As global supply chains become more complex, the tools to ensure transparency, resilience, and sustainability are no longer a nice-to-have—they’re becoming a license to operate.” This perspective underscores the growing expectations on companies to ensure responsible sourcing, not just as a matter of compliance but as a foundational element of their business models. Soor’s personal experiences observing her mother’s work in the garment industry fuel her commitment to creating tools that support ethical supply chains.

With this funding, Bendi plans to enhance Prism’s capabilities, expand its team, and widen its reach across multiple industries and markets. By refining its AI capabilities and adding new features, Bendi aims to better equip companies to navigate the increasing demands for sustainable and ethical supply chain practices. The platform’s advanced analytics and user-friendly interface make it an attractive choice for organisations across fashion, manufacturing, and retail sectors that need reliable supply chain oversight.

Bendi’s investors share this vision for a future where supply chains are both transparent and resilient. Rupert Lyle, Director at Midven, emphasised the importance of Bendi’s work, noting, “Bendi’s approach to supply chain transparency and risk management is critical in today’s complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape.” This endorsement highlights the strategic significance of Bendi’s platform in helping businesses respond to evolving compliance standards and growing public expectations for ethical business practices.

As Bendi continues to develop its platform and expand its market presence, it is well-positioned to become a key player in the future of sustainable and accountable supply chain management.