Myanmar-based technology logistics platform Karzo wins prestigious regional startup competition to represent Southeast Asia in global finals in 2021
Karzo, the leading Myanmar-based, logistics-tech platform has been announced as the winner of the Startup World Cup Southeast Asia Regional 2021. Founded in 2016, the transportation platform beat 15 of the top startups across the region and will travel to San Francisco in May 2021 to represent Southeast Asia at the Grand Finale.
Karzo is the first Myanmar-based startup to represent the country on a global stage. In next year’s Grand Finale, Karzo will compete against regional winners from across the globe for a grand investment prize of USD 1 Million.
“We’re honoured to have such a heated competition with so many great companies participating”, said Alex Wicks, CEO and founder of Karzo. “The team has worked extremely hard to get to where we are. We are proud to represent Myanmar and Southeast Asia in the upcoming finals. Myanmar is growing rapidly and has become a pivotal land bridge, both geographically and economically, for both South Asia and Southeast Asia”.
In less than four years, Karzo has created the largest virtual trucking fleet in Myanmar. With 5,000 drivers on its platform, it connects corporate enterprises and SMEs to logistics suppliers across the country and beyond. Karzo offers clients reliable and trackable distribution alongside a range of additional services. These include first-, mid- and last-mile distribution, line haulage, port and container operations, customs clearance and specialised logistics. Karzo works with its clients and suppliers to provide additional benefits, such as insurance and financial products. It has recently launched a truck-wrapping service, offering advertising for clients and additional income for drivers.
Throughout 2020 and despite challenging market conditions, Karzo has expanded its fleet and secured contracts with global players like Maersk, Nestlé, Coca-Cola and Kuehne+Nagel. Karzo has seen a 150% YoY growth driven by the platform’s unparalleled access to trucks, excellent customer support and on-the-ground presence.
The Startup World Cup is a series of startup conferences and competitions that welcome all stages of tech startups. In May 2021, 60+ entrepreneurs will pitch in front of a distinguished judging panel, including judges from top Silicon Valley investment firms. The event is led by Pegasus, a native of Silicon Valley with presence in 14 countries.
Wild Digital, a platform created for internet leaders to come together and share bold visions for building great disruptive companies, hosted the Southeast Asia branch of the competition at the Wild Digital Southeast Asia Conference. The conference was streamed virtually for thefirst time this year. More than 6,000 attendees tuned in to listen to 500+ speakers from over 30 countries.
