Swan Angel Network Bets On Logistics And Chatbots, Funds MaalGaadi And ZiPi

MaalGaadi, an online logistics marketplace and ZiPi, a chatbot platform recently raised funding from Indore-based Swan Angel Network.

MaalGaadi has raised $375K (INR 2.5 Cr) from Swan Angel Network, Sachin Khandelwal and other investors. While, ZIPI has raised an undisclosed sum from Swan Angel Network alone.

Maalgaadi was founded in March 2015 by Anirudh Garg and Saurabh Raj. The startup that aims to become the ‘Ola for goods’, it provides an Internet-based service platform for cargo transportation.

The startup plans to use the funds to explore the intra-city logistics market, thereafter expanding their network to cities across India. Their first targets are the Tier II cities.

As claimed by the company, MaalGaadi has completed more than 30,000 trips and consolidated transaction size of over $167K (INR 1.25 Cr) and has partnered with more than 200 vehicles. Their clients include Loading Rickshaws, Tata Ace, Ashok Leyland and Mahindra Pickups.

The technological setup of MaalGaadi is managed through an in-house system, comprising of a web application and an Android application which is installed in the smartphone provided to every associated vehicle. The software installed is used for booking and tracking the vehicles.

The startup claims to improve the earnings significantly for all the intra-city vehicles drivers and ensure reduced losses for transit of materials within the city. Currently, it is a 35 members team.

Gangadharan, an investor in MaalGaadi said, “Tertiary transportation in India is highly unorganised and fragmented. With no efficient supply system – the cost of trips is very high today. Bringing efficiency will help in unlocking huge value for consumers. Even today, with 3.5 lakh mini trucks in market, the size of commission income for this industry will not be less than $1.5 Tn (INR 10000 Cr).

ZiPi is a chat based platform that allows users to avail end-to-end services through an interactive app.

Founded in October 2015 by a team of 15 led by Sukrat Ray, Pranav Singhi, Sumay Dubey and Siddharth Ray. ZiPi is based upon the chat oriented user interface used by messaging applications.

They plan to use the funds to accelerate sales and tech development. They also also plan to expand in the domestic market at a rapid rate and then target the national user base.

Pranav Singhi, co-founder ZiPi said, “ ZiPi has been has been  built after a lot of brainstorming, research on apps and current trends. The users can use features of multiple apps in one without actually downloading each application. The technology stack allows a lot of customisation for the business by the manager/owner. We know what the business wants and technology makes it scalable and affordable for any local business or brand. This intelligence has been built over data points and messages between the business and its customers collected over years.”

Speaking about the investment in ZiPi, Abhishek Sanghvi said, “What excites me most about ZiPi is how they are providing an efficient platform to bring local businesses online, allowing them to compete with bigger players in this tech-savvy market and hence bridging a huge connectivity gap between them and their customers.”

ZiPi is available on Android and iOS platforms. According to the official statement, they have tied up with over 50 brands and businesses to host their micro apps on the ZiPi platform and claim to have a user base of more than 15000.

Swan Angel Network is a group of 35+ HNIs from Indore, Mumbai and US. It was incorporated in November 2015. Prior to this, Mumbai-based Onspon.com, an event-brand partnership platform raised $150K (INR 1 Cr) in angel funding from Indore’s Swan Angel Network.

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