Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often face significant challenges when acquiring IT equipment due to high upfront costs and inflexible leasing options. Many businesses struggle to balance cost efficiency with technological needs, leading to inefficiencies in procurement and device management. To address these issues, Ooodles, a UK-based fintech company, has developed a solution that simplifies IT procurement for SMEs. By integrating automation, financing options, and sustainability efforts, Ooodles aims to provide businesses with a more adaptable and cost-effective alternative to traditional IT sourcing models.
SMEs have long been underserved in the IT leasing market, with existing options either being too rigid or requiring substantial capital investment. Similar companies have attempted to address these problems in the past, but their models often lacked the flexibility that growing businesses require. Ooodles differentiates itself by combining elements of both purchasing and leasing into a single platform, offering a Pay-As-You-Go model that allows businesses to adjust their IT resources as needed. Unlike previous approaches, it also integrates AI to help companies select the most suitable devices, optimizing procurement efficiency.
How Does Ooodles Support SMEs?
Ooodles provides an all-in-one platform designed to streamline IT procurement by managing purchasing, logistics, and financing in one place. This system helps SMEs reduce costs and administrative burdens associated with IT management. By allowing businesses to lease devices on a flexible basis, Ooodles eliminates common inefficiencies linked to traditional procurement methods. The platform enables companies to make quick adjustments without penalties, ensuring that their IT infrastructure aligns with their evolving needs.
“Our vision is to make IT hardware as flexible as a cloud-based service, giving businesses the ability to adapt at the click of a button,” said Leonardo Poggiali, CEO of Ooodles.
What Role Does Sustainability Play?
Sustainability is a core component of Ooodles’ business model, as the company prioritizes device reuse and recycling to minimize electronic waste. By ensuring that all devices maintain an extended lifecycle, Ooodles supports circular economy initiatives and helps businesses reduce their environmental impact. The platform also provides refurbishment options for previously purchased IT hardware, allowing SMEs to repurpose existing technology instead of discarding it.
“Sustainability and the circular economy are central pillars of the Ooodles mission. Devices are repurposed within our customer base or through partners, ensuring they find a second life rather than becoming e-waste,” explained Poggiali.
Beyond sustainability efforts, Ooodles simplifies IT logistics by integrating procurement with servicing and financing, reducing the complexities associated with multiple vendors. Businesses no longer need to coordinate with manufacturers, banks, and logistics providers separately. This approach improves efficiency by automating processes such as delivery, upgrades, and replacements based on location and business-specific requirements.
Ooodles has recently secured a $2.7 million funding extension from āltitude VC and Traditum. This investment will support its expansion into Ireland and enhance automation within its platform. The company has outlined its goal of becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2026 while continuing to refine its service offerings. As larger clients continue to adopt its model, Ooodles may explore further international growth in response to market demand.
IT procurement remains a pressing issue for SMEs, particularly those looking for cost-effective and adaptable solutions. Ooodles’ approach addresses these concerns by combining financial flexibility with automation and sustainability efforts. By focusing on extended device lifecycles and logistics integration, the platform offers an alternative to traditional procurement models. As businesses continue to evolve, demand for adaptable IT solutions is likely to grow, making platforms like Ooodles increasingly relevant in the market.
