Transport logistics revolutionized: Bought, delivered, paid for - all in 60 minutes

www.annanow.com is a novel and in Switzerland probably unique online mediation platform for express courier services, insurance and payment systems. Wholesalers and local businesses receive the fastest and cheapest delivery service in Switzerland on just one app. "In the future, anyone who can't deliver within 60 minutes will lose out," says Daniel Gradenegger, founder of Annanow.

Transport logistics according to the sharing principle

Here's how it works: Annanow determines the geographical availability of products for each order and enables local delivery via the crowd-based supply chain by activating transport users already available on site, such as cabs, bicycle couriers and private individuals. Distances become so short that deliveries can even be made on foot or by streetcar. "Thanks to Annanow's sharing principle, trades and wholesalers are given equal footing with Amazon and Alibaba in the battle for customers. In this way, we are securing the future of local businesses and their jobs," emphasizes Gradenegger.

Shorten routes, relieve roads

Annanow redefines the interaction between wholesalers and local businesses. The startup enables both retailers and couriers, consisting of regional road users, to deliver their orders as quickly as possible via the app. Anyone who orders a pack of dog food from Qualipet online or by phone will have it delivered locally via one of the 90 stores. In 10 to 60 minutes, the product is delivered by regional cab, bike couriers or private individuals. With the current system, each delivery goes via the retailer's central warehouse to the nearest post office, then to one of three Swiss parcel distribution centers and later to the post office at the delivery location. Deliveries are made the day after the order is placed. "This system is inefficient, causes empty runs, pollutes the Swiss road network and the environment," Gradenegger said.

The system of digitally linking retailers, courier services and end consumers massively shortens delivery routes, strengthens local businesses and secures jobs. "Today, customers expect immediate delivery, no matter where," says Gradenegger. "In the same breath, we relieve the Swiss road network and the environment by better bundling the transport of goods in InterCity logistics. Optimized utilization of the loading areas leads to fewer delivery trips. For shorter distances, the student on the way to university, for example, can take the bouquet of flowers from the station to the university hospital at the same time."

Socially insured and fair

Transport logistics is provided by two types of couriers. On the one hand, Annanow's couriers are delivery and cab companies. These partners receive delivery requests immediately and can greatly increase their capacity utilization through Annanow. On the other hand: Anyone who is older than 18 and has a work permit can register with Annanow as a "crowd courier." This allows any private individual to deliver a package on their way to work or home. The cooperation is regulated by a simple work contract. "In this way, we ensure that every courier is covered by social security and accident insurance," says Gradenegger. "We don't want a two-class society in which only part of the population is picked up by a social safety net."

Annanow - the next big thing?

Annanow's business model is based on the same principles as Uber, Airbnb, Facebook or Snap. The aforementioned startup companies use their technology for interactive networking via Internet platforms for the purpose of exchanging data, goods and services. Unlike traditional marketplaces such as shopping malls, platform business models have no tangible assets. Annanow, Uber, and Airbnb do not have vehicles, buildings, or warehouses and salesrooms. The assets are data, information and transactions. Founded in 2017, fintech company Annanow is an online intermediation platform for commerce in the digital marketplace, spearheading digital transformation in the delivery, insurance and payments business.

Read here the big interview with founder Daniel Gradenegger, published in ORGANISATOR 3/2019.