Pradeep Desai

It was a great experience moderating an insightful panel discussion on "Developing Smart and Sustainable Warehousing for Cold Chain" at Cold Chain Unbroken 2024 on 19th Sept. A big thanks to my fellow panelists Chandrakala Bobba , Gubba Kiran, Mahesh Vodela, Manu Bhalla, and Mohit Kumar Giri for sharing their expertise.​ ​ Key Discussion points:​ 💡 Key design and performance factors that make cold storage smarter.​ 💡Materials and technologies to ensure consistent and efficient temperature management.​ 💡 Viable automation tools like conveyors, sorters, and AGVs to reduce TAT and operational losses.​ 💡 How cold chain sustainability aligns with green certifications, renewable energy, and waste management.​ 💡 Best practices for working with logistics providers to ensure smooth cold chain operations.​ 💡 Optimized strategies for efficient inventory and order fulfillment in cold storage.​ ​ Thanks to everyone who contributed to this enriching discussion and to Dhiren Sanurag Lakkaraju for such an amazing event! Let’s keep innovating for a smarter, greener future.🌍​ ​ #ColdChain #Sustainability #Automation #SmartWarehousing #Collaboration​

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The workforce in India is expected to grow by 7.1% in the second half of FY25, with logistics, e-commerce, and manufacturing sectors leading the charge. As someone deeply involved in logistics, this growth trend is particularly exciting. Logistics is projected to see a significant 14.2%  (1) increase in headcount, driven by advancements in logistics, green supply chains, and the support of the National Logistics Policy. These are not just industry buzzwords but tangible changes that are reshaping the sector and creating real job opportunities. What’s also noteworthy is the spread of job growth beyond traditional metro cities. Coimbatore, Gurugram, and cities like Jaipur and Lucknow are emerging as new job hubs, indicating a decentralization of employment opportunities across India. This is a positive shift for both businesses and job seekers, as it makes career growth more accessible across regions. The future of logistics, e-commerce, and tech-driven sectors looks promising. With ongoing technological advancements and infrastructure investments, there will be no shortage of opportunities for skilled talent to drive this growth further. Source: TeamLease Services 'Employment Outlook Report for October 2024 to March 2025 Read full article  https://lnkd.in/dYzSdQ62  The Economic Times #WorkforceGrowth #LogisticsInnovation #ECommerceTrends #5GLogistics #GreenSupplyChain #NationalLogisticsPolicy #JobOpportunities #supplychaintitans #letsbuildtogether  

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More and more customers across and around as well, have started realising the criticality of supply chain in their operations. Whether it is a B2B or B2C organization, as long as you are procuring/making and distributing products, supply chain is critical. All the more NOW, when digital transformation is happening all around with incredible speed. It my not be an exaggeration if I say "end customers are more digitally savvy than organizations" and "organizations are strugging to meet their expectations for speed and response". Most organizations find themselves at different stages of digital maturity in terms of their tech stacks in managing orders, stocking and fulfillment and in transportation. Over the last few months when I have been closely working with Locus, and talking to customers, this aspect of the supply chain focus and need for digital transformation has been evident almost in every interaction. Locus has been able to offer proven, practical and robust solutions to customers in the area of digital transformation of supply chain, especially in the transportation area.

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A significant amount of business in India still relies on traditional sectors like FMCG and Agriculture. We're transforming these industries by introducing real-time visibility across the supply chain. Additionally, we're ensuring that clean, accurate data is readily available and well-integrated to support better decision-making.

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The concerns raised by Minister Piyush Goyal highlight the critical need to balance the growth of e-commerce with the welfare of small retailers and the broader economy. While the e-commerce sector in India is projected to reach $188 billion by 2025, it currently represents only about 7% of the total retail market. However, with Flipkart and Amazon controlling over 80% of the online retail space, the risk of market concentration is significant. Addressing these challenges requires a nuanced approach to policy, focusing on sustainable growth and inclusive development.

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In today’s fast-paced world, quick delivery has transitioned from a luxury to an expectation. This article on the rapid growth of quick commerce highlights just how crucial speed has become in the retail landscape. As consumers, we’ve become accustomed to getting what we want almost instantly. This shift isn't just a trend—it’s a fundamental change in how we think about shopping and convenience. We can see how companies are racing to adapt, and those who can’t keep up risk falling behind. #Designing efficient dark stores layouts is essential to keeping up with the demands of quick commerce. Thoughtfully planned #layouts integrated and smoothened flows, system based put-away, picking and retrieval systems can significantly enhance the #agility and efficiency of #operations, ensuring that companies can meet the ever-growing expectations of their customers. Quick commerce is here to stay, and it’s fascinating to witness the strategies and innovations driving this sector forward. It’s a reminder that in the ever-evolving world of #retail, #adaptability and #speed are key. Kudos to The Economic Times for shedding light on this rapidly growing #trend in their insightful article.

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We are thrilled to share that our portfolio Company MatchLog Solutions Pvt. Ltd. has successfully closed it's #pre-series A round. We continue to back MatchLog Solutions Pvt. Ltd. and welcome new co-investors on the cap table Motion Ventures Venture Catalysts++ | India's 1st Multi-Stage VC July Ventures Match-log optimises on dry runs through its tech platform! "MatchLog's platformized approach aligns with our vision at Blue Ashva Capital combining efficiency and sustainability to drive transformative change. We're proud to support their efforts in revolutionizing container logistics. MatchLog's innovative solutions not only reduce #carbon emissions but also optimize time and costs, setting a new standard in #climate-tech. We're excited to continue championing their journey towards a more sustainable future." Dhruv Taneja Abhishek Baheti Harsh Vardhan Gupta Manish Singh Satya Narayan Bansal Paresh Trivedi Viswanadha (Vishi) Raju B Yash Jain Satyam Goyal #climatetech #greentech #logistic #tringulation #carbonmitigation #decarbonization #netzero

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When Sunil Patel inherited his family’s chain of stores, he was puzzled by declining sales despite prime locations. Each store was located right next to competitors in the bustling city of Mumbai. Customers often complained about the lack of variety, and profits began to dwindle. One sleepless night, Sunil stumbled upon Hotelling’s theory of spatial competition. The theory, which suggests businesses tend to cluster together for customer convenience, made sense. But the drawbacks were evident. Customers, overwhelmed by similar choices, often left without making any purchase. Sunil felt trapped—stuck in the same mold as his competitors. Then came his breakthrough: differentiation. Instead of following the herd, he decided to reimagine his store as a unique shopping experience. Sunil moved a few stores away from competitors, offering exclusive products and personalized service. Word spread quickly—people didn’t just come for products; they came for the experience. Sales soared. By embracing the power of location while innovating within his space, Sunil proved that while Hotelling’s theory explains competition, true success lies in standing out. The emotional journey of Sunil’s revival is not just theory—it's proof that challenges are opportunities in disguise. How would you stand out in a competitive landscape? Share your insights! Your thoughts could inspire others facing similar battles. #strategy #management #marketing #innovation

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Article- Celerity Supply Chain Tribe- August 2024 edition, Expressing thoughts on 'Strategic approach to implement Multimodal Logistics in India' Thanks Celerity Supply Chain Tribe magazine for publishing.

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💎 The Tiranga in Business: How India's Flag Colors Reflect Core Corporate Values? 💎 🌟Courage and Sacrifice are represented by Saffron Saffron embodies the courage to innovate, venture, and make bold decisions that drive organizations and stands for the sacrifice of individuals and teams in this pursuit of excellence—showing passion and dedication to achieve excellence in the long run. 🌼White signifies that Peace and truth are essential White has to do with transparency, truthfulness, and ethical behaviour in the corporate setting. The peaceful, harmonious work culture resonates with the fact that there is truthfulness and truthfulness is maintained. White also speaks of the clear communication for justice and reasonableness for developing trust and fostering close ties both within and outside the organization. ☘ Green symbolizes growth and prosperity. Green is the colour of growth, sustainability, and prosperity. To corporates, it symbolizes continuous improvement, innovation, and relentless pursuit of sustainable business practices. Green stands for talent care, environmental responsibility, and long-term economic success. ✺ Ashok Chakra is associated with Dharma and Continuity Ashok Chakra, an inscribed wheel with 24 spokes, is the wheel of law—Dharma—which denotes justice, responsibility, and continuous progress. This wheel symbolizes unflinching adherence to the maintenance of ethical standards, standing for fairness and equality about principles, and ensuring continuous improvement in the corporate world. By implication, Chakra also defines the dynamism of business through never-ending evolution and adaptation for repetitive success. #CourageToLead #Innovation #Dedication #CorporateValues #TirangaInBusiness #Leadership #Sustainability #Transparency #Integrity #EthicalBusiness #SustainableGrowth #Prosperity #Innovation

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The capital markets are warming to logistics again. First there was the cold chain IPO of Lineage, which set the 2024 record for largest public offering to date. Now we see Indian ecommerce logistics leader Ecom Express Limited filing for a $310 million IPO. Although we are still facing headwinds in the form of a freight recession and VC hangover, these are promising signs for the supply chain industry. https://lnkd.in/ev5qutbX

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Jio is entering personal and enterpise Cloud space in a significant way. Indians are largest users of most global Social media platforms and consequently data. Thus, we shuld now see emergence of Global Tech giants born in India. China had its giants such as Alibaba, JD.com, Baidu- but these were built of almost forced exit of Silicon Valley giants. Indian companies will need to fight for their share in the market and offer better products than a Google or Meta. A beginnng is made by Reliance and Ola. Power to them and many more to come.... https://lnkd.in/dZnMhwUX

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When Meera Joshi, a young pricing strategist from Mumbai, proposed the idea of dynamic pricing for Devraj Exports, no one took her seriously. “It’s too risky,” they said. But Meera, fueled by her fierce determination, wouldn’t back down. She’d studied markets and knew that dynamic pricing could save the company in a volatile economy. Devraj Exports, once a thriving textile firm, had been losing its competitive edge for years. Market fluctuations made fixed prices a ticking time bomb, especially as demand soared unexpectedly for Indian fabrics in Europe. The company was bleeding losses—until Meera’s vision took center stage. With precision and a sprinkle of data magic, Meera designed an AI-driven dynamic pricing system. Prices could now shift based on real-time demand, supply costs, and even competitor strategies. This change transformed not just profits but also customer satisfaction. Orders skyrocketed. Revenues increased by 40% in just six months. Meera’s pricing strategy didn’t just rescue Devraj Exports; it revitalized its entire workforce. The employees were no longer worried about the company’s future. The company was thriving, innovating, and inspiring. Today, Meera’s story isn’t just about numbers—it’s about resilience, innovation, and the power of embracing new ideas. Imagine what your organization could achieve by embracing dynamic pricing. How do you see dynamic pricing reshaping industries? Share your thoughts, or even better, share a success story of your own! #management #technology #marketing #innovation #analytics

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As India's logistics sector charts a course towards unprecedented growth, Propelor resonates with Rahul Mehra's insightful analysis on The Tech Bridge, shedding light on the critical dialogue surrounding technology adoption. With projections soaring to a staggering US$380 billion by 2025, employing over 22 million individuals, the urgency for seamless integration of technology reverberates throughout the industry. Yet, amidst this ambitious trajectory, a formidable challenge persists: the gap between technological potential and practical implementation. Mehra's analysis underscores the barriers hindering widespread adoption, from cost constraints to apprehension towards change, impeding the sector's stride towards efficiency and growth. Our approach at Propelor centres on collaborative innovation and tailored solutions, working hand in hand with industry stakeholders to overcome barriers and unlock the full potential of technology. We believe through strategic partnerships, investment in research and development, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we can transform the logistics landscape, driving sustainable growth for generations to come. https://lnkd.in/gWUDq3kB #Logistics #India #Technology Maritime Gateway

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This situation of Spencer's Retail closing its stores highlights just how critical location is in retail strategy. Choosing the wrong location can lead to low foot traffic, high operational costs, and increased competition, ultimately jeopardizing sales and profitability. If you are considering your own retail journey, take the time to analyze potential locations carefully. At GeoIQ, we can provide valuable data-driven insights to help you make informed decisions about where to open your store, which can prevent closures and ensure the longevity of your business. https://shorturl.at/EnDhD

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Amazon Expands Cross-Border Logistics to Empower Indian Exporters In a significant move to bolster international trade, Amazon has expanded its Global Selling Seller Exports and Delivery (SEND) program, aiming to assist Indian exporters in reaching global markets more efficiently. This initiative includes the launch of Export Navigator, a comprehensive dashboard designed to streamline compliance requirements for overseas shipments.   By enhancing cross-border logistics, Amazon is not only simplifying the export process for Indian businesses but also contributing to the growth of India's e-commerce sector on a global scale. This development underscores the increasing importance of robust logistics solutions in facilitating international trade and supporting economic expansion. How do you see such initiatives impacting global trade dynamics and the growth of e-commerce in emerging markets? #GlobalTrade #Ecommerce #Logistics #Amazon #IndianExporters #CrossBorderTrade Source: https://lnkd.in/gJ7g9fFC

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After an incredible journey of starting and transforming Letstransport from a mere idea into a leading regional logistics player in India, last month I stepped aside from the position of CPO. As I reflect, it feels like the last decade has flown by in the blink of an eye. I started Letstransport when I was 23 years old , I had less than 2 years of experience, I hardly knew anything about starting up or raising venture capital, and I had less than 3 lakhs of savings in my bank account. 😅 I wasn’t completely sure about my decision, but I knew I wanted to do something, do more. In hindsight, starting up was one of the best decisions of my life. 😀 Founding Letstransport was like parenting a high-energy toddler—you never quite know what mess you'll find next, but the experience and learnings outweigh all the chaos. From late-night strategy sessions to celebrating each milestone, every twist and turn has been a story worth telling. This journey has taught me countless lessons about building a business, leading large teams, dealing with uncertainty, and navigating the unknown. Most importantly, it has taught me courage, humility, and respect for everyone. I’ve learned to view the world from multiple perspectives, beyond just my own. I’ve come to understand the immense difficulty in building any startup or business, recognizing how many factors, often beyond our control, play significant roles in shaping outcomes. This journey has instilled in me a deep respect not only for successful entrepreneurs but also for those who face failures while striving to create something meaningful. 💗 I owe a debt of gratitude to everyone who contributed to LT's success and who helped me grow as an individual—my team, investors, mentors, and last but not least, my friends and family. Leaving LT is not easy—it's like sending your firstborn off to college. But I am energised by the opportunity to contribute to the broader startup ecosystem in a new capacity. Next Chapter I am excited to share that I am joining hands with Abhinav, Raj, and Jyotika to build  z21 Ventures. The fact that all of them have spent a large part of the last decade building successful technology ventures in the US is a bonus. ⚡ Many have asked why I didn't start up again. Well, to be honest, I came very close. 🙂 However, my passion for helping other entrepreneurs build (which I often found myself doing over weekends 😅) and my desire to become a polymath are the key reasons I am transitioning to the venture side. For those who know me, you'll know that I will continue operating with the same entrepreneurial spirit, on the VC side of things. 😉 The Indian startup and VC ecosystem are still in its early days, and I strongly believe that the next decade will witness an explosion in the number of global companies coming out of India. I am very excited to contribute as much as possible to make this happen. 🙂 #letstransport #z21 #startup #venturecapital #iitkharagpur  #learning

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Success story 🚀 Empowering Supply Chain Excellence and Supporting 'Make in India' with Stockarea! 🇮🇳🚀 At Stockarea, we pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive and efficient logistics solutions, and our recent project with a Foxconn supplier is a testament to our capabilities. As part of Foxconn's strategic shift to India, one of its supplier needed to relocate their factory from China to India. Faced with a time-critical challenge requiring 100% used CAPEX shifting, Stockarea stepped in to provide an all-encompassing solution, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition. 🔍 Key Highlights: Integrated Logistics Management: From freight to custom clearance, documentation, and MOOWR license obtaining, Stockarea handled every aspect seamlessly. ODC Handling Expertise: Successfully managed Over-Dimensional Cargo (ODC), ensuring safe and timely transportation. Regulatory Compliance: Efficiently navigated regulatory requirements, securing used machinery clearance and leveraging the #MOOWR scheme from CBIC. Zero Detention & Demurrage: Executed the project with 0 detention and demurrage, maintaining 100% intact machinery despite opening and repacking post-customs inspection. Cost Efficiency: Avoided significant detention and demurrage charges, demonstrating our commitment to cost-effective project management. Choosing Stockarea meant the Foxconn supplier avoided the complexity and risk of coordinating with multiple service providers, ensuring uninterrupted and high-quality project execution. By facilitating this critical transition, Stockarea is proud to support the "Make in India" initiative, helping global manufacturers establish and expand their operations in India. Stockarea’s end-to-end capabilities enable manufactures & distributors to tackle complex supply chain challenges, delivering seamless solutions and unparalleled efficiency. 🌐✨ #SupplyChain #Logistics #SupplyChainSolutions #LogisticsExcellence #MakeInIndia #Stockarea

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In the ever-evolving world of logistics, technology plays a critical role in streamlining processes and maximizing efficiency. But at AWL India, we believe that technology's true potential lies in its ability to connect people and foster collaboration. Here's how we're achieving this at AWL India: Building Collaborative Platforms: We're implementing innovative platforms that facilitate seamless communication between internal teams, clients, and partners. This fosters transparency, streamlines decision-making, and ensures everyone is on the same page. Enhancing Visibility: Technology allows us to create real-time visibility tools that connect our clients to their shipments. This fosters trust and strengthens relationships throughout the logistics journey. Investing in the Human Touch: While technology automates tasks, it should never replace human connection. We prioritize solutions that empower our workforce and create a collaborative environment where innovation can thrive. At AWL India, we believe that the future of logistics lies in harnessing the power of technology to bring people together. By fostering collaboration and connection, we can build a more efficient, transparent, and ultimately, a more human-centric supply chain. . . . #riturajpankaj #AWLindia #Technology #SupplyChainManagement #Collaboration

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