Dr Sebastian Wieser founded Germany-based B2B e-procurement platform Unite (formerly Mercateo) in 2000.
For more details on Unite, click on the following links:
2023
5 minutes with… Constance Martiny Sondag
2022
Senior promotions at Manutan and Unite
Background information
2022: Since Dr Sebastian Wieser launched the company more than 20 years ago, it has grown from the initial four people to 700 employees in 15 countries across Europe, with revenues of more than €400 million ($397 million) in 2021.
Mercateo embarked on the process of rebranding and integrating its two operational sides – Mercateo and Unite – at the end of 2021 to the new corporate name Unite. Mercateo is utilised for spot buying, framework agreements and volume purchasing etc, while the Unite networking platform – launched in 2017 – is designed to create relationships including negotiations on pricing and services. It also incorporates the Unite B2B network which directly connects suppliers with buyers.
Dr Wieser, a brilliant economist, was one of the early players in e-procurement in Europe. He began his entrepreneurial journey after a previous career as an IT Strategy Consultant for McKinsey. His goal was to provide a scalable platform for e-procurement where buyers and sellers could transact transparently and sustainably, based on a strong, collaborative network.
Over the years, Wieser has built a reputation as a visionary and an executive leader with a high tolerance for challenges. He refuses to accept the status quo and believes in innovating to create something truly useful.
Several product lines developed under Wieser’s leadership have proven incredibly important – from dynamic pricing to the Mercateo Procurement Portal and the BusinessShop solution.
With its platform, Unite offers a 360° approach to provide access to the right goods at the best price, especially during times of unpredictability. “Global markets remain impacted by the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and supply chain issues. We’ve given our buyers and suppliers a reliable B2B platform with a strong ecosystem and network. This is in high demand in today’s volatile market environment,” says Wieser.
In keeping with Unite’s motto – Value added. Value shared – Wieser believes in creating a level playing field and fostering business relationships. He’s never lost sight of his goal: to build a sustainable business network and to leave the world better than we found it.
