Handshake Solutions

"The AI-powered platform helping retailers and suppliers make, track, and execute every commercial agreement end-to-end."

Where it wins

• Direct margin benefit: Automates the capture of incremental contract value (e.g., +$1.2M JBP progress) and payment term savings (e.g., +$320k), directly reducing deal value leakage. [1]
• Workflow simplification: Replaces fragmented email and Excel negotiations with a standardized, automated platform, streamlining workflows for complex commercial terms. [1]
• AI-driven productivity: Uses AI to handle up to 70% of admin-heavy tasks (e.g., forecasting, pending approvals), freeing trading teams to focus on creative thinking and customer trends. [1]

Credibility: The homepage details specific dollar-value outcomes and features like AI forecasting, JBP tracking, and automated proposal reviews, validated by testimonials from major retailers and grocers. [1]

• Agreement Lifecycle Management: The platform covers the entire lifecycle from receiving proposals to tracking execution, acting as a central hub for commercial agreements. [1]
• AI-Driven Automation: Uses AI to automate repetitive tasks like forecasting and approval tracking, increasing efficiency for trading teams. [1]
• Scalable Orchestration: Allows users to launch full programs across hundreds of suppliers in a few clicks, scaling the management of complex commercial relationships. [1]

Credibility: The homepage details the "Make, Track, Execute" workflow and highlights AI features and scalability as core components of the platform's value. [1]

• Legacy Contract Management Systems: Traditional tools lack the AI-driven automation and retail-specific workflows that Handshake offers. [1]
• Spreadsheet-Based Processes: Many retailers still rely on Excel, which is prone to errors and lacks real-time visibility. [1]
• Differentiators: Handshake's focus on AI, direct margin benefits, and end-to-end agreement execution sets it apart from generic contract management tools. [1]

Credibility: The platform's unique features and value proposition are highlighted on the homepage, positioning it against both legacy systems and manual processes. [1]

• Fragmented Negotiations: Buyers struggle with inconsistent negotiations across email and Excel, leading to inefficiencies and errors. [1]
• High Admin Burden: Up to 70% of a buyer's job is administrative, leaving little time for strategic thinking. [1]
• Deal Value Leakage: Inefficient processes result in missed opportunities for margin improvement and cost savings. [1]

Credibility: Testimonials from buyers and the platform's value proposition directly address these pain points. [1]

Handshake Solutions is well-positioned to capture the retail tech market by solving a critical pain point: inefficient agreement management. The focus on AI and direct margin benefits provides a strong wedge against legacy systems. The main risk is competition from larger enterprise software vendors who may add similar features. The opportunity lies in expanding into adjacent categories like supply chain financing or advanced analytics. The next signal to watch is the adoption rate among mid-market retailers, which would indicate product-market fit beyond large enterprises.

Expand the platform's capabilities to include supplier onboarding and performance tracking, creating a more comprehensive supplier relationship management tool. Develop a marketplace feature where suppliers can bid for agreements, increasing engagement and data richness. Offer industry-specific templates and workflows to accelerate onboarding and improve relevance for different retail segments. Enhance the AI capabilities to provide predictive insights on supplier behavior and market trends, further differentiating the platform.