Locad raises US$9 mil for smart digital logistics engine to expand globally

  • By Q4 2024, money may enable rise into the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
  • Since Series A, Locad has scaled its concept across SEA, Australia &amp, China

Locad cofounders (Left to Right: Shrey Jain, CTO, Constantin Robertz, CEO & Jannis Dargel, COO

Locad, a leading intelligent electronic logistics motor empowering consumer businesses with its Cloud Supply Chain-as-a-Service for international distribution, announced a US$ 9 million ( RM40 million ) Pre-Series B campaign co-led by Global Ventures and Reefknot Investments. Other traders include Sumitomo Equity Ventures, Antler Elevate, Febe Ventures, and JG Summit.

The funding may accelerate Locad’s global expansion, starting in the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Q4 2024 as part of its” Grow Global, Go Native” strategy for businesses, and further enhance its AI-driven shipping functions. Locad aims to build modern supply chain infrastructure, connecting manufacturers to customers in development areas through a integrated, cloud-based transportation system.

Through a seamless operating system and supply chain infrastructure as a support, Locad’s sky supply chain makes wise online shipping and empty trading possible for client companies. The company allows brands to join all sales channels in e-commerce and wholesale to a single share of stock and a bright logistics system, managed via its Control Tower orchestration platform, which provides real-time visibility, analytics, and AI-enhanced workflow automation.

Constantin Robertz, CEO and co-founder of Locad, said,” We are on a mission to enable smart digital logistics for consumer brands. In APAC, we have developed a cloud supply chain platform over the past four years that enables brands to integrate their omnichannel distribution and access localized fulfillment in growth markets in SEA and AU. We are now looking forward to expanding our business to other countries by expanding our footprint to the US and joining the GCC to facilitate brand distribution.

Noor Sweid, founder and managing partner of Global Ventures, said,” We are delighted to lead Locad’s funding round. With our goal of decentralized and resilient supply chains that are in line with our vision, Locad’s innovative engine is changing the way brands manage supply chains, enabling faster and more effective customer reach.

” Locad exemplifies this shift, offering localised, efficient solutions. We are confident it is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in evolving markets like MENA, embodying the future of agile, sustainable logistics”, he added.

Marc Dragon, managing director of Reefknot Investments, said,” We are excited to co-lead this oversubscribed round and deepen our commitment to Locad as they expand globally. Since our Series A investment, Locad has scaled its asset-light fulfilment model across Southeast Asia, Australia, and China while enhancing AI-driven features like demand, inventory, and carrier analytics &amp, optimisation”.

We are confident that Locad’s global expansion and innovation focus will add significant value to brands looking to expand internationally and improve customer experiences, he added.

Shrey Jain, co-founder and CTO of Locad, said,” By combining smart digital logistics with AI-driven insights, we empower brands to optimise supply chains by positioning inventory closer to demand, reducing delivery times, and improving customer satisfaction. In light of this fundraise, we can increase the efficiency and support brands in a dynamic business environment, further strengthening our tech-enabled logistics ecosystem.

Since its Series A round in 2023, Locad has grown significantly in size and scope, supporting over 300 consumer brands in Southeast Asia and Australia. The business improves customer experiences and operational efficiency by offering innovative digital logistics solutions. Its logistics engine seamlessly integrates with leading e-commerce platforms like Shopify, Shopee, Amazon, and TikTok, helping brands optimise inventory and delivery management across multiple sales channels.

Brands can expand their distribution through Locad’s platform as more markets are opened up by the GCC and the USA.