eCommerce fulfilment 2.0: Zenfulfillment and Alaiko merge
Zenfulfillment and Alaiko become one. The merger between the technology-backed eCommerce fulfilment provider and the leading software provider within eCommerce operations marks a milestone for Zenfulfillment and also for the FIEGE Group, which has been invested in the Berlin-based logistics company since 2017, working closely with the start-up to this day.
When two parties merge, a third rejoices: Zenfulfillment, one of the highest-grossing technology-backed eCommerce fulfilment providers for e-tailers and Alaiko, a leading software provider within eCommerce operations, will be exploring the same avenues in the future. The merger increases the shared annual throughput to more than ten million parcels from roughly 300 e-tailers with an eCommerce sales volume of more than half a billion euros. Going forward, the merged entity will do business under the name of Zenfulfillment. By combining Zenfulfillment’s logistical expertise with Alaiko’s operating system – a process automation software for eCommerce operations – new standards are to be set in terms of speed, dependability and efficiency for online retailers.
“From the very start, it was our vision to create a genuine alternative to providers like Amazon by strengthening independent shops and affording them a shipping and returns service that can easily compare, if not exceed, Prime when it comes to dependability, speed and price”, says Daniel Werner, Managing Director Zenfulfillment, who formed the company in 2016 aged 21 with a former colleague. One year after its formation, Zenfulfillment received the first and to date only funding in the amount of 500,000 euros, managed by Xpress Ventures, the Company Builder of the logistics provider FIEGE. “Without the support and expertise of FIEGE, Zenfulfillment would surely not be today what it is”, Werner explains. “We are extremely grateful for the strategic partnership and most and for all, the trust that was extended to us over seven years ago.”
It turned out to be an investment that paid off for both sides. To this day, Zenfulfillment and FIEGE work closely together. Zenfulfillment, for example, uses two of FIEGE’s logistics centres to process its operational activities. Felix Fiege, who runs the more than 150-year-old family business as Co-CEO with his cousin, Jens Fiege says: “Zenfulfillment is a prime example of how you can achieve a lot with a great idea, sizeable commitment and a clear plan. We congratulate Daniel Werner and his team cordially on merging with Alaiko and look forward to the shared path in the future.”
