A new group of B2B marketplaces launched or expanded in the United States during the first quarter of 2026, targeting construction materials, equipment rental and data center infrastructure — three sectors where procurement has remained fragmented and offline.
Though many of the platforms are still in initial stages, their emergence reflects a broader push to digitize sourcing in heavy industry, where buyers are under pressure to manage rising costs, tight supply, and more complex project requirements.
In construction materials, several newer marketplaces are aiming to bring greater transparency to sourcing.
MatBook has launched a digital marketplace focused on bulk materials such as aggregates and concrete inputs. It has put an emphasis on real-time pricing and supplier comparison.
Kojo has historically focused on procurement software. It has expanded its capabilities to connect contractors more directly with suppliers through a centralized system.
Meanwhile, ProjectMark is developing a bid-based marketplace model that links contractors with suppliers for specific projects.
These platforms are targeting a part of the market that still relies heavily on phone calls, spreadsheets and local relationships, with limited visibility into pricing or availability across regions.
New B2B marketplaces prioritize procurement
In equipment rental, marketplace models are gaining traction as contractors shift toward renting rather than owning equipment. Platforms such as DOZR and Kwipped are aggregating supply from multiple providers. That allows users to compare pricing, availability and delivery options through a single interface.
At the same time, EquipmentShare continues to expand its technology-enabled rental network. It’s combining fleet management, logistics and procurement tools in a hybrid model that overlaps with marketplace functionality.
The result is a more centralized approach to equipment sourcing, where access to inventory is increasingly managed through digital platforms rather than local relationships.
A third area of marketplace development is emerging around data center infrastructure, driven by rapid growth in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing.
New platforms are focusing on sourcing specialized components such as power systems, cooling equipment and modular infrastructure. Early entrants include Start Campus Marketplace, which is designed to connect developers with suppliers, and HyperScale Hub, an early-stage platform focused on high-density computer infrastructure. Platforms such as DCKAP Integrator Marketplace are also expanding into supplier network models that support more complex sourcing and integration requirements.
Together, these developments point to the early formation of a digital sourcing layer in sectors that have historically resisted standardization.
For B2B sellers, the rise of these marketplaces presents both competitive pressure and new opportunities. Marketplaces can aggregate demand and increase pricing transparency, potentially reducing the role of traditional intermediaries. At the same time, they offer distributors new channels to reach customers without building standard-line ecommerce platforms.
As these early-stage B2B marketplaces scale, they are likely to place greater emphasis on real-time inventory data, consistent product information and faster quoting — procurement areas where many distributors are still investing.
Sign up
Sign up for a complimentary subscription to Digital Commerce 360 B2B News. It covers technology and business trends in the growing B2B ecommerce industry. Contact Mark Brohan, senior vice president of B2B and Market Research, at mark@digitalcommerce360.com. Follow him on Twitter @markbrohan. Follow us on LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and YouTube.
FavoriteThe post New B2B marketplaces target construction, equipment and data center sourcing appeared first on Digital Commerce 360.
from Digital Commerce 360 https://ift.tt/jbcHnaP
0 Comments