Sourced by Cofactr

In this episode of Sourced by Cofactr, Ed Dodd unpacks the core paradox in early hardware development: the moment a startup creates its first BOM, it suddenly needs enterprise-grade procurement capabilities. Ed breaks down why Procurement-as-a-Service (PaaS) has become the default solution, giving founders instant access to senior sourcing experts, scalable purchasing capacity, and pre-vetted supplier networks—without adding headcount or draining engineering bandwidth. 

He explores the real economics behind the model, from stopping the costly leakage of engineers doing buying work to avoiding early hiring risk and improving BOM costs from day one. With competitive quoting, smarter long-lead planning, and stronger supplier relationships, PaaS helps startups extend runway, stabilize cash flow, and build the operational maturity investors expect. 

Ed also reveals how PaaS transforms chaotic early hardware operations into a smooth, scalable system that manufacturers trust—leading to better responsiveness, pricing, and prioritization. For founders navigating volatile lead times or preparing for production ramps, this episode offers a clear roadmap for operating like a much larger company without the overhead.

What is Sourced by Cofactr?

Sourced by Cofactr is hosted by Ed Dodd. From Navy destroyer ships to Fortune 500 supply chains, Ed brings 30+ years of experience understanding why things break - and how to prevent it. He helps hardware teams bridge the gap between “how it’s always been done” and “how it needs to be done,” without breaking the bank or losing compliance.

Cofactr (YC W22) is building the future of hardware operations. Each episode cuts through the noise to show how modern teams streamline procurement, source with confidence, and build resilient supply chains that scale.

When Ed’s not untangling supply chain puzzles, he’s running D&D campaigns for his five kids - because whether it’s hardware or heroes, good systems are all about planning ahead and adapting when things don’t go as expected.
Visit us at: https://cofactr.com

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