Jahaji Ltd. Company Profile

Background

Overview

Jahaji Ltd. is a pioneering e-logistics startup based in Bangladesh, specializing in streamlining the inland water transport sector through innovative technological solutions. Established in 2019, the company introduced a mobile application designed to facilitate the booking and tracking of cargo vessels, thereby enhancing efficiency and transparency within the maritime industry.

Mission and Vision

Jahaji Ltd. aims to revolutionize the inland water transport sector by providing a user-friendly platform that connects ship owners, suppliers, buyers, agents, carriers, and brokers. The company's vision is to bring discipline and modernization to the maritime industry, addressing longstanding inefficiencies and fostering trust among stakeholders.

Primary Area of Focus

The company's primary focus is on the inland water transport sector in Bangladesh, offering a comprehensive solution for cargo vessel chartering and tracking. Through its mobile application, Jahaji Ltd. enables users to book various types of vessels, including bulkhead ships, cargo vessels, and coasters, and provides real-time tracking of these vessels.

Industry Significance

Jahaji Ltd. holds a significant position in the maritime industry by addressing the sector's disorganization and lack of transparency. By digitizing vessel booking and tracking processes, the company enhances operational efficiency, reduces risks, and builds trust among stakeholders, thereby contributing to the overall growth and modernization of the inland water transport sector in Bangladesh.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

• Digitalization of Maritime Operations: To replace traditional, manual processes with a digital platform that simplifies vessel booking and tracking.

• Enhancing Transparency and Trust: To provide verified information about vessels and their crews, fostering trust among stakeholders.

• Expanding Market Reach: To extend services beyond Bangladesh to other Southeast Asian countries by 2025.

Specific Areas of Specialization

• Cargo Vessel Chartering: Facilitating the booking of various types of cargo vessels through a user-friendly mobile application.

• Vessel Tracking: Offering real-time tracking of vessels to ensure transparency and timely delivery.

• Crew Recruitment: Providing a platform for hiring verified vessel crew members, ensuring quality and reliability.

Key Technologies Utilized

• Mobile Application Development: Creating a user-friendly interface for vessel booking and tracking.

• GPS Tracking Systems: Implementing real-time vessel tracking to monitor locations and progress.

• Data Analytics: Analyzing operational data to optimize routes, schedules, and resource allocation.

Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted

• Inland Water Transport Sector: Focusing on the vast network of inland waterways in Bangladesh used for cargo transportation.

• Southeast Asian Maritime Industry: Planning to expand services to other Southeast Asian countries by 2025.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Jahaji Ltd. has secured funding through various channels, including seed funding from international programs. Notably, the company won the Stanford University's Seed Spark 4 South Asia Cohort program, which provided seed funding and featured Jahaji on the university's website.

Total Funds Raised

The exact total funds raised by Jahaji Ltd. are not publicly disclosed.

Recent Funding Rounds

• Stanford University's Seed Spark 4 South Asia Cohort: Jahaji Ltd. was selected as one of the six winners among 20 finalists, receiving seed funding and global recognition.

Notable Investors

Specific details about individual investors are not publicly available.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended to:

• Enhance Technological Infrastructure: Develop and maintain the mobile application and tracking systems.

• Expand Service Offerings: Introduce new features such as crew recruitment and marketplace functionalities.

• Market Expansion: Extend services to other Southeast Asian countries by 2025.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Jahaji Ltd. is focusing on the following developments:

• Crew Recruitment Platform: A feature within the app that allows vessel owners to hire verified crew members.

• Marketplace Integration: Enabling users to purchase products from vessels in transit, with quality verification.

Stages of Development

• Crew Recruitment Platform: Launched and operational within the app.

• Marketplace Integration: In development, with plans for future implementation.

Target Conditions

The developments aim to address:

• Crew Shortages: By providing a reliable platform for crew recruitment.

• Market Access: Allowing users to access products from vessels without intermediaries.

Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones

• 2025: Expand services to other Southeast Asian countries.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

• Vessel Tracking Device: Developed in-house and endorsed by the Ministry of Shipping.

Significant Scientific Methods

• Data Analytics: Utilized to optimize vessel routes and schedules.

• Mobile Application Development: Ensuring a user-friendly interface for all stakeholders.

Leadership Team

Kajal Abdullah – Co-Founder & CEO

• Professional Background: Graduated in finance from Dhaka University; former communications specialist at the Prime Minister's Office, the BBC, and BRAC.

• Key Contributions: Led the development and launch of the Jahaji app, focusing on digitalizing the maritime industry.

Shaikh Bahauddin Rupak – Chairman

• Professional Background: Extensive experience in the maritime industry; known for his philosophical approach to shipping.

• Key Contributions: Provides strategic guidance and vision for the company's growth and industry impact.

Abhinandan Joardar – Co-Founder & COO

• Professional Background: Graduated in finance; experience with a renowned private bank; established AJ Corporation and AJ Logistics Products Supply and Logistics business in Khulna region.

• Key Contributions: Oversees daily operations and logistics, ensuring efficient service delivery.

Market Insights and Competitor Profile

Market Size and Growth Potential

The inland water transport sector in Bangladesh is substantial, with over 7,500 lighter ships estimated to carry goods annually. Significant opportunities exist for digitalization and modernization within the sector. Additionally, there is a global trend towards adopting digital solutions in logistics and transportation.

Competitive Landscape

• HungerStation: A leading food delivery service in the Middle East, operating in a different segment but with overlapping technological focus.

• EatEasy: An e-commerce platform in the Middle East, offering food delivery services.

• wssel: A logistics company in the Middle East, providing delivery services.

Market Position

Jahaji Ltd. holds a unique position in Bangladesh's inland water transport sector, with no direct competitors offering similar digital solutions. The company benefits from a first-mover advantage in digitalizing the maritime industry.

Competitive Advantages

• Strong leadership with industry expertise.

• Comprehensive service offerings including vessel chartering, tracking, crew recruitment, and planned marketplace functionalities.

• Strategic recognition through global seed funding and endorsements.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Strategic Roadmap

• Short-Term Goals: Enhance app features, increase user base, and strengthen partnerships.

• Medium to Long-Term Goals: Expand services to other Southeast Asian countries by 2025, integrate marketplace functionality, and continue technological innovation to maintain industry leadership.