Rohit Laila has decades of experience in the logistics industry, spanning supply chain and delivery, and he has a passion for technology and innovation in the sector.
Can you tell us about the history and background of Bloq.it? How did the company start and what was its initial concept? What prompted the transition from beach lockers to logistics solutions? How did the COVID pandemic and the eCommerce surge contribute to your growth?
Bloq.it started as a simple concept of beach smart lockers in 2019. The initial idea was to provide a secure way for beachgoers to store their belongings. However, as the COVID pandemic hit, we saw a significant shift in market needs. The surge in eCommerce created a demand for efficient and contactless delivery solutions, prompting us to pivot from beach lockers to logistics solutions. The pandemic accelerated online shopping, and our smart locker technology became essential for last-mile delivery, driving our growth exponentially.
What are the key product offerings of Bloq.it? Can you explain the features and benefits of Bloq.it NEXT? How does your technology enhance the eCommerce parcel delivery experience?
Our flagship product, Bloq.it NEXT, is a game-changer in the industry. It is an off-grid, battery-powered smart locker with advanced capabilities like 10” color touch screens, QR and barcode scanners, and label printers. These features allow for deployment in areas without complex infrastructure. Our technology modernizes last-mile logistics, making parcel deliveries more efficient, cost-effective, and convenient, significantly enhancing the eCommerce delivery experience.
What were the major milestones in Bloq.it’s growth last year? How did your deployments and locker network expand? What factors contributed to a 279% increase in deployments and a 290% growth in locations?
Last year, we saw remarkable growth with deployments increasing from 1,289 to 4,789, and our locker network expanding from 2,300 locations to 6,700. The primary factors contributing to this growth were the rising consumer demand for convenient and sustainable delivery options, our strategic partnerships, and the introduction of Bloq.it NEXT. This advanced product allowed us to deploy lockers in previously inaccessible areas, fueling our expansion.
How has the partnership with Vinted Go impacted your business? What made the collaboration successful? Are there plans for expansion to other countries besides France?
Our partnership with Vinted Go has been a significant milestone, starting with installations in Paris and expanding to over 4,000 lockers across France. The collaboration’s success lies in our ability to provide customized solutions that seamlessly integrate with their existing logistics operations. We plan to expand this partnership to other countries in 2025, broadening our reach and impact in the eCommerce sector.
Who are your primary customers and partners? Can you name some of the leading global logistics providers you work with? How do you collaborate with them to optimize their delivery networks and enhance the end-user experience?
We work with leading global logistics providers such as DHL eCommerce, Vinted Go, and GLS. Our approach is collaborative; we design customized solutions to optimize their delivery networks and enhance the end-user experience. By leveraging real-time data analytics, AI-driven routing, and seamless API integrations, we help our customers reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet sustainability goals.
What is your approach to working with the postal sector? Which postal operators have you partnered with? How do you plan to enter the Open Network segment this year?
We have partnered with postal operators like PPL in the Czech Republic and LockerItalia in Italy. This year, we are launching our entry into the Open Network segment with DeinFach in Germany. Our approach involves providing smart locker solutions that enhance postal operations’ efficiency and customer satisfaction, ensuring seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
How do you manage collaboration with partners, especially those traditionally considered competitors? Can you share an example of a successful collaboration in this area? How do you ensure that all partners benefit equally from such collaborations?
Collaboration is at the core of our success. A good example is when a major operator in Europe needed customized lockers for rural areas. Despite being competitors, we provided a solution that benefited everyone involved. We ensure all partners benefit equally by offering transparent, data-driven insights and a modular approach, allowing them to scale operations independently while leveraging shared infrastructure.
How does Bloq.it balance working with competitors while maintaining a unique value proposition? What strategies do you use to integrate seamlessly with various logistics providers? How do you maintain neutrality, scalability, and data-driven insights?
We maintain our unique value proposition by focusing on neutrality, scalability, and data-driven insights. Our technology is designed to integrate seamlessly with various logistics providers, ensuring we do not compromise our competitive edge. By providing flexible, modular solutions, we support all players in achieving their goals, fostering an interconnected and efficient logistics ecosystem.
What geographic territories do you currently serve, and where are you expanding next? Which countries are your smart locker solutions deployed in? What are your plans for entering new markets like Germany and Spain?
Our smart locker solutions are currently deployed in countries such as France, the Czech Republic, Italy, and Portugal. We are expanding into Germany with DeinFach, starting in Berlin, and planning to establish a presence in Spain with GLS. We also aim to grow our footprint in Italy and other markets through strategic partnerships and increasing demand.
How has the launch of Bloq.it NEXT been received by the market? What are the standout features that differentiate NEXT from other solutions? How widespread has the adoption of NEXT been so far?
The market has received Bloq.it NEXT very positively. Its standout features include enhanced security, modularity, and off-grid capabilities. Since its launch, NEXT has seen widespread adoption, with over 12,000 lockers planned for deployment in 2025. Major logistics operators have embraced it for its superior technology and flexibility, significantly contributing to our market expansion.
What sets Bloq.it apart from other operators in the smart locker space? How does your end-to-end approach benefit logistics companies? What role does your flexible production network play?
What sets us apart is our end-to-end approach, combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of logistics operations. Our rapid deployment capabilities, data-driven insights, and commitment to excellence make us a trusted partner. Additionally, our flexible production network across Europe allows us to scale production rapidly, maintaining quality and efficiency based on market demand.
Do you have any advice for our readers?
My advice is to stay adaptable and innovative. The logistics and eCommerce sectors are rapidly evolving, and those who can anticipate and respond to changes effectively will thrive. Harness technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability, and always be open to collaboration, even with competitors, to drive mutual growth and success.
