Data has exploded as a critical asset in capital markets – “the new gold,” as Salesforce, BlackRock, EY, and many others say. The staggering $39 billion spent annually on data is a testament to this fact, and all of it is governed by complex contracts that define usage terms, pricing, geographies, users, and more. Yet paradoxically, these meticulously crafted contracts often become dormant after signing.
The journey leading us to create PostSig, Inc. (PostSig) wasn’t driven solely by market trends. We’ve witnessed this problem firsthand across our organizations and confirmed it through countless conversations and interviews with professionals in this space for many years. The consensus is clear: post-signature contract management is a major pain point.
We’ve applied our experience to building and refining PostSig. Our prototypes have allowed us to validate our thinking with industry experts and hone in on our value proposition–while attracting the support of world-class angel investors and advisors along the way. As serial entrepreneurs with a track record of building and scaling data companies serving the capital markets, we’ve seen signed contracts relegated to filing cabinets (both physical and digital). Critical agreements often languish in scattered locations–spreadsheets, email threads, or fragmented across chat platforms. This outdated approach prevents organizations from realizing the full potential hidden within their contracts.
Our Vision
The crowded contract lifecycle management (CLM) market focuses heavily on pre-signature processes. This leaves the crucial post-signature phase overlooked and underserved. Our deep experience building and selling within the financial data world gives us unique insight into the challenges that arise in this neglected area.
We foresee a future where artificial intelligence (AI), modern interfaces, and automation transform the post-signature stage. AI will extract insights into usage, permissions, and compliance. Accessible interfaces will streamline the user experience, while automation frees businesses to focus on strategy, not paperwork.
PostSig is committed to building the future of post-signature contract management, transforming contracts from burdens into powerhouses for business success.
Procurement Challenges: Big and Small
Procurement presents different challenges depending on company size. Large firms may have robust processes, but these can be hampered by red tape and bottlenecks. Smaller companies often lack formal procedures, leaving procurement fragmented or as a secondary task for another department. Addressing these challenges proactively is vital in order to prevent problems from compounding later.
Beyond the Signature
The end-to-end contract lifecycle management (CLM) space prioritizes closing deals, but an entire critical stage is often ignored: post-signature contract management. Traditional tools cater to the pre-signature phase, leaving the untapped insights hidden within signed agreements untapped.
“Departmental silos of information prevent a comprehensive understanding of a company’s contract portfolio and the valuable data within those contracts.”
Contracts aren’t just legal documents; they are data goldmines.
That’s where PostSig disrupts the status quo. Our AI technology transforms contracts into strategic assets. We recognized that organizations often prioritize pre-signature “nice-to-haves” over crucial post-signature value creation. This passive approach misses opportunities and can lead to financial losses.
PostSig enables proactive post-signature contract management, identifying alignment (or friction) between legal language, which can be dense, obtuse, or sometimes archaic, and business goals. We leverage technology for automated insights and move beyond generic KPIs to metrics that matter for the business.
Unlock the Power
Contracts have immense potential waiting to be leveraged. A proactive approach to post-signature management unlocks hidden value.
PostSig is on a mission to help organizations do just that. Founded by entrepreneurs with proven success in capital markets, we are uniquely positioned to deliver the solutions and expertise to harness each signed contract’s full potential.
Author
Hendrik Bartel
CEO & Co-Founder
PostSig, Inc.
Hendrik Bartel envisions how AI and machine learning can augment human decision-making and empower professionals to focus on their most impactful work. His entrepreneurial spirit and talent for transforming complex technologies into user-friendly products have led him to found and lead successful companies like Infima Technologies (a deep-learning mortgage analytics leader acquired by Andrew Davidson & Co.) and Truvalue Labs (a forefront player in AI-driven ESG data analytics acquired by FactSet).
Hendrik brings over 20 years of experience leading global product initiatives at industry giants like Amazon, Cisco, and Leica Geosystems, as well as his work within early and late-stage startups. His background includes an MBA from St. Mary’s College and a B.S. in Geomatics and Civil Engineering from Fachhochschule Hannover, solidifying his blend of business acumen and technical expertise.
