Transport platform Synple pulls the plug. Synple was founded to match logistics service providers with each other to combat empty freight kilometres. In the absence of a healthy business model the logistics startup feels compelled to quit.
Synple allowed logistics service providers to exchange rides and bundle their cargo with logistics cooperation partners. One in four trucks is said to drive empty on the road. Synple wanted to reduce this 'empty driving' by 50 per cent by making full use of trucks. Like digital transport platforms like Uberfreight, Convoy and Saloodo, Synple used smart technology to match freight and capacity. The platform could be connected to any Transport Management System.
Capital injection of 1.1 million euros
In autumn 2017, Synple received another capital injection of 1.1 million euros from investors Mainport Innovation Fund II and Newion. The money was intended to accelerate scaling up and expanding to the rest of Europe, but Synple says it has not succeeded sufficiently.
Unable to develop a healthy business model
In a statement, Synple founders Machiel Resink and Roderick Rodenburg said: "Over the past 3 years, we have worked hard to create a cooperation model of and for the transport sector. We have worked on the operational side, the legal side, the administrative side and the integration of systems.[...] We believe in a scalable and affordable cooperation model. Despite a substantial capital injection, we have not managed to scale up the platform sufficiently quickly. As a result, we cannot develop a healthy business model for our platform in the short term."
Collaboration
The founders say they still believe in cooperation between carriers. "There are numerous examples where new links have been established between carriers. We have learned a lot, so we are not throwing away the dream."
