Shypple acquires Milestone to become first digital forwarder platform for perishables

On 9^th August 2021, the Rotterdam-based digital freight forwarding platform, Shypple announced that it has acquired Milestone, a a leader in perishable logistics. This acquisition made Shypple the first digital freight forwarder in the market for air and ocean freight perishables.

The acquisition of Milestone enables Shypple to add new capabilities to the platform, accelerate its revenue and network growth, and increases its global presence by adding offices in Asia, Central America and Europe. Additonally, Shypple has raised approximately USD 30 million so far in 2021 for its technology-driven platform to accelerate growth and innovation in the freight forwarding industry.

Jarell Habets, founder and CEO of Shypple said, “With Milestone we have strengthened our capabilities in the perishables and air freight forwarding markets to a globally competitive position. We’re now able to serve the needs of large perishable goods shippers in Europe, Latin America and the Asian trade lanes, who are looking for a digital freight forwarding solution. This is our way of continuing to innovate in the traditional world of the freight industry."

Shypple became the first digital forwarder for perishables with the integration of Milestone’s capabilities into its platform, while simultaneously expanding its presence in Asia, with seven offices in China, and locations throughout Europe and Central America. After the acquisition, the company is now expecting revenue close to USD 300 million for 2021.

Co van Es and Juri Falandt, Founders & CEOs of Milestone said, “We are accelerating the digitalization of our services by combining our knowledge of perishable transport with the digital capabilities of Shypple. As a result, our customers immediately benefit from the visibility, consistency and reliability that enables them to confidently optimize their global trading operations. This is hugely important in an intercontinental market where efficiency and access to the latest freight information is essential."

Strong knowledge and network capabilities of Milestone adds strong new capabilities in air freight and perishable transport to Shypple’s technically advanced platform. Additionally, the migration of Milestone’s customers to Shypple platform will be hugely benefitting from  the digital freight forwarding capabilities that will future-proof their businesses, while maintaining with existing trusted relationships.

Shypple raised more than USD 21 million in recently closed “Series A2” funding with more than USD 8 million been raised in “Series A” funding closed in April, 2021. Dutch Founders Fund, Newtown Partners (via the Imperial Venture Fund), InnovationQuarter and BOM Brabant Ventures were some of the investors who participated in both rounds of funding to increase their stake in Shypple. The Milestone executives also participated in the new funding with a multi-million-euro investment, showing their confidence in the future with Shypple.