Locad raises $9 million for its smart digital logistics engine
UAE and Saudi Arabia entry in Q4 2024
Singapore-based Locad, a leading smart digital logistics engine powering consumer brands with its Cloud Supply Chain-As-a-Service (SCaaS) for global distribution, has announced a $9 million Pre-Series B funding round.
The round was co-led by Global Ventures and existing investor Reefknot Investments, with additional participation from Sumitomo Equity Ventures and other backers, including Antler Elevate, Febe Ventures, and JG Summit.
The new capital will support Locad’s strategy for global expansion, starting with the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Q4 2024 as part of the company’s ‘Grow Global, Go Local’ initiative for brands. The funds will also enhance Locad’s AI-driven smart logistics platform, further improving its capabilities in the digital supply chain space.
Locad aims to boost global commerce by building a cloud-based supply chain infrastructure that connects brands directly to consumers in high-growth markets.
The platform allows consumer brands to unify their inventory across multiple sales channels in e-commerce and retail and manage them via a smart logistics network orchestrated through Locad’s Control Tower platform. This system offers real-time visibility, data analytics, and AI-enhanced workflow automation to streamline logistics and improve operational efficiency.
Constantin Robertz, CEO and Co-Founder of Locad, highlighted the company’s rapid growth in the Asia-Pacific region, stating: “Over the past four years, we have built a cloud-based supply chain platform in APAC that enables brands to manage omnichannel distribution and access localised fulfilment in key markets like Southeast Asia and Australia.”
With this new funding, we are excited to bring Locad to the global stage, expanding into the US and GCC regions and enabling brands to sell anywhere with a fully localised customer experience.”
MENA rollout
The new funding will also empower Locad to introduce its smart logistics engine in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where e-commerce growth is booming. The company aims to expand its platform across key global markets, helping consumer brands scale rapidly with better logistics solutions.
Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, said: “We are delighted to co-lead this funding round and support Locad’s vision. Their innovative engine is reshaping how brands manage their supply chains, enabling faster, more efficient delivery solutions. This investment aligns with our focus on decentralised, resilient supply chains that meet modern consumer demand. Locad’s model embodies the future of logistics – agile, sustainable, and localised.”
Shrey Jain, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Locad explained how integrating AI-driven insights is key to the company’s growth. “By embedding smart digital logistics with AI capabilities, we help brands optimise their supply chains, reduce delivery times, and increase customer satisfaction. This funding will accelerate our efforts to build a robust, tech-enabled logistics ecosystem that drives operational efficiency and supports brands in today’s fast-evolving commerce landscape.”
Locad’s proprietary AI platform uses data analytics to optimise inventory placement, reduce delivery times, and streamline the supply chain. The logistics engine supports over 300 consumer brands across Southeast Asia and Australia. Brands using the platform can connect with leading e-commerce marketplaces, such as Shopify, Shopee, Amazon, and TikTok, allowing them to manage their inventory across various online and offline channels seamlessly.
Jannis Dargel, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Locad emphasised the significant advantages for brands adopting Locad’s logistics solutions. “For brands, the ability to unify inventory across multiple sales channels translates to higher revenue, faster sales, and improved customer satisfaction. Localised fulfilment and faster delivery options are key to improving conversion rates and overall customer experience.”
Since its Series A round in 2023, Locad has refined its platform and expanded its reach. Its unique approach to logistics, which combines localised warehouses with an AI-powered platform for real-time inventory management, has positioned it as a trusted logistics partner for brands looking to scale efficiently in emerging markets.
Hero image: Dubai City’s CBD skyline on November 24, 2024. E-commerce is booming in the UAE, where Locad aims to capture a share of the smart logistics sector. Credit: Arnold Pinto
