“Hard tech” is the latest trend in venture capital, but even industries relying on hard tech need solid software infrastructure to ensure efficient machine operations, timely parts shipment, and meeting precise requirements.
Enter Stell, a young software startup dedicated to enhancing the engineering ecosystem. The company has developed a revolutionary tool for requirements management, enabling teams to effectively track, verify, and validate requirements on complex projects.
According to Stell’s co-founder and CEO Malory McLemore, traditional requirements management tools have failed to deliver user-friendly interfaces and widespread adoption within companies due to their cumbersome workflows.
Founded in 2022 by McLemore and Anne Wen, Stell aims to streamline complex engineering processes by offering a tool that is both practical and user-friendly, reducing paperwork and encouraging engineer involvement.
Backed by a $3.1 million pre-seed funding round in January and a recent $4 million seed round led by Long Journey Ventures and Cyan & Scott Banister, Stell is gaining momentum in the startup world.
Initially planning to digitize specifications and technical contracts, Stell pivoted to focus on requirements management in response to customer feedback. They aim to disrupt the legacy tools like IBM DOORs that are powerful but complex, costly, and lacking in collaboration features.
Stell’s innovative approach has attracted early customers in the space industry and secured a $1.24 million direct-to-Phase II SBIR from the Air Force’s AFWERX program.
As the team grows and the product evolves, Stell plans to expand its supply chain-focused capabilities and incorporate artificial intelligence for enhanced search functionality.
Looking ahead, Stell sees potential in using their platform for business development, leveraging historical data to inform future proposals in a data-driven way.
Despite challenges in competing with established software giants, McLemore remains committed to Stell’s mission, believing in the essential role they play in advancing engineering projects and missions.
