locad

Overview

Locad is a comprehensive logistics engine tailored for e-commerce brands, offering cloud-based logistics solutions to enhance operational efficiency and market reach, particularly within the Asia-Pacific region, GCC, and the USA. By integrating technology with traditional logistics capabilities, Locad helps businesses store, pack, ship, and track orders swiftly and cost-effectively.

Core Services

Locad's logistics solutions encompass:

• Fulfillment: End-to-end order processing, including timely picking, packing, and shipping.

• Warehousing: An extensive network of strategically located warehouses to ensure faster delivery by maintaining proximity to consumers.

• Shipping: Facilitates both domestic and cross-border logistics to simplify international shipments, expanding the global e-commerce footprint.

• Locad Capital: Offers financial services aligned with logistics, aiding business expansion efforts.

Leadership Team

Constantin Robertz - CEO and Co-founder

Constantin Robertz brings profound experience in e-commerce and logistics. Previously, he was the CEO and President of Entrego and served as Managing Director at Zalora. He holds a Business and Management degree from Universität St. Gallen, driving Locad's strategic direction in logistics innovation.

Jannis Dargel - COO and Co-founder

Jannis Dargel, with his expertise in operational logistics from Zalora and an academic background in International Business from Anglia Ruskin University, manages Locad’s sophisticated logistics operations, ensuring excellence in service delivery.

Shrey Jain - CTO and Co-founder

Shrey Jain leverages his technical expertise, earned from the Indian Institute of Technology and enhanced by his AI specialization at the National University of Singapore, to lead technological advancements at Locad. His previous roles at Grab and 99.co support his innovative approach to logistics technology at Locad.

Funding and Financial Overview

Locad has raised a cumulative $32.8 million through four rounds of funding with involvement from 40 investors, notably ReefKnot Investments and Sumitomo Corporation Equity Asia. The most recent pre-Series B round closed with $9 million, led by Global Ventures and ReefKnot Investments, and focuses on AI enhancements and entry into the Saudi Arabian and UAE markets.

Recent Financial Activities

• January 2023: Acquired $11 million in Series A funding steered by Temasek.

• November 2024: Secured $9 million in pre-Series B funds to accelerate geographic expansion and AI developments.

Strategic Positioning and Expansion Plans

Locad is extending its logistics network to meet rising demands in pivotal regions, notably the Asia-Pacific, GCC, and the USA. Expansion strategies include amplifying its warehouse infrastructure and broadening logistics partnerships, with a particular emphasis on enhancing market penetration in the Middle East.

Market Relevance

Locad's logistical solutions enable e-commerce entities to streamline supply chain and delivery processes efficiently. By integrating advanced cloud logistics technologies, Locad is poised to significantly influence global e-commerce operations, driving both growth and customer satisfaction.

Competitor Profile: Understanding the Competitive Landscape

1. ShipStation

• Location and Scale: Operates from Austin, TX, offering a robust, web-based shipping solution with over 70 e-commerce channel integrations.

• Functions: Provides order consolidation, efficient shipping label generation, and tracking updates. Features Automation Rules and Order Tagging to reduce manual tasks.

• Market Position: Enhanced by Auctane, specializing in multi-carrier shipping solutions with a workforce of 201-500 employees and a LinkedIn following of 20,589.

• Integration Partners: eBay, Amazon, Shopify.

2. ShipMonk

• Headquarters and Reach: Based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a global reach including fulfillment centers in the US, Canada, Europe, and Mexico.

• Core Services: E-commerce order fulfillment driven by cutting-edge logistics and inventory management technologies.

• Growth Recognition: Fastest-growing 3PL as per Inc. 5000 and Deloitte’s Technology Fast 500™.

• Employee Strength: Over 2,000 employees.

• Innovative Products: MonkProtect™, enhancing customer post-purchase experiences.

• Customer Philosophy: "Stress Less, Grow More."

3. Freightgate

• Technological Prowess: Cloud computing pioneer in logistics, with the Freightgate Universe platform optimizing freight operations and enabling real-time decision-making.

• Market Strategy: Encourages businesses to adopt advanced supply chain strategies with minimal costs, emphasizing sustainable logistics.

4. JD Smith

• Historical Roots: Established in 1919, notable as one of Canada’s cornerstone 3PL providers.

• Service Offerings: Offers food-grade warehousing, in-house co-packing, and comprehensive transportation solutions.

• Green Initiatives: Recipient of the Green Supply Chain Award for its commitment to eco-friendly operations.

• Reputation: Known for its operational safety and industry-recognized excellence.

Analysis of Competitive Landscape

Locad operates within a competitive niche influenced by players like ShipStation, ShipMonk, Freightgate, and JD Smith, each bringing distinctive strengths such as technological innovation, extensive global logistics, and robust sustainability practices. These insights are critical for Locad to bolster its technological offerings, diversify its logistics framework, and enhance sustainable practices to sustain its competitive edge.