Movile announces undisclosed investment in Mensajeros Urbanos

Contxto – Latin America has been quickly embracing e-commerce, courtesy of Covid-19. Though as exciting as it sounds, it’s putting logistics startups to the test. But one Colombian enterprise is rising to the challenge and raising some funds along the way.

Last Tuesday (7), Colombian logistics startup Mensajeros Urbanos announced it wrapped up an investment with Movile. The value of the transaction was not disclosed. 

Money matters aside, the startup did share its upcoming plans. For Mensajeros Urbanos, the main objective is to consolidate its foothold in Colombia and Mexico where it already operates. Accordingly, it expects to launch new services and add in some AI tech for more efficiency.

By the numbers: Mensajeros Urbanos has managed over 1.2 million deliveries per month.

The funding comes at a time when e-commerce is finding a more permanent place in consumers’ shopping habits. Unsurprisingly, Mensajeros Urbanos is one of the startups to see operations grow as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Mensajeros Urbanos’ need for speed

When it comes to logistics, it’s all about speed, efficiency, and tracking for a great customer experience. That’s why Mensajeros Urbanos plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the delivery process.

AI tech is increasingly used in last-mile deliveries to identify the best routes for couriers to take as well as the best means—cyclist, motorcyclist or by car—to complete the delivery.

Likewise, Mensajeros Urbanos wants to open 50 warehouses in the largest cities where it operates. Through these storehouses, it expects to reduce delivery times and even allow for same-day delivery, a benefit for vendors and shoppers alike.

• Related article: No, these are not “the best of times” for last-mile delivery apps

Using warehouse systems to reduce waiting times has also been widely adopted among last-mile delivery startups like Vueltap.

Picap (Colombia), Loggi (Brazil), Chazki (Peru), Moovin (Costa Rica)… an increasing number of startups are dominating their local markets and expanding their logistics services. But who will come out on top?

While they all essentially offer the same service, a key differentiator are the extra perks they offer their customers. Examples include live-tracking services, stock management tools, or data to understand their shoppers’ behavior in this increasingly heated competition. 

Related articles: Tech and startups from Colombia!

-ML