Keel offers a platform that enables technical operators to build robust, custom operational software without full engineering teams, positioning itself as an alternative to one-size-fits-all ERPs. The product includes a backend engine, API-first architecture, auto-generated admin tools, and an emphasis on developer experience; it is open-source to ease operator onboarding and later engineering support. Keel targets physical operations use cases such as inventory management in logistics, shift management, and driver payroll, and an early customer, HIVED, has used it to build driver shift management and plans to add finance, facilities management, and payroll. The company was founded in 2022 by Benoit Machefer, Tom Frew and Jon Bretman, who previously built ops tools at Echo and scaled that business to $80 million revenue before a successful acquisition. Keel has gained early traction by enabling ops team members to own solutions, reducing dependence on engineering for internal tools. The startup recently raised $6 million in seed funding to further develop the platform and expand its user base. The team emphasizes sequential adoption so customers can keep existing third-party tools and address pain points one at a time.

Total raised

$6M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

Oct 2024