Lady luck seems to smiling at South African startup EmptyTrips because just after winning the Chivas Venture Pitching Den at the 2017 SA Innovation Summit, they are set to represent the country at the 2018 Startup World Cup in San Francisco, California. At the meet up, the start stands a chance to win $1 million to grow their business.
Basically, EmptyTrips uses smart algorithms to match spare capacity on transport vehicles with those who need goods transported at lower cost.
The company realized that many organizations are grappling with logistics and transport costs as transporters have to contend with inefficiencies occasioned by empty transport vehicles on return trips.
EmptyTrips works to identify trains, trucks, aeroplanes and ships with empty spaces then calls potential customers to bid and pay for the space anonymously. Given the innovation behind the startup solution, the judges of the Chivas Venture Pitching Den Competition could not resist awarding them first position and entry into the Startup World Cup finals.
“We are humbled by the recognition and this incredible opportunity,” says Benji Coetzee, CEO of EmptyTrips.
“At the same time, we are so proud of the progress we have made in the few months this company has been running. We look forward to carrying the South African flag high at the Startup World Cup!” added Coetzee.