CONTEXT
Product History
Product History
Product History
Sourcing Ally is the product of Scaleup, a B2B that originated at AWS and went independent in 2023. By the time we landed on Sourcing Ally, Scaleup had gone through two major pivots, both in direction and design.
I helped shape the product from a simple supplier directory (Version 1: AWS Designs) to a 'Match.com' for procurement professionals (Version 2), to finally an AI-powered sourcing assistant (Version 3).
Sourcing Ally is the product of Scaleup, a B2B that originated at AWS and went independent in 2023. By the time we landed on Sourcing Ally, Scaleup had gone through two major pivots, both in direction and design.
I helped shape the product from a simple supplier directory (Version 1: AWS Designs) to a 'Match.com' for procurement professionals (Version 2), to finally an AI-powered sourcing assistant (Version 3).
Sourcing Ally is the product of Scaleup, a B2B that originated at AWS and went independent in 2023. By the time we landed on Sourcing Ally, Scaleup had gone through two major pivots, both in direction and design.
I helped shape the product from a simple supplier directory (Version 1: AWS Designs) to a 'Match.com' for procurement professionals (Version 2), to finally an AI-powered sourcing assistant (Version 3).
What didn't work and what we learned…
VERSION 1 - AWS (Amazon Scaleup)
What Didn't Work: Version 1 lacked differentiation. It blended into the background with all the other supplier databases. It provided users with options, but lacked the personalization, customization, and refinement that we achieved with Sourcing Ally.
What We Learned: Through trial and error, and continuing to gather feedback from users, we realized we were dealing with quality over quantity. Users didn't want MORE options, they wanted better options.
VERSION 2 - Scaleup
What Didn't Work: Version 2 while more custom-focused, had many layers and demanded users go through a complex supplier request wizard before offering any real value. Users were expected to be precise in how they described their needs, but many didn’t have the language, time, or confidence to do that. This placed the burden on the user to know exactly what they needed before the system could help.
What We Learned: As a result, users weren’t always sure what the product did best or how it fit into their workflow. Version 2 lacked a sharp, user-first point of entry.
VERSION 3 - Sourcing Ally by Scaleup
Why it Works: Sourcing Ally flips the script: instead of forcing users through a rigid process, it invites them to describe what they need in plain language. There’s no pressure to “get it right” - AI and thoughtful defaults do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. This solution lowers the barrier to entry, especially for busy procurement professionals.
What didn't work and what we learned…
What didn't work and what we learned…
VERSION 1 - AWS (Amazon Scaleup)
VERSION 1 - AWS (Amazon Scaleup)
What Didn't Work: Version 1 lacked differentiation. It blended into the background with all the other supplier databases. It provided users with options, but lacked the personalization, customization, and refinement that we achieved with Sourcing Ally.
What Didn't Work: Version 1 lacked differentiation. It blended into the background with all the other supplier databases. It provided users with options, but lacked the personalization, customization, and refinement that we achieved with Sourcing Ally.
What We Learned: Through trial and error, and continuing to gather feedback from users, we realized we were dealing with quality over quantity. Users didn't want MORE options, they wanted better options.
What We Learned: Through trial and error, and continuing to gather feedback from users, we realized we were dealing with quality over quantity. Users didn't want MORE options, they wanted better options.
VERSION 2 - Scaleup
VERSION 2 - Scaleup
What Didn't Work: Version 2 while more custom-focused, had many layers and demanded users go through a complex supplier request wizard before offering any real value. Users were expected to be precise in how they described their needs, but many didn’t have the language, time, or confidence to do that. This placed the burden on the user to know exactly what they needed before the system could help.
What Didn't Work: Version 2 while more custom-focused, had many layers and demanded users go through a complex supplier request wizard before offering any real value. Users were expected to be precise in how they described their needs, but many didn’t have the language, time, or confidence to do that. This placed the burden on the user to know exactly what they needed before the system could help.
What We Learned: As a result, users weren’t always sure what the product did best or how it fit into their workflow. Version 2 lacked a sharp, user-first point of entry.
What We Learned: As a result, users weren’t always sure what the product did best or how it fit into their workflow. Version 2 lacked a sharp, user-first point of entry.
VERSION 3 - Sourcing Ally by Scaleup
VERSION 3 - Sourcing Ally by Scaleup
Why it Works: Sourcing Ally flips the script: instead of forcing users through a rigid process, it invites them to describe what they need in plain language. There’s no pressure to “get it right” - AI and thoughtful defaults do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. This solution lowers the barrier to entry, especially for busy procurement professionals.
Why it Works: Sourcing Ally flips the script: instead of forcing users through a rigid process, it invites them to describe what they need in plain language. There’s no pressure to “get it right” - AI and thoughtful defaults do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. This solution lowers the barrier to entry, especially for busy procurement professionals.