Ambit represented holding company Patero in its venture capital investment of tens of millions of CZK in logistics startup Shipvio to support the startup’s expansion into additional European markets.
Shipvio was developing an app that connected customers needing freight transportation with carriers that had spare capacity, helping make better use of cargo space in trucks. The investment was intended to help the company, then operating in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, enter additional European markets, with Patero expected to contribute both capital and growth expertise. CzechCrunch published the investment announcement on February 13, 2019.
A platform for unused truck capacity
André Dravecký founded Shipvio in 2015. The company was developing an app that used algorithms to match customers needing freight transportation with carriers that had spare capacity. Its aim was to make better use of cargo space in trucks and improve the efficiency of road freight transportation.
At the time the investment was announced, Shipvio operated in the Czech and Slovak markets. According to an E15 article published at the time, the company planned to expand its services into Hungary and Romania in 2019.
Funding European expansion
Karel Janeček and Patero, the parent company of logistics firm Logio, participated in the investment in Shipvio. Janeček followed his earlier support for the startup through the UP21 incubator with a separate investment.
The funding was intended to support expansion into additional European markets. The company initially planned to focus on countries east of the Czech Republic and secure support from local carriers. Germany and the Benelux countries were among its longer-term targets.
In addition to capital, Patero was expected to contribute expertise to help the company grow and enter new markets. Among those behind the holding company was its partner and CFO, David Svatoš. A CzechCrunch article published at the time provided details of the transaction and the startup’s plans.
