A: Hey there! You won't believe what I just read about this new startup, Cavela.
B: Oh? What's that about?

A: So, this guy named Anthony Sardain started Cavela in 2023 to help brands automate supplier sourcing. But then these new tariffs made people scared of manufacturing stuff in China.
B: That sounds tough! So what does Cavela do exactly?

A: Well, it uses AI agents as a personal procurement team. They can find potential suppliers in over 40 countries and negotiate product details and pricing.
B: Wow, that sounds super handy, especially for smaller companies that don't have dedicated sourcing departments.

A: Right! And they just raised $6.6 million in seed funding too! I think it's going places.
B: That's impressive! So how does this help brands save time and money?

A: Well, instead of sending hundreds of messages back and forth, the AI agent identifies potential manufacturers and contacts them directly. Then brands get quotes in their inbox within a few days.
B: That sounds like a game-changer! And they save an average of 35% on production costs? That's massive!

A: Yup! They even claim that it helps find manufacturers who produce goods at significantly lower prices, even below pre-tariff pricing!
B: Wow, I can see why companies are flocking to them. Who founded this thing again?

A: Anthony Sardain. He's got a background in data science and grew up living across Asian trade centers.
B: That explains his understanding of local manufacturers! What about competitors? Any big names I should know?

A: Yeah, there are a couple. Alibaba connects brands to thousands of manufacturers in China, and Pietra is similar but uses AI for sourcing goods as well.
B: Got it. Seems like Cavela's got some tough competition though! Still, I hope they do well!