Raises US$ 2.6mn in initial funding round
Last mile delivery tech start-up FODEL has launched its operations in the UAE to provide a better solution to the delivery problem faced by online shoppers, e-commerce and logistics companies.
FODEL’s proprietary technology gives customers the option to collect their parcels any time they want, from a location most convenient to them, putting an end to the endless waiting windows consumers have to endure in expectation of their deliveries.
“Delivery is the most stressful part of the online shopping experience. Customers have to change their schedule to be home to wait for the parcel, they usually get multiple calls from the drivers asking for directions, and in the worst cases, they miss their delivery and it gets postponed to another day,” explains Soumia Benturquia, Founder and CEO, FODEL.
This is made possible thanks to FODEL’s fast-expanding network of pick-up locations, currently consisting of more than 1,000 pick-up locations across all seven Emirates.
“Also, all parcels are tracked in real-time, and customers have full visibility and control over their shipments” added Benturquia.
The start-up raised $2.6 million by a number of prominent investors and advisors including Saudi Arabia’s Al Rajhi family and FODEL’s Chairman and ex-Fedex Senior Vice President, Hamdi Osman, a 33-year logistics industry veteran and a strong figure in the region’s express delivery sector.
“FODEL’s disruptive technology and proven business model add great value at every step of the supply chain, while providing flexibility and peace of mind to the end-users of courier services” said Osman.
FODEL will soon launch its operations in Saudi Arabia where it already has secured over 800 pick-up locations.
