CARGOCONNECT-AUGUST 2025 - Flipbook - Page 49
into underserved regions. According to Shetty, capital
plays a dual role: it enables operational growth while
also strengthening governance, particularly as start-ups
navigate increasingly stringent ESG regulations.
Shetty also points out the compliance dimension of
scale. “It helps strengthen governance and compliance
mechanisms, particularly in navigating complex ESG
regulations,” she says. Start-ups, often nimble and
fast-moving, can use funding not just to grow but to
institutionalise best practices around environmental
accountability. The result is a measurable reduction
in emissions, achieved through platforms and models
that are not only innovative but also compliant and
resilient over the long term.
At a more operational level, Gupta explains how
funding enables scale by bridging the gap between
promising pilots and large-scale implementation.
“Funding unlocks the ability to invest in both technology
and physical network expansion — which are critical
to scaling impact in logistics,” he states. At MatchLog,
this translates to investments in AI-driven container
matching systems, the rollout of integrated carbon credit
mechanisms, and the physical build out of container
reuse yards along key logistics corridors. These e昀昀orts
are designed to address one of the logistics sector’s most
persistent ine昀케ciencies: empty container movement.
“By expanding our reuse yard network across key
trade corridors, we are preventing millions of kilometres
of empty travel,” Gupta says. This not only reduces
emissions but improves cost e昀케ciency and operational
continuity. Funding also enables deeper collaboration
with partners across diverse regions, which is crucial
for moving beyond pilot-stage innovations to broader
market deployment. “It supports the operational backbone
needed to work closely with partners across geographies,
helping start-ups move from pilot-scale to nationwide
or even regional impact,” he adds.
Tripathi points to a speci昀椀c but under-acknowledged
challenge in logistics: empty runs. “Empty runs aren’t just
ine昀케ciencies; they’re silent contributors to a signi昀椀cant
emissions crisis in logistics,” he explains. Addressing this
issue requires more than just technical know-how—it
requires investment in systems that can make real-time,
dynamic decisions. According to Tripathi, start-ups are
rising to this challenge with data analytics platforms
that match loads intelligently, optimise routing in
real time, and extract insights that directly inform
sustainability actions.
By focussing on these operational blind spots, startups like Hexalog are enabling a leaner, greener logistics
model that doesn’t just reduce carbon emissions—it
also cuts costs. “They’re simultaneously driving down
costs and emissions, proving that smarter logistics
isn’t only good business—it’s essential for a sustainable
future,” Tripathi says. However, scaling these intelligent
systems across larger logistics networks depends
signi昀椀cantly on the availability of capital that supports
infrastructure development, platform re昀椀nement, and
cross-border expansion.
The above perspectives underscore a shared reality: innovation without investment risks remaining
trapped at the prototype stage. Strategic funding, when
SMITHA SHETTY
The diversity of markets across
APAC allows for customised, scalable
solutions that address regionspecific challenges. Start-ups play
a vital role by offering specialised
innovations in areas such as
traceability, emissions monitoring,
and circular economy models. While
many share common sustainability
objectives, their differentiated
approaches contribute meaningfully
to a broader ecosystem of impact.
Regional Director – APAC,
Achilles Information
HARSH VARDHAN GUPTA
Co-founder and CEO – India,
MatchLog Solutions
Start-ups can layer technology
over existing infrastructure to
extract value without heavy capital
investment. They also bring agility
in working with shipping lines,
transporters, and regulators,
creating integrated ecosystems
that improve cost-efficiency
and sustainability at once. Most
importantly, they can generate
real-time, data-backed insights
that make sustainable logistics
measurable and replicable
at scale.
aligned with operational goals and sustainability outcomes,
allows start-ups to transition from promising concepts to
industry-level change makers. Whether it’s AI-based optimisation, carbon credit integration, or physical reuse infrastructure,
funding fuels the transition from e昀케ciency gains to systemic
emissions reductions—enabling start-ups to lead the carbon
revolution at scale.
SCALING SUSTAINABLY: VISION AND
GROWTH STRATEGY FOR THE GREEN
START-UP ERA
The conversation is seemingly shifting from one of isolated
innovations to that of strategic, long-term scalability. Start-ups
in the logistics space are no longer just creating impactful
solutions—they’re building the foundational frameworks to
sustain and scale their in昀氀uence in the industry. Vision-led
strategies, infrastructure expansion, and ecosystem collaboration
are forming the backbone of what is fast becoming a green
logistics movement.
Shetty outlines a comprehensive regional strategy rooted
in supply chain transparency and ESG compliance. “Achilles is actively expanding across high-growth APAC markets,”
she explains. The company’s core proposition lies in enabling
organisations to manage their ESG obligations through a uni昀椀ed
supplier assurance platform. This includes supplier onboarding,
assessment, and ongoing monitoring—all essential components
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