Voyage Freight, a startup specializing in digital freight forwarding, has successfully concluded its pre-seed funding round, securing over $1 million to revolutionize the international shipping sector in Pakistan.
This strategic capital injection marks a significant milestone for Voyage, aiming to transform the logistics industry for Pakistani exporters. The company envisions providing a frictionless end-to-end global shipping solution, leveraging advanced technology to streamline the export logistics process.
The funding round, led by Indus Valley Capital, reflects confidence in Voyage’s vision to simplify the complexities of traditional global shipping. The startup aims to achieve this by integrating cutting-edge technology and offering customer-centric services to provide a seamless export experience. This, in turn, enhances Pakistan’s connectivity to international markets.
Aatif Awan, founder of Indus Valley Capital, expressed enthusiasm for Voyage’s vision, stating, “Increasing exports is a burning problem for Pakistan, and an outdated, opaque global shipping experience remains a key impediment. Voyage’s vision of simplifying global freight for anyone in Pakistan, especially new and smaller exporters, really resonated with us. We’re excited to partner with them.”
At the core of Voyage’s strategic vision are its co-founders, Omar Mukhtar and Bilal Latif. With diverse expertise and backgrounds, they drive the company’s innovative edge. Omar Mukhtar, an alumnus of University College London and the London School of Economics, brings over a decade of industrial and business acumen. Bilal Latif complements the leadership duo with hands-on experience in logistics and operations within Pakistan’s industrial sectors.
Omar Mukhtar, CEO and Co-Founder of Voyage Freight, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “This funding enables us to accelerate our mission of providing Pakistani exporters with a one-stop digital platform that manages their logistics needs from origin to destination, with complete transparency, visibility and control.”
Pakistan, with its strategic geographical position and growing manufacturing sectors, presents substantial export potential. However, traditional freight forwarding processes face challenges such as lack of transparency, visibility, and complex customs procedures, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs. Voyage’s user-friendly digital platform addresses these issues by offering exporters a one-stop shop for their logistics needs, granting real-time visibility and control over their cargo.
Voyage’s platform facilitates effortless bookings, freight rate comparisons, and shipment tracking, offering tailored solutions to meet each shipper’s unique needs. The result is a significant reduction in time, cost, and traditional hurdles faced by exporters, enhancing the competitive edge of Pakistani goods globally.
In a time when Pakistan’s export sector navigates economic challenges, Voyage Freight emerges as an innovative and efficient solution. Digital freight forwarding not only signifies technological advancement but serves as a critical lifeline for the country’s export sector, supporting economic growth. By streamlining logistics, Voyage aims to help exporters expand their reach, increase trade volumes, and contribute vital energy to the economy.
Omar Mukhtar emphasized the global importance of efficient exports, stating, “Our aim is to democratize access to global markets for exporters, ensuring they have the tools to succeed and compete at an international level.”
With scalability in mind, Voyage’s solution aims to cater to businesses of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises. The investment will be directed towards accelerating product innovation, scaling up operations, and expanding the talented team behind Voyage’s mission. Voyage Freight sets its sights on becoming a key player in the logistics sector within the MENA Region, starting with a strong foundation in Pakistan.
