Our Start-up of the Week is Scurri, a cloud-based software provider that aims to optimise the online ordering, shipping and delivery process for retailers.
Founded in Wexford in 2010, cloud-based logistics platform Scurri provides software designed to meet e-commerce business needs. It’s an area that has seen growth in recent months as online shopping and delivery volumes rise due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Sarah Murphy, the start-up’s head of marketing, told Siliconrepublic.com that the company aims to add value at multiple stages during the e-commerce journey, from selecting the most effective delivery option for each package, to providing tracking from dispatch to delivery.
Some of the start-up’s customers in the UK and Ireland include eBay, Gousto and Vision Direct.
“The logistics and shipping process is a complex one, and whether you are a large or small retailer, there are many different challenges that need to be navigated in order to sell competitively in a global market,” Murphy explained.
“Couple this with the ever-increasing consumer expectations for Amazon Prime-like service and many retailers can feel the pressure of competing to remain relevant. We automate the entire process for these retailers to ensure time- and cost-effective delivery processes.”
‘Covid-19 will continue to shape commerce in a profound way. Within these challenges, there are many opportunities’
– SARAH MURPHY
Scurri’s goal is to help retailers scale and reach customers around the world. The start-up has integrated its solution with a number of global carriers to try and ensure that packages make it to customers as quickly as possible.
“Though we are active in many markets, in terms of executing on behalf of our customers, our goal for the company is to establish customers outside of the UK and Ireland,” Murphy said. “We are hoping to expand into the German market next year and, despite the current pandemic, we are confident we will still be on track to do so.”
The journey so far
The start-up was founded by CEO Rory O’Connor, who had previously worked at Waterford Wedgwood in various roles across sales, marketing and strategic projects. He was part of a team that delivered a €10m SAP implementation project, and subsequently worked as a change management consultant with clients including Heineken, Intel and Siemens.
Murphy said that this exposure to the potential of online retail, coupled with O’Connor’s goal to start his own business, helped him to spot an opportunity to create a company that could grow alongside the e-commerce boom.
“We are very fortunate that e-commerce is booming at the moment,” she added. “Within our customer base, we’ve seen a 55pc uplift in online sales over the past two months. Our sales team have also seen a significant uplift in enquiries over recent months, as businesses look to pivot their strategies.”
Scurri was recently named as one of the top 50 global tech start-ups in the Discovery 50 industry ranking by Retail Week and World Retail Congress.
“To be seen as a disruptor in the global market is something we are really proud of and it’s motivation to continue to grow and innovate in new markets and segments,” Murphy said.
Although this was already a growing sector, she added that there are plenty of opportunities for e-commerce start-ups under the current circumstances.
“I think there’s a growing realisation among business owners that digital-first is not something for businesses to aspire to, but a basic necessity in order to survive and compete.
“Retail tech is playing and will continue to play a pivotal role in helping companies survive the current and future challenges that lie ahead.”
With the current demand for online retail, Scurri is considering launching another funding round later this year. “Our growth trajectory is strong and we look forward to being able to see through the growth plans we had in mind for this year,” Murphy said.
“Every business is facing its own set of challenges within the current pandemic. Covid-19 has and will continue to shape commerce in a profound way. Within these challenges, there are many opportunities.”
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