Procurement is one of the most critical yet time-consuming aspects of construction, particularly for small and medium-sized contractors that often lack the buying power and resources of larger firms. Sourcing materials, hiring equipment, comparing supplier quotes, and managing cash flow typically involve countless phone calls, emails, and manual negotiations that slow projects and increase costs. As the construction industry embraces digital transformation, artificial intelligence is beginning to streamline these complex purchasing processes. UK construction technology startup Prolo is building a platform designed specifically for this challenge, and the company has now secured fresh investment to expand its AI-powered procurement solution.
Prolo has raised £4.2 million in an oversubscribed seed funding round led by Triple Point Ventures, with participation from a16z Scout Fund, Anamcara Capital, Concrete VC, Foundation Ventures, Haatch, Koro Capital, Love Ventures, and Portfolio Ventures.
The funding will support product development, commercial expansion, and continued growth across the UK construction sector.
Modernising Construction Procurement
Founded by serial proptech entrepreneur James Morris Manuel, Prolo was created to simplify procurement for construction companies.
Although construction is one of the world’s largest industries, purchasing materials and services remains highly fragmented, particularly for smaller contractors.
Many businesses still rely on manual processes to obtain supplier quotations, negotiate pricing, and organise deliveries.
Without the purchasing scale enjoyed by large construction firms, smaller contractors often pay higher prices while spending valuable time managing procurement activities.
Prolo aims to eliminate these inefficiencies through a technology driven procurement platform.
AI Powered Procurement Support
Rather than requiring contractors to search multiple suppliers individually, Prolo acts as an outsourced procurement team powered by artificial intelligence.
Customers can submit purchasing requests using familiar communication channels such as WhatsApp, email, or telephone.
The platform combines artificial intelligence with experienced procurement specialists who identify competitive pricing across an extensive supplier network.
This hybrid approach enables businesses to access procurement expertise without needing dedicated in-house purchasing teams.
The company believes combining AI automation with human industry knowledge delivers both speed and reliability.
Access to Competitive Pricing
Prolo currently works with a nationwide network of more than 185 suppliers.
Through these relationships, customers gain access to trade pricing on construction materials, specialist equipment, and plant hire that would traditionally be available only to much larger contractors.
The platform helps customers compare supplier options more efficiently while reducing administrative work and improving purchasing transparency.
By leveraging collective purchasing power, Prolo enables smaller construction businesses to compete more effectively within a highly competitive market.
Supporting Contractor Cash Flow
In addition to procurement services, Prolo offers financing options that help contractors manage project cash flow more effectively.
Eligible customers can access flexible credit terms of up to ninety days, allowing businesses to purchase materials and equipment without immediate payment.
Improved financial flexibility enables contractors to undertake larger projects while maintaining healthier working capital throughout project delivery.
The company believes better access to procurement and financing together creates a stronger operational advantage for growing construction firms.
Accelerating Growth
The newly secured investment will support expansion of Prolo’s commercial operations while strengthening its sales and marketing capabilities.
The company also plans to accelerate development of new technology features that further automate procurement and improve customer experience.
As construction companies increasingly seek digital solutions that improve efficiency and reduce costs, intelligent procurement platforms are expected to play an increasingly important role. By combining artificial intelligence, supplier networks, and flexible financing within one integrated platform, Prolo aims to modernise procurement for small and medium-sized contractors while helping them compete more effectively across the construction industry.
