Logistics Startup Superkul Pockets Initial Funding Led by East Ventures

Logistics startup Superkul has announced seed funding led by East Ventures with an undisclosed amount. With this funding, the company will increase its operational fleet, number of teams, and build platforms mid-mile to complete the portfolio of services to consumers.

Superkul was founded by Cathrine Susilowati Prajitno (CEO), Felix Sutanto (CFO), Chris Wiranata (CTO), and Eunike Yvonne Hanata (Marketing Manager) in 2020.

They offer cold chain based logistics delivery services (cold chains) and cooling (Chilling) for last mile. Currently, Superkul's delivery range is only in Jakarta and Bandung, and has served 231 clients from the F&B, health and pharmaceutical sectors. Most recently, Superkul has collaborated with PT Sekar Bumi Tbk as a partner mobile store.

"The huge potential of the logistics industry cold chains in Indonesia was also accelerated by changes in market behavior due to the pandemic. We believe we can take advantage of the needs and empower the community to grow as a whole," said Superkul Co-founder & CEO Cathrine Susilowati Prajitno in her official statement.

Meanwhile, East Ventures Principal Devina Halim added that the logistics market cold chains has become a big industry in Indonesia. We believe that the right integration of operations and digital solutions provided by Superkul can help millions of businesses scale their business.

"We are excited to see the more growth and impact that Superkul will bring to the logistics industry in Indonesia," said Devina.

Superku Target

In the first half of 2023, Superkul targets to operate 100 fleets. It also plans to expand to various big cities in Indonesia and open an aggregator delivery service middle mile, as well cross docks.

For Cathrine who has been building a logistics business since 2005 assessing logistics services cold chains for last mile There are still very few reliable sources that can accommodate fresh and frozen food shipments in Indonesia.

This is considered to hamper the business of business owners from the MSME to multinational scale. Many lose potential customers as business owners prefer low-cost instant courier solutions to avoid products being received unrefreshed, spoiled, or fresh over higher-cost shipping services.

To answer this problem, Superkul has equipped its motorcycle fleet with Superkul Boxes that can carry products at a temperature of -22^॰C to 10^॰C. Through this solution, his party seeks to ensure the temperature remains constant with the same day delivery method and the closest route.

It develops technology that can maintain the quality of goods and improve food safety and hygiene. In addition, Superkul eliminates the use of additional packaging and thermofreeze disposable so business owners don't have to incur additional shipping costs.

Happen cold chains

Based on reports Forrester Research, the food and grocery business experienced significant growth in 2020 triggered by the pandemic. This sector accounts for 11% of the market E-commerce globally, up from 5% in 2015. Meanwhile, the food and grocery industry is expected to grow further to 15% by 2025.

As for, Allied Market Research report industry market value cold chains in Indonesia was recorded at $4,97 billion in 2021 with an average annual growth rate of 10,2%. This figure is projected to penetrate $12,59 billion in the next ten years.

There are several startups in Indonesia that have entered the logistics sector to cold chain, such as Paxel and Fresh Factory. paxel play on last delivery mile which are mostly in the form of food products, staples, and health. Meanwhile, Fresh Factory enters through cold product storage management and procurement services.