Pelicargo's Mission: From MIT Startup to Industry Leader

Our technology empowers a long-tail of over 100,000 small/mid-sized freight forwarders to secure the best possible air cargo rates by democratizing digitalization and promoting price transparenc...

Every once in a while, a startup comes along that not only disrupts an industry but also sets a new standard for innovation. Pelicargo, a logistics-tech company that emerged from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is one such startup. This is the story of Pelicargo's journey from an MIT startup to an industry leader in the air freight sector.

How it started

Pelicargo was born out of a simple yet profound realization: the air freight industry was ripe for disruption. The founders, Jon Acquaviva and Shinji Angata, both MIT Sloan Fellows MBA graduates, and Edward Wang, an MIT PhD in Computer Science, saw an opportunity to leverage technology to streamline the complex and often inefficient process of air freight forwarding.

The idea was to create a digital tool that would instantly connect cargo shippers with airlines that had open capacity. This would not only make the booking process faster and more efficient but also help airlines maximize their revenue and shippers get competitive rates.

The MIT Influence

The founders credit their time at MIT, particularly the entrepreneurship course New Enterprises taught by Bill Aulet, for providing them with the foundational knowledge and resources to start their venture. The course taught them a structured approach to entrepreneurship and emphasized the importance of doing things that can "put a dent in the universe."

Moreover, the MIT ecosystem, known for its culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, played a significant role in shaping Pelicargo. The founders had access to a network of mentors, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs, which proved invaluable in their entrepreneurial journey.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any startup, Pelicargo faced its share of challenges. One of the biggest was simplifying their minimum viable product (MVP). They had to strike a balance between offering a product that was simple enough to be understood by users and robust enough to provide value.

Another challenge was building the Pelicargo team.  As a logistics-tech company it was vital to find experts in both technology and the specifics of air freight.  By being patient and emphasizing team chemistry and energy, the three founders grew the company over the first few years to be a group that’s excited to work for our customers and is respected in the industry.

Achievements and Impact

Despite the challenges, Pelicargo has achieved significant milestones. They have formed a strong founding team, landed an early group of amazing customers for the platform, and are making strides in their mission to revolutionize the air freight industry.

Pelicargo's impact extends beyond its business success. By making air freight more efficient, they are contributing to global trade and helping businesses of all sizes access new markets. Their work is a testament to the power of technology in transforming traditional industries.

In 2021, Pelicargo was named on the countries Most Disruptive MBA startups by Poets & Quants and recognized in various media for their innovative work in logistics-tech.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Pelicargo has set ambitious goals. They aim to become a unicorn within three years, improve the efficiency of the airline industry, and build an inclusive, engaged, and innovative corporate culture. Given their track record, these goals seem well within their reach.

Conclusion

Pelicargo's journey from an MIT startup to an industry leader is a story of innovation, perseverance, and the power of a great idea. It's a testament to what can be achieved when entrepreneurs are equipped with the right knowledge, resources, and support. As Pelicargo continues to grow and disrupt the air freight industry, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of their exciting journey.