marine link image

Jeff Bezos Invests in Digital Freight Forwarder Beacon

May 31, 2020

© THATREE / Adobe Stock
© THATREE / Adobe Stock

Amazon.com Inc Chief Executive Jeff Bezos has picked British startup Beacon, a digital freight forwarder, for his latest investment.

Beacon said on Sunday it raised over $15 million in Series A fundraising, from investors including Bezos and venture capital firm 8VC.

The startup, formed by two former Uber Technologies Inc executives two years ago, is already backed by Uber founders Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, along with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

Beacon is also a supply chain finance firm that provides real-time data of cargo delivery and a marketplace view of global shipping costs and prices.

“With digitalization accelerating globally as a result of COVID-19, we believe the future of the traditional freight forwarder is more precarious than ever,” CEO Fraser Robinson said in a statement.

Beacon, whose logistic services include global ocean, air and truck freight, said the funds raised will be invested in new hires, technology and market expansion.

Amazon did not immediately respond to request for comment.


(Reporting by Maria Ponnezhath; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)

Logistics News

Operations Begin at Jubail Container Terminal in Saudi Arabia

Operations Begin at Jubail Container Terminal in Saudi Arabia

Concerns Raised by Repeated Chinese Detentions of Panama-Flagged Vessels

Concerns Raised by Repeated Chinese Detentions of Panama-Flagged Vessels

CMA CGM Celebrates Maiden Call of New Port Kobe Service

CMA CGM Celebrates Maiden Call of New Port Kobe Service

New Wildlife Trafficking Compendium Released for Singapore

New Wildlife Trafficking Compendium Released for Singapore

Subscribe for Maritime Logistics Professional E‑News

Walsh must repair IndiGo's reputation before driving global expansion
Taiwan strengthens Pratas Islands' defences in response to China's increased pressure
Parents desperate to keep their children away from social media ahead of Greek ban