Positive Purchasing

What Positive Purchasing does

Positive Purchasing is a privately held UK-headquartered (Plymouth) procurement training and SaaS platform company founded in 2003 by Jonathan O'Brien. The company serves enterprise procurement teams at multinational organizations, equipping them with proprietary methodologies (5i Category Management, Red Sheet Negotiation, Orchestra of SRM, 5D Power Buying, OMEIA Sustainable Procurement, 5P Governance) and AI-powered platforms that translate those methodologies into guided digital workflows.

The company's product architecture centers on Procleus, an AI-powered multi-suite platform integrating Academy (skills assessment and elearning), Toolkits (methodologies and templates), and AI Workflows. Two proprietary AI modules extend the platform: Capella, a guided category strategy creator built on the 5i methodology, and Ruby, a negotiation co-pilot powered by Red Sheet. A fourth product, Buyer's Toolkit, applies the 5D Power Buying process to non-procurement users. All AI features run on closed AI agents (notably Poppy within Procleus) trained exclusively on the company's 23-year proprietary content library rather than open foundation models, enabling client data isolation under ISO 27001 certification.

Revenue is generated through a blend of recurring SaaS subscriptions (Procleus, Capella, Ruby, Buyer's Toolkit), professional training services (classroom, live online, self-paced elearning across 8 disciplines), competency and skills assessments, and multi-phase procurement transformation programs. Go-to-market combines direct enterprise field sales initiated via 'Book a Demo' CTAs with a channel partner network covering Scandinavia (Silf Competence), the US (SEAK LLC), Italy/Switzerland (SC Italia), and the Netherlands (PCN), plus a technology integration ecosystem (Beroe, ProcureVue, Mithra, Forestreet, Deepstream, Matchory, Suppeco, Mintec) and eight registered trademarks protecting core methodologies and platform names. The company reports 380+ enterprise clients, 230,000+ learners, and global delivery spanning 137 countries virtually and 62 in-person.

Name

Positive Purchasing

Legal name

Positive Purchasing Limited

Website

https://positivepurchasing.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Positive Purchasing is a UK-based procurement training and SaaS platform company founded in 2003, serving enterprise procurement teams with proprietary methodologies (5i, Red Sheet, OMEIA) and AI-powered platforms (Procleus, Capella, Ruby) across 380+ multinational clients in 137 countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Procurement Software and Training

NAICS

Software Publishers (513210)

SIC

Services-Prepackaged Software (7372)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise Application License Advisory, Vendor Management & Optimization (BPAEAGAO)

akta.pro secondary industry

Spend Analytics & Reporting Support (BPAAAJAJ)

Keywords

• Procurement training
• Category management
• Supplier relationship management
• Negotiation methodology
• Procurement SaaS platforms

Headquarters

HQ city

Plymouth

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. SaaS Platform Subscriptions: Annual and multi-year subscription licensing for AI-powered procurement platforms including Procleus (strategic procurement suite), Capella (AI-powered guided category strategy creator), Ruby (negotiation co-pilot), and Buyer's Toolkit. Configurable modules, customization, and branding options available at premium pricing. Subscription includes access to methodology toolkits, AI workflows, academy, and assessment capabilities.
2. Professional Training Services: Instructor-led classroom and live online training programs, plus self-managed elearning modules. Training delivered in modules across key competency areas (Category Management, SRM, Negotiation, Sustainable Procurement, Finance for Procurement, Leadership, Digital/AI). Programs can be customized and combined into tailored learning journeys. Coaching and workplace learning services available as add-ons.
3. Competency & Skills Assessment: Interview-based Competency Assessment (two-stage deep-dive with online self-assessment and expert interview) and Skills Assessment on Procleus. Offered as standalone programs or bundled with training and platform subscriptions.
4. Procurement Transformation Programs: End-to-end procurement transformation engagements including workshops, mobilization packages, implementation and governance support. Includes category/supplier segmentation, opportunity analysis, prioritized roadmap, and benefits tracking. Typically sold as multi-phase programs alongside platform and training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Positive Purchasing provides AI-powered SaaS platforms (Procleus, Capella, Ruby, Buyer's Toolkit) and structured training programs for strategic procurement, supplier relationship management, category management, and negotiation. The company commercializes five proprietary methodologies (5i, Red Sheet, Orchestra of SRM, 5D Power Buying, OMEIA) along with skills assessment and end-to-end procurement transformation services for enterprise clients globally.

Product overview

Positive Purchasing offers a platform-plus-modules SaaS architecture centered on Procleus, an AI-powered strategic procurement platform. Procleus serves as the core ecosystem integrating Academy (skills assessment and elearning), Toolkits (methodologies, tools, and templates for five capability areas), and AI Workflows. The platform has two AI-powered add-on modules: Capella (AI-guided category strategy creator built on the 5i methodology) and Ruby (AI negotiation co-pilot powered by Red Sheet). The Buyer's Toolkit provides AI-guided buying for non-procurement users. Training services span 8 disciplines (Category Management, SRM, Negotiation, Sustainable Procurement, Effective Buying, Leadership, Finance, and Digital/AI) available as classroom, virtual, or elearning. The Procurement Show podcast and whitepapers support thought leadership. The company holds ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certifications.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Procleus: AI-powered platform for strategic procurement and negotiation with academy, toolkits, AI workflows, and skills assessment capabilities.
• Capella
• Ruby
• Buyer's Toolkit
• The Procurement Show
• Poppy AI

Products and services

• Procleus AI-powered multi-suite platform for strategic procurement combining Academy (skills assessment and elearning), Toolkits (methodologies and templates), and AI Workflows (Capella and Ruby) for category management, SRM, negotiation, and sustainable procurement. Designed for enterprise procurement organizations seeking to transform capability.
• Capella AI-powered guided category strategy creator built on the 5i methodology. Uses a complex algorithm and closed AI to generate digital category management strategies for any spend area. Designed for category managers in enterprise procurement organizations.
• Ruby Guided negotiation plan creator powered by the Red Sheet methodology. AI co-pilot enables collaborative planning, roleplay practice, and real-time negotiation preparation across cultures. Designed for procurement and sales professionals.
• Buyer's Toolkit AI-guided buying platform for effective purchasing and supplier management. Built on the 5D Power Buying process, it provides step-by-step guidance through the 15-step buying cycle for non-procurement users. Designed for business stakeholders who buy or work with suppliers outside the dedicated procurement function.
• Procurement Assessments Interview-based Competency Assessment (25-point, 5 competency areas) and Skills Assessment on Procleus (40-point, 9 skill areas) providing gap analysis and individually tailored development plans for enterprise procurement teams.
• Category Management Training 8 courses covering the 5i Category Management methodology, from introduction through advanced practitioner level. Available as classroom, virtual, or elearning on Procleus. Designed for procurement professionals and category managers.
• Supplier Relationship Management Training 7 courses based on the Orchestra of SRM methodology (5S and 5A frameworks) covering supplier management, performance measurement, supply chain management, and strategic collaborative relationships. Available as classroom, virtual, or elearning for procurement professionals.
• Red Sheet Negotiation Training Negotiation training courses based on the Red Sheet family of planning tools (Full, Lite, Nano) for procurement and sales teams. Includes video roleplay, personality profiling, and cultural adaptation training.
• Sustainable Procurement Training 2 courses built around the OMEIA methodology for driving sustainability in what organizations buy, with suppliers, and throughout supply chains. Covers Scope 2 and 3 emissions assessment. Available as classroom, virtual, or elearning.
• Effective Buying and Supplier Management Training 3 courses based on the 5D Power Buying methodology covering the 15-step buying and supplier management process. Includes contract and supplier relationship management components. For non-procurement professionals.
• Leadership and Personal Effectiveness Training Training courses for procurement leaders covering the 5P governance methodology, business engagement, workshop facilitation, and project management for procurement transformation. Available as classroom, virtual, or elearning.
• Finance for Procurement Training Finance courses equipping procurement professionals to analyze supplier financials, understand cost structures, and manage supplier risk through practical accounting skills. Available as classroom, virtual, or elearning.
• Digital, Data and AI Training 6 courses covering AI fundamentals, data governance, digital procurement strategy, and practical AI implementation for procurement professionals. Includes AI for Procurement Professionals and AI-Powered Procurement Leadership programs.
• Training for Sales Teams Sales training courses delivered by procurement professionals, teaching sellers how to understand and counter buyer tactics and how to negotiate using Red Sheet Lite methodology. For sales professionals engaging sophisticated procurement functions.
• Procurement Transformation Services 5P Governance methodology for end-to-end procurement transformation including People, Program, Promote, Proficiency, and Payoff. Includes assessment, skills development, platform implementation, and governance support. Sold as multi-phase programs alongside platform subscriptions and training.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10-20% average cost reduction through well-executed category management and SRM
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

AI capability10 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Silf CompetencecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSilf Competence is Sweden's leading organization for competence and professional development in procurement, supply chain, logistics, and public purchasing, founded in 1956. It is the authorized reseller of Procleus across Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland). As a non-profit, Silf reinvests surplus into developing the profession and is connected to international networks including IFPSM and ELA.
• SEAK LLCcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUS strategic alliance partners with over 25 years of experience in strategic procurement and extensive consulting experience with Fortune 500 companies. SEAK serves as the US delivery partner for purchasing and negotiation training, competency assessment programs, and collaborates on thought leadership development for the procurement community.
• SC ItaliasupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFocused on helping companies in Italy and Switzerland improve supply management performance. SC Italia supports clients in planning and implementing structural levers (Processes, Skills, Organization and KPI) of the procurement function using its proprietary P1 Method. An approved provider of 5i Category Management and Red Sheet Negotiation training and tools.
• PCN Training and CoachingsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerApproved implementation partner specializing in negotiation and procurement consultancy, training and coaching. Based in Maastricht, Netherlands.
• SuppecosupportingTechnology or IntegrationLeading enterprise SaaS provider specializing in relationship-led Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) technology. The partnership combines Positive Purchasing's proven procurement methodologies and capability development program with Suppeco's dynamic SaaS platform. Together they offer enhanced supplier engagement, improved performance, and greater strategic alignment across the supply base.
• ProcureVuesupportingTechnology or IntegrationAI-native procurement data platform that transforms raw data into powerful insights by cleansing, harmonising, enriching, and categorising spend. Enables organizations to unlock savings, optimise supplier performance, and drive strategic value. Integrates with Procleus to turn client data into accurate multi-level oversight of procurement categories.
• MithrasupportingTechnology or IntegrationProvides trusted category insights enabling Category Managers to source responsibly and save costs. With Mithra-Ai, users can see more addressable spend, create strategies with confidence, negotiate with trusted data, and report on success. Integrates with Procleus and Capella for seamless category strategy creation and accurate CSRD reporting.
• ForestreetsupportingTechnology or IntegrationNext-generation AI-powered SaaS vendor discovery tool that enables companies to identify and shortlist suppliers in minutes rather than months. Users can map, categorize, analyze and deeply understand any market. Integrates with Procleus and Capella to remove supply base risk and provide speed and confidence in category strategy creation.
• DeepstreamsupportingTechnology or IntegrationMission to make digital transformation accessible for all procurement professionals. Leading products eliminate outdated source-to-contract processes, empowering teams to save time, reduce spend and transact with confidence. Integrates with Procleus, Capella, and Ruby to provide integrated category and supplier data.
• MatchorysupportingTechnology or IntegrationAI-powered supplier discovery platform with a global supplier database that helps accelerate and digitize strategic sourcing. Buyers can find suitable suppliers automatically at the touch of a button, reducing time to market. Accessed via Procleus platform and used alongside Capella.
• BeroesupportingTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership with procurement intelligence and analytics provider Beroe makes Procleus available on Beroe LIVE.Ai platform. Together they form a procurement productivity suite combining the best-in-class procurement tools, templates, and digital learning with market-leading procurement intelligence and analytics.
• MintecsupportingTechnology or IntegrationEnables the world's largest food and CPG brands to implement more efficient and sustainable procurement strategies through its SaaS platform Mintec Analytics, delivering market prices and analysis for over 14,000 food ingredients and associated materials. Their data and tools empower customers to understand supplier prices, analyse spend and negotiate with confidence. Integrates with Procleus.
• Fresh Air StudioscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLeading creative communications agency based in Plymouth, UK, supporting Positive Purchasing since inception. Produces and co-hosts The Procurement Show podcast. Creative force behind video creation and animation. Also helps create and deploy communication programs for key clients' procurement transformation programs.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• SpendHQ: SpendHQ provides spend analytics, category management, and procurement performance software to enterprise procurement teams. Directly comparable to Positive Purchasing's Capella offering and the 5i Category Management methodology in target market (enterprise procurement) and problem solved (visibility and strategy across spend categories).
• Proxima Group: Proxima is a procurement transformation consultancy helping enterprises unlock savings and improve procurement capability. Highly comparable to Positive Purchasing's Procurement Transformation Services and 5P Governance framework in serving the same buyer (CPO-led transformation programs) and addressing the same pain points (underperforming procurement functions).
• Sievo: Sievo is a leading spend analytics and procurement intelligence platform used by Fortune 500 procurement teams. Comparable to Capella and Positive Purchasing's category strategy tooling in addressing spend visibility, category management, and analytics-driven decisioning for enterprise procurement organizations.
• HICX: HICX provides supplier master data management and onboarding solutions for enterprise procurement teams. Comparable to Positive Purchasing's Orchestra of SRM methodology and supplier management tooling in addressing supplier data quality, onboarding, and relationship management for large enterprises.

Broad incumbents

• The Hackett Group: Global advisory and benchmark firm operating the '50 to Watch' procurement technology ranking that recognized Positive Purchasing. Comparable as a thought leader and analyst in enterprise procurement transformation, though broader in scope than Positive Purchasing's software-and-training niche.
• Coupa Software: Coupa is a broad source-to-pay platform incumbent covering sourcing, procurement, invoicing, and expense management for enterprises. Comparable in serving large enterprise procurement buyers, though operating at much larger scope than Positive Purchasing's methodology-and-capability layer.
• SAP Ariba: SAP Ariba is the dominant procurement network and source-to-contract platform for large enterprises. Comparable in serving global enterprise procurement functions and category management use cases, but as a broad transactional incumbent versus Positive Purchasing's specialized capability-building focus.
• Ivalua: Ivalua is a unified source-to-pay platform provider serving large enterprises. Comparable to Positive Purchasing's broader procurement transformation positioning, with overlap in supplier management and category strategy modules, though operating as a broad incumbent rather than a niche methodology specialist.

Emerging players

• Zycus: Zycus is an AI-native procurement platform covering source-to-pay, supplier management, and analytics. Comparable to Procleus and Capella in targeting enterprise procurement transformation with AI-driven tooling, with stronger overlap in autonomous sourcing and category management.
• Keelvar: Keelvar offers AI-powered sourcing optimization and autonomous negotiation for procurement teams. Comparable to Ruby's negotiation co-pilot in applying AI to negotiation planning and execution, though focused on tactical sourcing events versus Positive Purchasing's strategic negotiation methodology.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/positive-purchasing
• Xx.com/pos_purchasing
• Facebookfacebook.com/PositivePurchasing

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Positive Purchasing