Zencargo

Zencargo operates as a digital freight forwarder, offering a technology-driven platform to manage and optimize complex supply chains. The company was founded in London in 2017 by Alex Hersham, Richard Fattal, and Jan Riethmayer. The founders' backgrounds are rooted in the logistics and trade sectors; Hersham had prior experience building a shipping business, while Fattal represents the third generation of his family involved in international trade, a field he was deeply engaged in before co-founding the company. This shared history and recognition of the inefficiencies in traditional freight forwarding spurred the creation of Zencargo.

The firm's business model centers on providing a centralized platform for managing sea, air, and road cargo, moving beyond conventional freight forwarding by integrating data analytics and machine learning. This service caters to a diverse clientele, from fast-growing startups to large FTSE 100 corporations in sectors like fashion, FMCG, and construction. Revenue is generated through its freight forwarding services, which include booking, managing, and tracking shipments, supplemented by value-added data insights.

Zencargo's platform offers end-to-end visibility of shipments, from the point of order to final delivery, consolidating what is often a fragmented process. Key features include SKU-level tracking, real-time communication tools for collaboration with suppliers, and AI-powered predictive ETAs to pre-empt delays. The system is designed to give clients actionable insights by analyzing supply chain data, helping them optimize inventory levels, reduce transportation costs, and improve working capital. A significant differentiator is the platform's ability to measure and track Scope 3 carbon emissions, allowing clients to make more sustainable routing decisions. Since its inception, the company has secured significant funding, including a $42.3 million Series B round in May 2021, to fuel its international expansion into markets such as the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and the US.

Keywords: digital freight forwarding, supply chain management, logistics technology, freight analytics, real-time visibility, shipping management, cargo tracking, supply chain optimization, multimodal freight, trade management, inventory optimization, SKU-level tracking, freight execution, logistics software, supply chain visibility, sustainable logistics, carbon emissions tracking, international trade, AI in logistics, freight booking