IPO-Bound Delhivery Invests In Automation Solution Startup Falcon Autotech

IPO-bound logistics unicorn Delhivery has made an undisclosed investment in UP-based Falcon Autotech, a logistics automation solutions startup. With this investment, Delhivery plans to work closely with Falcon Autotech to design and implement new automation solutions for transportation and warehousing operations. 

The partnership will also enable the bundling of the hardware automated solutions along with Delhivery’s SaaS platform; one of the proposed growth verticals for Delhivery in the national and international market.

The Gurugram-based logistics startup said that the latest investment is in line with Delhivery’s objective of sustained investment in ‘future-ready’ hardware solutions in its operations. 

At present, Delhivery already operates 20 automated sortation centres, 124 gateways, and 83 fulfillment centres across India. 

Falcon Autotech, is an intra-logistics automation solutions provider in India which has delivered hundreds of turnkey automation solutions such as parcel sortation systems, online weighing and dimensioning, pick to light/put to light systems, conveyor automation solutions for FMCG, food, among others. The startup is headed by Naman Jain as CEO.

Commenting on the development, Ajith Pai, COO of Delhivery, said, “The collaboration with Falcon Autotech strengthens our ability to drive greater speed, precision, and efficiency across our business lines.”

The investment comes almost five months after Delhivery acquired another logistics startup Spoton Logistics to strengthen its B2B capabilities. 

Founded in 2011, Delhivery offers logistics services such as express parcel transportation, LTL and FTL freight, reverse logistics, cross-border, B2B & B2C warehousing, end-to-end supply chain services and technology services. 

The startup in September last year picked up $125 Mn from former Tiger Global executive Lee Fixel’s Addition in its Pre-IPO round. In June, the logistics unicorn picked up $100 Mn from global logistics giant FedEx. As part of the deal, FedEx Express will enter into a long-term commercial pact with Delhivery.

Delhivery has filed its prospectus with market regulator SEBI to raise INR 7,460 Cr from the public market. Its offer which is yet to be approved by SEBI includes a fresh issue of shares worth up to INR 5,000 Cr and an offer-for-sale of up to INR 2,460 Cr. It is worth noting that these offers can change as the startup heads towards its listing.