Supply chain start-up in the spotlight: FretLink

In line with its motto, ‘Shipment made simpler’, FretLink connects shippers and carriers through software as a service (SaaS) and a mobile application for drivers. It not only provides more visibility for everyone in the chain, but also consolidates shipments and exploits empty return trips to the benefit of all parties.

FretLink was founded in Paris, France, in 2015, by Paul Guillemin (CEO), Antoine Le Squeren (CPO) and Didier Duval (COO). The start-up was a meeting of minds between a web entrepreneur, a logistics expert specialized in flow management, an economist working on optimization problems and a technical director experienced in developing innovative transport solutions.

For FretLink carriers register their transportation abilities and capacities and receive transport orders at a fair price to complete their loads, supporting their profitability and business growth. Shippers register the specifics of their consignments, are matched with a suitable carrier and can track their cargo in real time.

The company has secured a total funding amount of US$ 6.4 million, most recently during a Series A round in April 2017, bringing the total number of investors up to five: Daphni, Elaia Partner, Breega Capital, SGH Capital and Tekton. With its current workforce of 42 employees, FretLink has built sustainable partnerships with over 3,000 transport SMEs in Europe and works with 1,200 shippers, including around 200 regular customers such as Procter & Gamble, ShowroomPrivé, Tubesca-Comabi, Domino’s, Fruidor, Les Banques Alimentaires and Chep.

Major player in the European road freight market

With a 50% compounded monthly growth rate, FretLink is on track to achieve its mission of becoming a major player in the European road freight market. In the next steps of development, the company is working to open new offices to increase its European footprint, with a specific focus on Germany. There are also plans to implement digital tower control projects for major European players – both big companies and industrial SMEs – and act as a digital freight forwarder to manage 100% of their transport flows.