Start-ups deserve support!

In talking with logistics start-ups during the annual VIL speed dating event at Log!Ville, I was repeatedly confronted with the challenges start-ups must deal with. 

Raising capital, attracting (and retaining) talent and competing against established competitors and their large network are just some of the issues they struggle with. Moreover, the logistics industry is rapidly changing due to ongoing technological advances such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT). The possibilities of AI seem limitless. There is no shortage of examples: tracking and monitoring, data analysis and reporting, and the integration of AI into robotics to automate warehouses. Merely innovating is therefore no longer enough: it is equally important to implement the right innovation at the right time.

Fortunately, I notice in practice that start-ups make a difference because of their flexibility, passion and customer focus. These companies have the freedom to be creative. And by using new technologies, they can operate more efficiently and scale up their services and products more easily. 

But all outside help is welcome. Because these entrepreneurs are shaping tomorrow's society. And that's where Log!Ville wants to make a difference. 

Since its inception in 2021, start-ups have been an established presence at Log!Ville. Among other things, this resulted in the exclusive Start-up/Scale-up lane, where promising disruptive entrepreneurs - ready to conquer the logistics world - showcase their innovative outlook and solutions to B2B visitors. And say it yourself: what's most important to these creatives? An award or a medal, or a major player opening the doors for them?

Several start-ups have been able to successfully market their Log!Ville period, and that is
what matters to me. Think of ambitious companies like Peripass or BlooLoc, which have since confidently taken their place in the market. Is Log!Ville the cause of their growth? No! It is the commitment, passion and bright ideas of its founders that made it so. But Log!Ville did provide them with the much-needed platform to showcase their innovation on a large scale to the B2B community of VIL and Log!Ville. 

Events such as LogiLAUNCH, the matchmaking event between start-ups and established companies, create new collaborations and realizations scalable across the logistics chain every year. Again, there are several success stories that prove that this intense support from VIL achieves effective growth.

Start-ups deserve that support, because they are the standard-bearers of our economy. So we continue our initiatives for these young companies with the same fervor.

Dirk Lambrechts
Head of Key Account Management at VIL.