The demand for private-label products in retail has surged worldwide, driven by consumers seeking value, quality, and tailored experiences. Yet, creating these products is far from simple. Retailers must navigate complex supply chains, comply with strict regulations, and manage data scattered across multiple systems. On top of that, consumer expectations are shifting rapidly, with more emphasis on sustainability, health, and affordability. These factors make product development slow and cumbersome, often delaying time-to-market.

Keychain’s Solution: AI-Powered Streamlining

Enter Keychain, a startup tackling these challenges head-on with its AI-driven platform, KeychainOS, also referred to as Keychain360. The platform integrates product design, sourcing, compliance, and manufacturing management into one cohesive system. By consolidating all stages of the private-label product lifecycle, KeychainOS gives retailers full visibility and control over their supply chains. This not only reduces development times but also simplifies the coordination between multiple partners and regulatory requirements.

Unlike traditional solutions such as PartnerSlate, Tradeshift, or Oracle, Keychain leverages AI to analyze vast amounts of data, including product specifications, sourcing logistics, manufacturing capacities, and compliance criteria. The platform then intelligently matches brands and retailers with the right manufacturing partners, reducing errors and eliminating delays that often plague private-label production.

Boost from Series B Funding

Keychain recently raised $10 million in Series B funding, with backing from W23 Global, a company supported by major grocery retailers including Tesco, Ahold Delhaize, Woolworths Group, Empire Company Limited/Sobeys, and Shoprite. This infusion of capital is aimed at accelerating the deployment of KeychainOS and expanding its reach to private-label retailers around the globe.

Founder’s Vision: Clarity and Efficiency

Keychain was founded by Oisin Hanrahan, the entrepreneur behind Angi, a leading home-services platform. Drawing from his experience in building scalable, user-focused marketplaces, Hanrahan recognized the inefficiencies in private-label consumer packaged goods (CPG) production. His goal with Keychain is to bring transparency, speed, and adaptability to a fragmented and traditionally slow sector.

Hanrahan emphasizes, “With speed and transparency increasingly shaping the market, KeychainOS gives private-label brands an end-to-end advantage. Retailers can now innovate faster, manage products comprehensively, and adapt to evolving consumer preferences and regulatory changes through a single, connected platform.”

Industry Adoption and Trust

Keychain’s approach is already gaining traction. The platform is trusted by eight of the top ten U.S. retailers, including 7-Eleven and Whole Foods, as well as seven of the top ten global CPG brands, such as General Mills. Supporting over 30,000 manufacturers and 20,000 brands and retailers, Keychain demonstrates its ability to drive efficiency and quality across the industry.

The Road Ahead: Expansion and Innovation

With the new funding, Keychain plans to expand its network of manufacturers and brand partners globally while enhancing KeychainOS’s capabilities. Upcoming developments include more advanced AI-driven predictive analytics, faster adaptation to market trends, and expansion into new consumer goods categories, including beauty and personal care.

Ingrid Maes, CEO and CIO of W23 Global, underlined the platform’s value: “Keychain’s AI-powered platform streamlines private-label sourcing and enables retailers to deliver high-quality products faster and more efficiently. As consumers demand healthier, sustainable, and affordable options, Keychain helps retailers meet these expectations while maintaining compliance and product quality.”

Transforming Private-Label Retail

KeychainOS represents a shift in how private-label products are developed and brought to market. By combining AI, data analytics, and supply chain oversight, Keychain offers a unified solution to a traditionally fragmented process. Retailers adopting the platform can now respond to consumer trends swiftly, ensure compliance, and maintain high standards, all while reducing costs and timelines.

As private-label growth continues globally, Keychain’s technology positions itself as a crucial tool for retailers seeking agility, transparency, and innovation in an increasingly competitive marketplace.