Tul

The company operates an application that connects construction material manufacturers directly with small and medium-sized hardware stores, optimizing the supply chain. Tul's platform allows hardware store owners to manage inventory, handle invoicing, and order from a catalog of over 82,000 products from more than 500 brands. This model enables these smaller businesses, which account for a significant portion of hardware sales in Latin America, to compete with larger retailers like Home Depot or Lowe's. Tul's business model is centered on digitizing the traditionally fragmented and analog construction material supply chain, offering convenience and efficiency. Beyond material sales, the company has introduced additional revenue streams for its hardware store clients, such as equipment rentals, micro-lending to customers, and insurance sales.

Since its launch, Tul has expanded its operations from Colombia to Ecuador, Mexico, and Brazil. The company achieved significant growth, raising a $181 million Series B funding round in January 2022, led by investors like 8VC and Avenir Growth Capital, which brought its total funding to nearly $210 million and valued the company at a reported $800 million. Other notable investors include Softbank, Tiger Global, and Lightrock. In June 2024, Tul announced a merger with Sooper, a Brazilian marketplace for construction supplies, to strengthen its presence in the largest market in Latin America. The combined entity aims to serve over 10,000 clients.