Dive Brief:
- Ingram Micro Commerce & Fulfillment Solutions announced last week it would join RocketSpace's Logistics Tech Accelerator, gaining access to a handful of "smart" technologies in exchange for mentoring startups in the field.
- Startups will additionally receive access to Ingram's Shipwire order fulfillment platform, a multichannel software for managing inventory, order, and delivery information. Ingram recorded roughly $43 million in global sales last year, although only 10-15% were derived from software.
- RocketSpace's Logistics Tech Accelerator invites startups with "smart," ready-to-launch or in market products in the warehouse, transport, and commerce fields to join the San Francisco-based program. RocketSpace alumni include Uber, Spotify and LeapMotion within other accelerators.
Dive Insight:
"The Logistics Tech Accelerator brings together the thought leaders within corporations like ours and disruptive innovators at the best startups, to change the industry and market as a whole," said Ken Beyer, executive vice president of Ingram Micro Commerce & Fulfillment Solutions.
The accelerator program typically runs for thirteen weeks, culminating with a "Public Demo Day" on September 9. However, it is unclear whether Ingram's collaboration will apply to the current cohort of logistic startups or next year's cohort—Supply Chain Dive has contacted the company for clarification.
This year's cohort of startups include: Newport Trade Services, Eurosender, Logyc, Slick, Skuchain, Otto Motors and Cargo Steps. The program's corporate partners include RocketSpace, Lufthansa Cargo, Kaleido Ideas & Logistics and now, Ingram Micro.
