830: Inside AOP's Acquisition of the ProcureTech100: Objectivity, Community, Impact

“ProcureTech100 is the voice of the user. It's the voice of the customer. We want the perspective of those who are using these solutions every day, who have done proof of concepts, and who have seen the ROI.” - Philip Ideson, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Art of Procurement

Today’s procurement leaders are surrounded by tech innovation and disruption, but separating real value from empty hype is more complex than ever. With hundreds of new providers, AI tools, and shifting priorities, staying competitive calls for more than just another list of solutions; it demands objective, peer-driven insights.

This week, Art of Procurement co-founders Philip Ideson and Kelly Barner unpack the acquisition of the ProcureTech100 and Founders’ Circle programs. They explain what sets the ProcureTech100 apart, why practitioner voices matter, and how this new approach will improve visibility, trust, and practical decision-making for procurement teams everywhere.

Tune in for a candid conversation about rethinking technology intelligence, the importance of independence in awards and recommendations, and how community engagement is shaping the next chapter of procurement’s digital story.

In this episode, Philip and Kelly:

• Explain what makes the ProcureTech100 uniquely objective and peer-driven
• Share how practitioner insights inform more valuable tech recommendations
• Reveal new ways leaders and providers can participate or become judges
• Discuss the future direction for digitization advisory, as informed by community data

Links:

• Trust & Transparency: Judging the 2025/26 ProcureTech100
• Art of Procurement Acquires ProcureTech100, ProcureTech100 Yearbook, and Founders' Circle
• Subscribe to This Week in Procurement
• Subscribe to Art of Procurement on YouTube