Scimplify, an Indian startup that connects pharmaceutical and agriculture companies with specialty chemical manufacturers, has raised $40 million in a new funding round co-led by Accel and Bertelsmann Investments. The Series B round values the company at approximately $150 million post-money, according to Scimplify.

The funding will be used to scale the company's presence geographically, cater to new industry segments, and enhance research and development. Scimplify plans to set up offices in the US and Japan, in addition to its existing subsidiaries in Dubai and Indonesia. The company is also considering acquiring one or two chemical factories to unlock new kinds of customers and regulated markets.

Scimplify's platform, ATOMS, lists specialty chemicals from over 5,000 factories run by over 200 manufacturers across 10 countries, including India, China, Vietnam, Egypt, and Japan. The startup primarily targets pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and industry, and has served 600 customers across more than 16 countries worldwide.

The company's platform addresses a significant problem in the industry, where access to specialty chemicals is limited due to the scattered nature of manufacturers globally. Geopolitical tensions have also pushed manufacturers to look for alternative suppliers outside of China. Scimplify's platform provides a solution by connecting manufacturers with specialty chemical makers, and offering made-to-order chemicals by working with chemical producers.

Scimplify's co-founder, Sachin Santhosh, highlighted the uniqueness of their platform, stating that unlike other marketplaces, Scimplify allows customers to easily switch from one recipe to another using its manufacturer network. Santhosh brings his experience from B2B startups Bizongo and OffBusiness, which helped streamline procurement and supply chain processes for businesses.

The Series B funding round also saw participation from UMI and existing investors, Omnivore and 3one4 Capital. Scimplify has raised a total of $54 million in funding since its inception in 2023.

The startup's growth plans are ambitious, with a team of 150 people and plans to expand its presence globally. As the company continues to scale, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the complex landscape of specialty chemicals and supply chain management.

In the broader context, Scimplify's funding round highlights the growing importance of digital marketplaces in the chemicals industry. As manufacturers increasingly look for alternative suppliers and more efficient supply chain management solutions, startups like Scimplify are well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.