In the rapidly evolving landscape of global commerce, efficient logistics are paramount. On November 20, 2024, Locad, a Singapore-based logistics startup, announced a $9 million pre-Series B funding round co-led by Global Ventures and existing investor Reefknot Investments. This strategic infusion aims to accelerate Locad's international expansion and enhance its AI-driven logistics capabilities.

The Genesis of Locad

Founded in 2020 by CEO Constantin Robertz, COO Jannis Dargel, and CTO Shrey Jain, Locad emerged to address the complexities of e-commerce logistics in the Asia-Pacific region. Robertz, formerly the Managing Director of Zalora, brought extensive experience in e-commerce and logistics. Dargel, with a background in operations at Zalora, and Jain, previously a lead product manager at Grab, complemented the leadership team with their expertise. Together, they envisioned a cloud-based logistics engine to streamline supply chain operations for consumer brands.

Locad's Innovative Approach

Locad offers a cloud supply chain platform that integrates sales channels and manages end-to-end order fulfillment. Its Control Tower orchestration platform provides real-time visibility, analytics, and AI-enhanced workflow automation, enabling brands to unify their omnichannel distribution and access localized fulfillment across Southeast Asia and Australia. This approach allows brands to connect all sales channels to a single inventory pool and a smart logistics network, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Strategic Funding and Expansion Plans

The recent $9 million funding round, co-led by Global Ventures and Reefknot Investments, with participation from Sumitomo Equity Ventures, Antler Elevate, Febe Ventures, and JG Summit, is pivotal for Locad's growth. The capital will support Locad's 'Grow Global, Go Local' strategy, initiating expansion into the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Q4 2024. This move aims to provide brands with a localized customer experience in new markets.

Investor Confidence and Market Potential

Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, expressed confidence in Locad's potential to transform supply chain management, stating, "Locad’s innovative engine is transforming how brands manage their supply chains and enabling faster, more efficient customer reach." Marc Dragon, Managing Director of Reefknot Investments, highlighted Locad's execution capabilities and product innovation, noting, "Locad has demonstrated a strong ability to execute, scaling their asset-light fulfillment model across markets."

The Road Ahead

With the new funding, Locad plans to enhance its AI-driven logistics capabilities, focusing on demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and carrier analytics. CTO Shrey Jain emphasized the role of AI in optimizing supply chains, stating, "By integrating smart digital logistics with AI-driven insights, we empower brands to optimize their supply chains." COO Jannis Dargel added that unifying inventory across sales channels leads to higher revenue and faster sell-through, improving customer experience.

Conclusion

Locad's journey from a regional startup to a global logistics innovator underscores the critical role of efficient supply chain solutions in modern commerce. With strategic funding and a clear vision, Locad is poised to expand its footprint, offering brands the tools to navigate the complexities of global distribution effectively.