StartProto
Cloud-based manufacturing ERP/MES software platform for small to mid-sized machine shops and job shops.
- CEO / Founder
- Tim Felbinger
- Team Size
- 11-50
- Stage
- Active
- Latest Round
- Seed
- Key Investors
- Stage 2 Capital; Creative Co Capital; Andy Powell; Ian Campbell; Christopher Klaus
Technology & Products
Key Products
Routing & BOM, Jobs & Scheduling, Purchase Planning, Shop Floor Communication, Outside Processing, Inventory Management, Quality Management, Shipping & Receiving, Quoting & RFQ, Sales Orders.
Technological Advantage
ITAR-compliant, GovCloud-hosted cloud architecture with AI-powered quoting and real-time shop floor visibility, purpose-built for small/mid job shops versus legacy on-prem ERP (JobBoss, E2, ProShop).
Differentiation
Value Proposition
AI-powered cloud manufacturing software that unifies quoting, routing/BOM, scheduling, purchasing, shop floor communication, inventory, and quality management for job shops.
How They Differentiate
Positions against legacy on-prem shop ERP (JobBoss, E2/ProShop) and generic MRP (Katana) and manual/Excel workflows by offering a cloud-native, AI-assisted, ITAR-compliant platform tailored to HMLV job shops.
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Small to mid-sized machine shops, job shops, and precision/contract manufacturers (including aerospace & defense).
Industry Verticals
Machine & job shops, tool & die/mold & tooling, fabrication, aerospace & defense manufacturing, precision CNC manufacturing
Competitors
JobBoss (ECI); E2 Shop System / ProShop ERP; Katana MRP
Growth & Milestones
Growth Metrics
~$1.9M estimated ARR (2025); ~17 employees (2025); valuation ~$5.6M (2025)
Major Milestones
2021: Team (including CEO Tim Felbinger) won 2nd place and $10,000 at Georgia Tech's InVenture Prize.
Notable Customers
Ram Precision; CAMaster; GTI Fabric