Cycloon

Established in 2002, Cycloon operates as a provider of bicycle courier services with a distinct focus on social and sustainable logistics. The company's core business revolves around mail and parcel delivery throughout the Netherlands, utilizing a national network of bicycle couriers. This operational model is designed to offer a greener alternative to traditional delivery methods, contributing to a reduction in CO2 emissions.

Cycloon's business model integrates a significant social component by employing individuals who have or have had a distance to the labor market. The company serves a diverse client base, ranging from thousands of smaller customers to large e-commerce platforms. Revenue is generated through the provision of these postal and parcel delivery services. A key milestone in the company's history was the initiation of a national bicycle courier platform in 2016, which expanded its service to over 60 cities.

In a strategic move to accelerate its growth and mission, Cycloon entered into a partnership with the Dutch e-commerce company bol.com. This collaboration began with bol.com acquiring a majority stake in 2022 and culminated in a full acquisition in July 2023. This acquisition allows Cycloon to scale its operations more rapidly while enabling bol.com to enhance the sustainability of its last-mile delivery. Despite the acquisition, Cycloon continues to operate as an independent brand, led by its own executive board, and serves its existing and new customers in addition to handling bol.com's parcels.

Keywords: bicycle courier, sustainable logistics, social enterprise, last-mile delivery, parcel service, mail delivery, e-commerce logistics, green delivery, Dutch logistics, urban delivery, cargo bike, sustainable transport, social employment, CO2 reduction, parcel delivery Netherlands, bol.com logistics, sustainable shipping, eco-friendly delivery, supply chain, delivery network