Sub #1 - Unlocking Manufacturing and Software: Partnering with Investors on the Next Big Startups
An Introduction into myself and where we go from here
Hey all -
Welcome to my first Substack newsletter on all things manufacturing, software ,operations and supply chain. If you’re a founder, investor, or enthusiast in these spaces, this is where I’ll share insights from the factory floor to leading software teams. I’ll dive into real-world challenges, new innovations, lessons learned, opportunities and a few special guests.
🥅 I have a simple goal
Support companies in the sectors I care about - either directly or via funds that invest in these vital areas.
I’ll often emphasise this: in a complex field like manufacturing, you need more than just cash to make a real difference. It requires hands-on expertise, operational knowledge, and a thorough understanding of the challenges you will inevitably face and of course calling out the bs.
TLDR: For those unfamiliar with my background, I am a third-generation toolmaker from a manufacturing family. Over the past decade, I have taken on roles as an operations and software leader at various startups specialising in manufacturing, supply chain, and robotics, from Pre-seed to IPO. Think of it as a COO-CPO Combination hands-on Manufacturing with Software leadership
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Enjoy reading, and let’s connect.
T.Smith
🌴 My Roots in Manufacturing
I. From Family Legacy to Corporate Foundations
I entered manufacturing as soon as I could read and write, learning the ropes in a family business my grandad started as a teenager that supplied large OEMs with precision tools and components. This early immersion taught me the fundamentals: customer management, precision manufacturing, capex, opex, and margins, because at the end of the day, the house was on the line.
Before diving into startups, I spent several years in the corporate world at GE. There, I managed Operations for the MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Operations) for the GE90 aircraft engine, one of the most powerful jet engines in aviation. This role honed my skills in high-stakes operations and supply chain resilience. I learned to maintain complex systems under pressure. And firsthand, the importance of reliability, efficiency, and large-scale people management of a skilled workforce.
II. Evolving into Startups: Mastering Software, Hardware, and Operations
After my corporate tenure, I joined my first startup in the UK, where I learned to manage both software and hardware teams working toward a common goal. This experience bridged the gap between physical production and digital tools, showing me how integrated systems can drive efficiency. I leveraged my hands-on experience and people management skills to expedite software development and streamline operations to support scaling.
From there, I moved to a startup building electric vehicles with a radical new approach. From just a bean bag to an operational micro-factory powered by in-house software in months. The blueprint for more factories globally. The software managed a massive BOM (Bill of Materials) and streamlined operations. I learned the challenges of scaling innovative hardware while keeping costs and timelines in check.
Next, I entered the supply chain world, sourcing and supplying hardware to world-leading companies with just a few simple clicks, optimising the procurement of critical components to get products to market faster. Probably the best metric-driven business I have ever seen. In parallel, I founded an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system tailored for manufacturing shops, addressing pain points like quoting to production management and workflow automation, which turned open source.
I most recently leveraged my software and operational expertise to guide a team and first-time founders from their pre-seed stage into manufacturing parts for industries like defence and motorsport, developing a blueprint on a much smaller scale. Whilst also advising startups, connecting them with suitable funding sources to support their ongoing innovation and growth.
III. Looking Ahead: Partnering with Startups and Investors to Drive Success in Manufacturing and Beyond
It’s fair to say I’ve learned a lot along the way, from some of the best. I’ve already been sharing these insights with a few startups and funds. This includes calling on not-so-great. Now, I’m expanding this to ensure that manufacturing, supply chain and software have the best shot at success.
If you’re an investor with a thesis in hardware innovation, supply chain tech, or robotics, I would love to connect.
Upcoming posts will draw from my experience on topics like “Supplier to Product builder and what's different” and “The best business operation from 0 to 1” Stay tuned
I will be launching my website soon
Please share this with any investors or Founders who might benefit from my experience.
