Revolutionizing Supply Chain Management: Auger Emerges with Ambitious Goals
In a significant development, Dave Clark, the former CEO of global consumer at Amazon, has launched a new venture called Auger, aimed at streamlining supply chain management for companies and governments. Clark’s vision is to consolidate the disparate software systems used by organizations into a single, user-friendly platform.
During his tenure at Flexport, Clark witnessed firsthand the struggles of companies like Nike and Lululemon in managing their supply chains. He was astonished to find that many still rely on Excel or similar tools to bring together fragmented data. This experience sparked the idea behind Auger, which promises to simplify supply chain management with the same level of ease as consumer applications.
Clark’s journey to Auger began after his departure from Flexport, where he faced criticism for overspending and overhiring. However, documents and sources close to Clark suggest that Flexport’s founder Ryan Petersen and board members were also involved in the decision-making process. Following his departure, Petersen implemented significant changes, including layoffs and subleasing excess warehouse space, to turn the business around.
Prior to Flexport, Clark spent 23 years at Amazon, where he developed a reputation as the architect of its logistics network. He rose through the ranks, becoming one of the company’s most important executives. In 2020, Amazon appointed him to head its core retail business, and he later left to join Flexport in 2022.
Auger, named after the drilling tool that breaks through obstacles, has secured $100 million in funding from Oak HC/FT. Clark plans to grow his team to around 20 employees and launch a “V1” product within nine months. As the venture capital landscape continues to evolve, Auger’s emergence comes at a time when investment in supply chain tech is showing signs of improvement.
With Auger, Clark aims to tackle the long-standing problem of supply chain management, leveraging the latest technology to create a seamless experience for companies. As he returns to Seattle, the hub of tech talent, Clark is poised to make a significant impact in the industry.
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