DUBAI: Singapore-based smart digital logistics engine –Locad – has raised $9 million in Pre-Series B fundraising to expand into UAE and Saudi Arabia as part of its ‘Grow Global, Go Local’ strategy for brands.
The round was co-led by Global Ventures and existing investor Reefknot Investments. Other participating investors include Sumitomo Equity Ventures and existing investors Antler Elevate; Febe Ventures; and JG Summit.
The new funding will also be used to enhance Locad’s AI-driven smart logistics capabilities. Locad is on a mission to build the supply chain infrastructure of modern commerce connecting brands to consumers in growth markets with a global cloud supply chain as-a-service.
“Over the last four years we have built a cloud supply chain platform in APAC that allows brands to unify their omnichannel distribution and access localised fulfillment in growth markets of SEA and AU. We are now excited to take Locad global, opening our presence in the US and entering the GCC, to make it easier for brands to sell anywhere with a fully localised customer experience,” Constantin Robertz, CEO and Co-Founder of Locad, said.
Open commerce
Locad’s cloud supply chain enables smart digital logistics and open commerce for consumer brands through an integrated operating system and supply chain infrastructure as a service: Locad allows brands to connect all sales channels in e-commerce and retail to a single pool of inventory and a smart logistics network, managed through its Control Tower orchestration platform that provides real time visibility, analytics, and AI enhanced workflow automation.
Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures, said that Locad’s innovative engine is transforming how brands manage their supply chains and enabling faster, more efficient customer reach – aligning with the need for decentralized and resilient supply chains to meet today’s consumer demands.
“Locad is a prime example of this shift – offering a localized, efficient solution that aligns with our vision for the future of supply chains. We are confident Locad is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in rapidly evolving markets like MENA, embodying the future of agile and sustainable logistics.”
By integrating smart digital logistics with AI-driven insights, Shrey Jain, Co-Founder and CTO of Locad, said that they are empowering brands to optimise their supply chains—placing inventory closer to demand, reducing delivery times, and enhancing customer satisfaction.
“The fundraise allows us to double down on building a robust, tech-enabled logistics ecosystem that drives efficiency and helps brands thrive in an increasingly dynamic commerce landscape.”
Since its 2023 Series A round, Locad has made significant strides in expanding its market presence and refining its platform. The company now supports over 300 consumer brands across Southeast Asia and Australia, providing smart digital logistics solutions to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
Locad’s logistics engine integrates seamlessly with leading e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Shopee, Amazon, and Tiktok, enabling brands to optimise their inventory and delivery management across diverse sales channels.
