Smartmile

Smartmile is a technology company focused on optimizing last-mile delivery logistics. Founded in 2016 by Aku Happo, the company operates with a B2B business model, providing a software platform that transforms standard delivery lockers into a shared, open ecosystem. This core product, known as "Smartmile Enabled" hubs, allows any courier, retailer, or logistics partner to use the same physical locker infrastructure. The system is designed to be hardware-agnostic, meaning its versatile software can integrate with and optimize various types of delivery machines and networks.

The company's revenue is generated through its software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings and by creating technology-driven delivery ecosystems. This approach addresses common last-mile challenges by centralizing deliveries, which reduces the number of stops for couriers, minimizes failed delivery attempts, and alleviates congestion. Clients, which include major players like DHL and Lidl, benefit from a streamlined process that offers greater operational efficiency and transparency. For consumers, the service provides a convenient, centralized location to receive, send, and return parcels. The platform also allows for brand customization, enabling clients to personalize notifications and brand the pickup points, thereby enhancing the customer experience.

Initially, Smartmile's commercial model was asset-heavy, which led to perceptions of it being a competitor rather than a partner in the logistics space. A strategic repositioning shifted the focus from parcel exchange to connecting entire delivery ecosystems, a move that helped attract Series A-level investment. The company has established a significant presence in Europe, with over 200 hubs in Finland and the Netherlands, and is expanding internationally. A notable milestone in its global expansion was a 2023 collaboration with Curiosity Lab in Peachtree Corners, a U.S. smart city, to deploy its first U.S.-based delivery solutions and evaluate the American market.

Keywords: last-mile delivery, parcel locker ecosystem, logistics software, B2B logistics, sustainable delivery, delivery network optimization, courier agnostic platform, smart lockers, SaaS logistics, delivery hub, e-commerce logistics, package management, returns management, delivery consolidation, urban logistics, supply chain technology, Aku Happo, Smartmile Enabled, retail logistics, carrier-agnostic lockers