In a bold move that promises to reshape the landscape of supply-chain technology, Dave Clark, the former CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer and Flexport, has officially launched his new startup, Auger, with a staggering $100 million in Series A funding from venture capital firm Oak HC/FT. Drawing on his extensive experience—including a remarkable 23-year tenure at Amazon—Clark aims to tackle inefficiencies in the global supply chain with an innovative AI-powered platform.
Set to cater primarily to Fortune 100 companies grappling with complex supply chains involving manufacturing, distribution, and retail, Auger’s system will unify disparate data sources, provide real-time insights, and automate processes. “Many companies are still using disjointed systems patched together from incompatible technologies that don’t communicate effectively,” Clark stated, highlighting a significant market need for a cohesive solution.
Clark’s decision to return to the Seattle area for this venture underscores his commitment to building Auger in a hub known for its supply chain expertise. “I think some of the best talent in the world for this particular problem space lives in Seattle,” he noted, despite acknowledging the disruption the move caused for his family. His determination speaks volumes about his dedication to solving one of the industry’s most pressing challenges.
The startup’s launch comes at a time when the supply chain technology market is booming, with an estimated total addressable market of $25 billion, growing nearly 20% annually. Clark’s ambition to double that figure by the early 2030s is a testament to the vast opportunity that lies ahead. He emphasized that Auger will leverage its initial funding to build a robust technology platform and assemble a talented team, while also exploring potential acquisitions to enhance its offerings.
Having established a reputation for identifying and eliminating inefficiencies at Amazon, Clark’s vision for Auger is deeply personal. “Throughout my career, I’ve seen firsthand how broken supply chains impact companies and millions of people,” he wrote in a recent LinkedIn post. He expressed a commitment to addressing the human side of these problems, stating, “These aren’t just business problems—they’re human problems. And we are going to fix them.”
While Clark has previously led significant initiatives at Amazon, such as the Delivery Service Partners program and the Prime Air cargo fleet, he is now stepping into the role of a first-time founder. “It’s my first company from scratch,” he remarked. “I’ve built a lot of things, but this is an exciting new chapter.”
Clark’s tenure as CEO of Flexport ended in September 2023 after just over a year, following reported differences with the company’s founder. However, his decision to launch Auger signals a renewed focus on creating solutions in the supply chain space, rather than merely adapting existing systems. “I really want to work with a team of people that I love working with,” he said, underscoring his desire to foster a collaborative environment.
Although Clark has yet to reveal the founding team, Auger is already making waves in the supply chain technology sector, which includes heavily funded competitors like Project44 and FourKites. However, Clark believes there’s ample room for innovation. “You’d be shocked how much of the world’s supply chain runs on Excel,” he noted, pointing to a pressing need for more sophisticated solutions.
With his wealth of experience and a fresh vision for the future, Dave Clark’s Auger is poised to disrupt the status quo in supply chain technology.
