Variat

Variat is a cloud platform that digitizes the paper used by many manufacturers to record part inspection data. We then use that data to predict quality problems and provide real-time production metrics throughout the supply chain.

We were founded in January by three former John Deere engineers (Cedar Falls, IA) and recently graduated from a B2B-focused accelerator in Seattle called 9Mile Labs.

The Variat team just got back from Changchun, China where we competed in the Microsoft FAW AutoNext and CityNext Appathon. I am proud to announce that we won the Best Industry Innovation Award!

The event was hosted by the Microsoft Innovation Center Changchun and FAW. FAW is one of the largest automotive companies in China and collaborates with Toyota, Mazda, and Volkswagen. The Appathon will be an annual event in Changchun designed to provide startups with an opportunity to showcase their manufacturing and automotive innovations.

Variat returned to the U.S. with a signed letter of intent with FAW, kicking off what we expect to be a long, successful relationship with the automotive giant. As you know, China just released their 10 year plan to improve their manufacturing industry: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2015-05/19/c_134252230.htm.
Variat's cloud-based quality control application is an innovation that cannot be overlooked when working to improve quality across global supply chains. We're very excited to be part of China's manufacturing initiatives.

FAW Overview: http://www.faw.com/aboutFaw/aboutFaw.jsp?pros=Profile.jsp&phight=580&about=Profile
Microsoft Innovation Center: https://www.microsoftventures.com/locations/mic
Variat Spotlight in Geekwire: http://www.geekwire.com/2015/variat/

I thought you might find this interesting. Let me know if you have any questions or want more information.