FSX, a B2B marketplace for refurbished foodservice equipment, was created by Middleton with the goal of future acquisition. Faced with rigid tech infrastructure and slow progress from a large consultancy, FSX needed a more agile, strategic partner. Wolven stepped in with a lean, high-performing team that accelerated delivery, optimized platform scalability, and supported FSX’s growth. This partnership not only improved customer experience and operational efficiency but also positioned FSX for a successful acquisition by Boelter.
Need to to scale rapidly to compete effectively;
The initial consultancy failed to meet FSX’s needs;
FSX needed a more efficient partner without inflating operational costs.
FSX was founded by Middleton, a private equity firm specializing in building and accelerating companies for future sale. From the outset, FSX was envisioned as a B2B marketplace focused on refurbished items for bars, restaurants, and industrial kitchens. Its goal was to consolidate a promising niche within the foodservice sector, competing directly with major market players.
FSX was created with the goal of being sold, but its technological and operational structure still required consolidation to become an attractive asset. Additionally, the market already had established competitors such as Webstaurant Store, requiring FSX to scale rapidly to compete effectively.
The company initially hired a large development consultancy to implement the SAP Commerce (Hybris) platform. However, the results fell short of expectations, marked by slow delivery speed, communication difficulties, and a rigid structure that prevented agile platform adjustments. FSX needed a more efficient alternative that delivered higher quality and agility without inflating operational costs.
The decision to use SAP Commerce (Hybris) was based on FSX CEO's previous experience with SAP Platform projects, who recognized it as a market-leading solution for large companies. The expectation was that customization and integration challenges could be overcome with the right consultancy, ensuring a robust and scalable technological structure. However, the initial consultancy failed to meet FSX’s needs, resulting in difficulties adapting the platform to the business model and scaling digital operations.
With a more stable and efficient platform, FSX's end customers experienced smoother purchasing processes, optimized research, personalized options, and streamlined order completion. The integration of new services, such as technical support and installation, further enhanced customer-perceived value.
Platform optimization ensured FSX was scalable, secure, and capable of handling an increasing volume of transactions. The lean approach reduced operational costs without compromising quality, making the company even more attractive to investors.
Wolven established itself as a strategic partner over three years working on FSX's SAP Commerce platform. High-quality deliveries and adaptability allowed the company to overcome technical and strategic challenges, culminating in its acquisition by Boelter.
Demonstrated that a lean, highly skilled team could replace the previous consultancy with faster deliveries more aligned to business needs. Using a team model of "generalist-specialists," we delivered work previously requiring three specialists from the former consultancy, achieving greater efficiency and faster implementation.
Adjusted the team according to FSX's business phases. During expansion periods, the team size tripled; during stabilization, it reduced to its regular size, maintaining consistent quality and continuity.
As FSX matured, Wolven played a crucial role in presenting the platform to potential buyers, detailing its capabilities and opportunities for improvement to Boelter, which ultimately acquired FSX.
