So, I don’t usually cover fundraising. I’ll make an exception here, and I think it will make sense when I get to Why Do We Care? Let’s quote from Tech Crunch.
Meet Primo, a French startup that recently raised a $3.4 million funding round to build a software-as-a-service product that handles the IT needs of small and medium companies. Primo keeps track of your fleet of devices and can then help you manage it without a dedicated IT manager.
Primo wants to be the companion SaaS for small companies. It currently has four different modules that should speed up and rationalize IT tasks.
“Everyone has become an accidental IT manager. It has a lot of advantages. One, it’s free. Two, it’s super agile and responsive,” Pannier said.
First, Primo can simplify how your company manages laptops and other devices. Instead of ordering from different websites and manually keeping track of devices in a spreadsheet, Primo users can order new laptops from Primo’s dashboard.
Second, Primo helps you manage devices remotely. For this module, the company works with Hexnode, a mobile device management (MDM) company. But instead of showcasing a ton of options to the end customers, Primo is focusing on the needs of small companies.
Third, Primo has a security module with Next-Generation Antivirus solutions (NGAV) and end-point detection and response (EDR). Once again, the company is partnering with another company to bring these features.
Finally, Primo also offers support features. In that case, if an employee has a problem because they spilled some water or their laptop got stolen, Primo handles all repairs and replacements with next-day loaner devices and some insurance coverage.
Up next, the startup wants to tackle software IT. Big companies often rely on an identity and access management product like Okta to make sure that everybody has access to the right tools — and that former employees can’t access Slack anymore.
Why do we care?
That sounds like a provider. It’s a clever play – raise money by focusing on building a software solution while delivering the solution themselves. This certainly fits well with a co-managed IT model. Most of this could have been born with solutions already in the market, but I find the differences insightful.
Purchasing laptops from the dashboard, for example. Offering insurance and loaner devices.
Many listeners may be screaming that this is what their organizations do. I know; that’s why we care. This is a new type of competitor in the market.