Cato AI

Cato AI, based in Milan, Italy, specializes in AI-driven solutions that enhance the management of public procurement processes, streamlining the bidding experience for organizations. Cato AI focuses on creating an efficient platform for public procurement management. Founded in 2025 in Milan, Italy, the company raised EUR 1. 6 million in April 2026 during its pre-seed funding round, led by Italian Founders Fund with participation from other investors.

The platform has completed one deal to date. The company's founder has prior entrepreneurial experience that contributes to its strategic direction. Cato's primary offering is an AI-driven platform designed specifically for managing public procurement processes, significantly streamlining the bidding experience for organizations involved in tenders. The platform allows users to quickly determine their eligibility for various procurement opportunities while facilitating the preparation of proposals through automation, thereby minimizing the reliance on tedious document management and manual tasks.

Key features of Cato include real-time monitoring of Italian tender portals, intelligent filtering of relevant opportunities based on company profiles, and comprehensive document analysis, all of which enhance efficiency and accuracy in the bidding process. Cato serves a diverse client base that includes over 30 companies across various sectors, including medical supplies and services, which utilize the platform to manage public procurement more effectively. The company primarily operates within the Italian market but holds potential for expansion into other European markets where public procurement processes are prevalent. Cato generates revenue through a subscription-based model tailored for businesses utilizing its AI-powered procurement platform.

Clients typically engage with the company on a recurring basis, accessing the platform's features and capabilities via different subscription tiers designed to accommodate varying needs and team sizes. Organizations may subscribe to plans that allow a set number of users to access the platform, facilitating collaborative bid preparation and document management across teams. The platform’s flagship features, such as automated document compilation and real-time alerts for relevant tenders, are integral to its value proposition, allowing clients to optimize their bidding processes and capture more opportunities effectively. In April 2026, Cato AI raised EUR 1.

6 million in funding to support scaling its workforce and further developing its AI-powered platform. The company is focused on launching new product features aimed at enhancing user experience on its platform. Cato also plans to expand its operations into other European markets, targeting regions where public procurement is prevalent by the end of 2026.