Powering shipping & delivery for online sellers & senders
Table of Contents
In this episode of the Tekpon SaaS Podcast, host Cristian Dina chats with Rory O’Connor, the founder and CEO of Scurri. This dynamic platform revolutionizes delivery management for e-commerce businesses. The discussion delved deep into Scurri’s journey, its core features, pivotal moments, and the vast industry experience that O’Connor brings to the table.
What Does Scurri do?
O’Connor started by introducing Scurri, defining it as a delivery management solution aimed at improving the delivery experience for e-commerce merchants and, in turn, their end-customers. The platform standardizes the delivery process, ensuring a uniform customer experience regardless of the courier service, such as DHL, TNT, or UPS. This, he emphasized, is vital for merchants striving to control and enhance their customer delivery experience.
Scurri serves a wide array of e-commerce businesses, ranging from small merchants to major platforms like eBay. Although Scurri directly collaborates with mid-market and enterprise customers making over $10 million in e-commerce revenue, its software is also utilized by smaller merchants through white-label partnerships.
Highlighting Scurri’s top features, O’Connor discussed the rules engine, an AI-based system that directs parcels to the optimal delivery method based on various criteria. This includes locker options, suitability of particular couriers for certain goods, and region-specific delivery efficiency.
Another noteworthy feature is Track Plus, which enhances tracking capabilities and enables businesses to send targeted communications or marketing messages during the delivery process. Recently, Scurri acquired an AI company to address common “where is my order” queries, further enhancing customer service capabilities.
The story of Scurri
O’Connor reflected on Scurri’s inception in 2010. Initially, it was aimed at reselling excess delivery capacity before pivoting to its current model, which focuses on delivery management, around 2014.
He shared the challenges of being a solo founder, admitting that it posed significant advantages and disadvantages. He learned a lot about finance, especially fundraising, which was crucial for the company’s growth. Scurri raised about €15 million in funding, with the last round securing €9 million in 2021 during the e-commerce boom spurred by COVID-19.
On customer acquisition, O’Connor’s past experience in sales and marketing enabled him to engage directly with potential clients. Early customer interactions helped refine their model, leading to steady growth. Post-COVID, events have become a successful strategy for acquiring new customers, although the strategy constantly evolves.
Looking ahead, Scurri aims to expand its reach, enhancing delivery solutions globally while focusing on simplifying complex logistics processes. The future involves deepening capabilities in returns management and leveraging technology to improve delivery methods continuously.
In summary, this episode elucidates the evolution, challenges, and strategic growth of Scurri. Through persistence, strategic pivots, and a keen focus on customer experience, Scurri has carved a niche in the competitive world of e-commerce delivery management. The insights shared by Rory O’Connor offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.
