Startup Snapshot:
Startup name: Quiken
Industry: Logitech
Business Model: B2B
Founders: David Sahagun
Operates in: Mexico & USA
HQ Location: Monterrey, Mexico
Team Size: 100
Founded: 2017
Stage: Bootstrapped
Website: https://quiken.mx/
What does your startup do?
Quiken offers complete logistical solutions mainly designed for e-commerce platforms. They work with various online stores and provide post-sale assistance to their clients. The company offers three main services, which include local and national parcel delivery, fulfillment services, and storage solutions.
Initially, their parcel delivery service was only available for local deliveries in selected cities such as Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara. However, they gradually expanded their services to national deliveries across multiple cities in Mexico.
Quiken's fulfillment service integrates their clients' online stores with their Warehouse Management System (WMS). Clients send digital product information to Quiken, which verifies, stores, and manages the products in designated locations in their warehouses. Quiken handles order processing, packing, and shipping, enabling clients to focus on sales without worrying about operational logistics. Moreover, they cater to clients with significant storage needs, efficiently managing large volumes of pallets or industrial-sized quantities.
What's your backstory?
David pursued a degree in economics in the United States, where he spent four years in Austin. During his time there, he came across an app like today's Rappi or UberEats, which piqued his interest in entrepreneurship and got him tinkering with the idea of starting an e-commerce or delivery venture in Monterrey.
After his graduation, he came back to Monterrey and worked at Cemex for a year David, inspired by his father to start his own business, decided to pursue an MBA in Madrid. At first, he concentrated on logistics that were oriented towards both e-commerce and could handle packages of varying sizes. However, they faced certain operational difficulties which led them to explore more efficient and effective ways of operating. Over time, their focus became narrower, and they specialized in pure e-commerce, dealing primarily with smaller packages that weighed between one and five kilograms.
What's your motivation?
Two key factors drive David. The first and foremost is his family - his wife, Valeria, and his son, David. They have been his driving force since the inception of Quiken. Becoming a father intensified his drive to work harder, making him more cautious. While he used to take more risks and go all out in his endeavors, the responsibility of his family made him more conscious of not taking excessive risks.
The second major motivation for David is "the thrill of winning". Specifically, he finds immense passion in closing deals with clients. Despite having a larger operational, commercial, accounting, IT, and HR team, David enjoys engaging with clients, negotiating deals, attending conferences, and ultimately sealing the agreements. This aspect of his role excites and motivates him significantly. Additionally, witnessing the company’s growth through successful client acquisitions and the subsequent positive outcomes is another driving force for him.
What's next for your startup?
Although Quiken has already established itself as a prominent player in Mexico, there is still ample opportunity for growth. Additionally, the company has expanded its operations to the United States in recent years.
The team is improving its warehouse management system and aiming to expand its warehouse space, which currently occupies around 10,000 m².
Quiken plans to open operations in more Mexican cities and expand into major cities across the United States by leveraging its relationship with Envia.com. With Envia’s presence in 14 countries, such as Spain, India, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina Quiken is eyeing a larger international expansion to offer top-level fulfillment services in areas where they see considerable shipment volumes on Envia.com.
Tips for other founders?
Don't anticipate immediate success or wealth from your business. Persistence is crucial. Success often comes after years of dedicated effort.
Set ambitious goals. Starting with high goals encourages greater achievements.
Despite obstacles, never give up. Reflect on your progress regularly. Each year, set slightly more challenging goals to strive for continual improvement.
Be prepared for long hours initially. Dedication pays off, and eventually, with growth, you can delegate responsibilities.
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