What’s been the biggest challenge VonWood has faced in its scaling journey?

The most significant hurdle for us (and one that persists to this day) has been transitioning a historically pen-and-paper industry into the digital age. Extensive education and persuasion were required to convince industry stakeholders to embrace digital transactions.

What’s VonWood’s edge over its industry peers?

VonWood occupies a unique niche within the timber trade. Unlike established competitors reliant on convoluted trade routes, VonWood prioritises digitisation, placing it at the forefront of industry efficiency. There are no pure industry players that can be compared to VonWood.

Most of the companies VonWood competes with are traditional incumbents, where transactions are still conducted through highly complex trade channels. This reliance on outdated practices creates inefficiencies that VonWood seeks to eliminate through its digital platform.

What targets have you set for the coming few years?

With a firm foundation established, we are setting our sights on becoming a comprehensive, vertically integrated platform within the timber industry. This vision extends beyond simply facilitating transactions. VonWood aims to offer a suite of value-added services, encompassing data analysis, access to financial tools, and streamlined logistics solutions.

By integrating these services with its core deal-making functionality, we are looking to empower both buyers and sellers with the resources they need to navigate the complexities of the timber trade with greater efficiency and transparency.

What motivated you to join Techleap for Scaleups’ Rise programme?

Our decision to join Rise was driven by a powerful desire to connect with peers who share our ambitious vision. We were eager to learn from each other’s experiences, benefit from the guidance of seasoned coaches, and foster a safe space for open dialogue.

Unlike discussions with other stakeholders, who may have inherent biases, the Rise programme allows us to freely share our thoughts and challenges, creating a collaborative environment that fuels innovation and growth.