Datum is a sourcing solution for space manufacturers. They connect original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to the fragmented CNC market. The current process for sourcing aerospace parts is time-consuming, nontransparent, and inefficient. The result of the current process results in quality issues, late deliveries, and high costs. Additionally, the CNC shops have no way of being noticed by these OEMs even though they may have better pricing and capacity.

Datum is building a subscription-based marketplace. It will replace email, spreadsheets, and answering machines to source components efficiently. In addition, Datum offers a boutique managed service offering for a white glove procurement experience.

Although this is a big vision to tackle, there are two key reasons to believe Datum will be successful.

They are tackling a vertical with a specific application- emerging space manufacturing companies needing to introduce new products into the market. There are significant tailwinds in this category, and few people know how to source parts effectively. This company has a “founder market fit” due to its extensive experience at SpaceX and Virgin Hyperloop.

Second, and perhaps more importantly, is the vision of creating an efficient way of sourcing parts through an extensive directory of suppliers. Finally, they plan to make a proprietary workflow they call Logic Based Sourcing, which is truly unique.

Datum is only at the start of their journey, with a lot to build and prove. But if their early success with the Relativity Space, Astra, XoS, and Venturi Astrolab project is any indication, you will be hearing a lot more from this team in the coming months. We are thrilled to be helping them build a fascinating and much-needed platform solution.