Fentech is a French startup that builds AI-powered sales forecasting software for retailers. Its product, called Clairvoyant, predicts demand at the level of individual products and stores so retailers can plan inventory, pricing, and promotions without relying on manual spreadsheets.
What Clairvoyant does
Clairvoyant is organized into four modules that cover demand forecasting, supply and stock allocation, pricing and promotions, and product launches and assortment planning. The system draws on detailed, granular sales data broken down by SKU and by store location to generate forecasts that account for local variation rather than treating a retail chain as a single average.
The problem it addresses
Many retailers still forecast demand using spreadsheets, a process Fentech describes as too time-consuming and too complex given the number of variables involved. Rising inflation and unstable supply chains in the early 2020s made manual forecasting even less reliable, creating demand for software that can adjust predictions automatically as economic conditions shift.
Funding and backers
In October 2023, Fentech announced it had raised 1.2 million euros to expand its research and development and commercial teams. The round was led by the investment fund Elaia, with support from French public investment bank Bpifrance.
Where Fentech fits in retail technology
Fentech is part of a wider wave of retail-tech startups applying machine learning to supply chain and merchandising problems that were traditionally handled by planning teams using spreadsheets and historical averages. Its narrow focus on forecasting, rather than broader retail operations, is typical of the specialized AI vendors that have emerged to serve specific links in the retail planning chain.
FAQs
What does Fentech make? Fentech makes Clairvoyant, an AI sales-forecasting platform for retailers, covering demand, supply, pricing, and product launches.
How much funding has Fentech raised? Fentech announced a 1.2 million euro funding round in October 2023, led by Elaia with support from Bpifrance.
Who uses Fentech software? Fentech sells to retailers that need to forecast demand at the SKU and store level rather than relying on manual spreadsheet planning.
Why was Fentech founded? Fentech was built to replace slow, error-prone manual sales forecasting with an automated system that adjusts to changing economic conditions such as inflation.
Key facts
- Makes an AI sales-forecasting product called Clairvoyant for retailers.1
- Clairvoyant covers demand forecasting, supply and allocation, pricing and promotions, and product launches.1
- Raised 1.2 million euros in October 2023, led by Elaia with support from Bpifrance.1
- Aims to replace manual spreadsheet-based forecasting, which struggled amid high inflation.1
Quick checkWhat problem does Fentech solve for retailers?Show answer
Fentech replaces manual, spreadsheet-based sales forecasting with an AI system that predicts demand at the product and store level, helping retailers plan inventory and pricing more accurately.
Sources
- Tech.eu, Fentech raises 1.2 million euros for its sales forecasting solution, https://tech.eu/2023/10/18/fentech-raises-eur12m-for-its-innovative-sales-forecasting-solution/
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 9, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue