In the fast-evolving world of consumer packaged goods (CPG), where supply chains can make or break a brand’s success, a New York-based startup is making waves with a bold new approach. Keychain, founded by tech veterans Oisin Hanrahan and Umang Dua, has secured $30 million in fresh funding to propel its ambitious vision: an AI-powered operating system designed specifically for CPG manufacturers. This latest round, announced this month, brings the company’s total funding to over $68 million, drawing investments from heavyweights like Lightspeed Venture Partners and SV Angel, among others. The capital injection coincides with the launch of what Keychain calls the first comprehensive AI operating system for the sector, aiming to streamline everything from supplier matching to production oversight.

At its core, Keychain’s platform leverages artificial intelligence to connect brands, retailers, and manufacturers in a seamless ecosystem. Unlike traditional methods reliant on trade shows and personal networks, this system uses advanced algorithms to match partners based on criteria like production capabilities, pricing, and sustainability metrics. According to a recent report in VentureBeat, the platform now processes over $1 billion in manufacturing projects monthly, a testament to its rapid adoption among industry players. Hanrahan, who previously co-founded Handy (acquired by Angi) and served as its CEO, brings a track record of scaling tech solutions in fragmented markets, positioning Keychain to disrupt the opaque world of CPG production.

Expanding Horizons: From Food to Beauty and Beyond

The funding arrives at a pivotal moment as Keychain broadens its reach. Earlier this year, the company expanded into the beauty and personal care sector, introducing AI-driven tools to accelerate product development and sourcing. As detailed in a July article from CosmeticsDesign, this move allows brands to find sustainable manufacturing partners more efficiently, addressing pain points like regulatory compliance and eco-friendly materials. Insiders note that this diversification taps into a $500 billion global beauty market, where speed to market is crucial amid rising consumer demands for clean ingredients.

Keychain’s AI operating system goes beyond mere matchmaking. It incorporates real-time analytics, predictive modeling for supply chain disruptions, and automated contract management—features that could save manufacturers millions in inefficiencies. A February piece in FeedMyStartup highlighted how the platform’s database, boasting over 20,000 manufacturers and a million SKUs, enables precise searches tailored to specific needs, such as organic certifications or low-volume runs. This level of granularity is particularly valuable for emerging brands challenging incumbents like Procter & Gamble or Unilever, who often struggle with fragmented supplier networks.

Funding Momentum and Global Ambitions

This $30 million raise builds on prior investments, including a $15 million Series A in November 2024 led by BoxGroup, as reported by AgFunderNews, and an additional $5 million infusion in February 2025 from Bright Pixel Capital, per Pulse 2.0. The latest round, which values Keychain at an undisclosed but reportedly nine-figure sum, is earmarked for enhancing the AI OS and fueling international expansion. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) from industry observers, including a recent one noting the raise’s focus on building a “true operating system for consumer packaged goods,” underscore growing buzz around Keychain’s potential to standardize workflows in a historically analog industry.

European growth is a key priority, with the company announcing its push into the continent earlier this year. According to The European Business Review in March, this expansion leverages the $5 million from Sonae’s venture arm to adapt the platform for EU regulations on sustainability and traceability. For CPG executives, this means better tools to navigate post-Brexit supply chains and comply with initiatives like the Green Deal, potentially reducing carbon footprints through optimized partner selections.

Innovation at the Intersection of AI and Manufacturing

What sets Keychain apart is its emphasis on transparency and network effects. As outlined in a 2024 BevNET analysis, the platform’s AI brings “transparency to CPG production” by demystifying capabilities and costs, which have long been shrouded in secrecy. A March 2025 feature in The Dieline described it as a game-changer for packaging design, where AI simulations predict manufacturing feasibility before prototypes are even built. This predictive power could minimize waste, a critical issue as raw material costs soar amid global inflation.

Critics, however, caution that AI’s role in manufacturing isn’t without risks. Data privacy concerns and the potential for algorithmic biases in partner recommendations are points of debate among industry insiders. Yet, Keychain’s founders argue that their system, trained on vast datasets from vetted sources, mitigates these by prioritizing human oversight. Drawing from Hanrahan’s experience at Angi, where tech streamlined home services, the platform aims to create similar efficiencies in CPG, potentially unlocking billions in untapped productivity.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As Keychain scales, competition looms from established players like SAP and Oracle, who are bolstering their own AI offerings for supply chains. But Keychain’s niche focus on CPG gives it an edge, especially for mid-sized manufacturers overlooked by enterprise giants. A 2023 TechCrunch report on the company’s $18 million raise emphasized its AI’s ability to “help brands find their perfect manufacturing partners,” a promise that’s resonating as e-commerce booms and private-label goods surge.

Ultimately, this funding and launch signal a shift toward AI as the backbone of CPG operations. For manufacturers grappling with labor shortages and volatile demand, Keychain’s operating system offers a lifeline—promising not just connections, but a fully integrated ecosystem that evolves with the market. As one X post from a tech analyst put it, this could redefine how