2GO invests in online delivery firm Mober

Mober delivery vans (screengrab from website)

Leading logistics provider 2GO Group Inc. has boosted its digital infrastructure with a deal to invest in Mober Technology PTE (Mober), a pioneering tech startup that offers a platform for same-day delivery of bulky items in the Philippines.

Mober founder Dennis Ng said on Wednesday that 2GO – a partnership between SM group and Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy – infused fresh capital in exchange for equity in Mober.

Aside from the latest capital infusion, Ng said Mober would now be able to service SM’s retailing businesses, providing them same-day delivery capabilities.

The amount of capital infusion and the equivalent stake were not disclosed but sources estimated this was a seven-figure US dollar deal. Founder Ng will still have management control of Mober.

2GO Group president Frederic DyBuncio said: “Mober fills in the gap for 2GO being a technology platform that allows on-demand delivery service for big items.”

SM group is investing in logistics to future-proof the conglomerate amid the boom in online shopping in the US, Europe and even China that has gnawed on traditional retailing.

2GO Logistics chief operating officer Ricardo Aguas said with the new partnership, the Philippines was witnessing a synergy of tech and business innovations in the local logistics scene. “This is also a strategic partnership for 2GO as we are also embracing the multiple opportunities the digital world brings,” Aguas said.

With this deal, Mober – the delivery platform tapped by brands like Dunlop, Betterdogs, Fujidenzo, Adidas, Mandaue Foam, and Dimensione – will add SM Appliance, Our Home, SM Department Stores, and other SM affiliates to its roster of clients.

Mober’s same-day cargo delivery service connects small and medium enterprises (SMEs), shoppers, and households, pitching “cost-effective, safe and fast logistical service with a dedicated customer support.”

“We saw a problem that SMEs usually encounter – they have to buy their own delivery van, (resulting in) increased capex (capital expenditure). So we realized why not build a company which provides a solution to this problem,” Ng said. “From individual to businesses, Mober helps you move forward in just a few taps using our Mober app. It’s a click, load, deliver scheme. We offer pick-up and delivery services that’s tailored to your specific needs.”

Founded in December 2015, Mober seeks to change the buying behavior of Filipinos who can now expect same-day delivery when shopping for bulky items. This platform currently has a fleet of 200 vans enlisted through partnerships operating in Metro Manila for now but expanding in Cebu next month. Using the fresh capital from 2GO, it is set to debut in other key cities.

Apart from expanding to other key cities, investment proceeds will be used to enhance the Mober app (available on Google Play and App Store) for better scalability, as well as to expand its fleet through partnership with more van owners to better serve the requirements of affiliates.

Other on-demand services offered by Mober include booking of home and store deliveries on the same day or based on advance schedule as well as transporting pets.

“We in Mober prioritize our customers all the time. We make sure our van partners are trained enough to provide convenience in delivering big items and to handle our customers’ valuable items with utmost care,” Ng said.