Celes, a Barranquilla-based retail software startup, raised US$5 million in a Series A round led by SP Ventures. Fulcrum Global Capital, 30N Ventures, and Taram Capital also participated. The company builds AI tools that help retailers predict demand and manage replenishment.
Investor backing
SP Ventures managing partner Alexandre Stephan said the founding team built a solution suited to emerging markets. Taram Capital, a Chilean firm, has announced Taram II with up to US$45 million for technology and software companies. The fund is backed by Corfo and includes entrepreneurs among its contributors.
Company footprint
Celes was founded in 2023 in Barranquilla by Luis Ricardo Almanza, Luis Ballestas, and David Florián. The platform processes 55 million daily forecasts for more than 8,500 stores in eight countries. Its customers include Olímpica, FEMSA Salud, and Tiendas Neto.
How the platform works
The software connects to existing ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle instead of replacing them. It uses AI agents and predictive algorithms to calculate demand, optimize inventory, and define daily distribution. Celes says it autonomously executes more than 90% of replenishment decisions.
With the new capital, Celes plans to consolidate operations in Colombia, Mexico, and Chile. It will also begin a formal expansion into Brazil, Latin America's largest retail market. Olímpica reported that the platform reduced out-of-stock items and logistics costs.
Read more: forbes.co