Back in 2013 we hosted our Chicago Mixer & Startup Showcase, and like all of our local pitch competitions, there were two winners announced: one for best pitch and one for reader’s choice. Now, I’m not claiming that winning our events guarantees your company ultimate success, but it’s absolutely a strong step in the right direction.
Case in point, WeDeliver won the best pitch at our 2013 Chicago Mixer not long before they applied, were accepted, and graduated from Techstars Chicago. And now, continuing their trend of success, WeDeliver was today officially acquired by a fellow same day delivery company Deliv.
Deliv is looking to deepen their stake in the same day delivery space as they continue to expand nationally, and WeDeliver was the perfect choice for them.
“WeDeliver has built a stellar reputation as the premier same day delivery service for merchants in Chicago, providing service for some of the finest and most popular local merchants,” says Deliv CEO and founder Daphne Carmeli. “We are natural partners as we both share the obsession for providing a world class customer experience, one delivery at a time.”
Deliv already powers the same day delivery service for over 250 national retailers like Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Williams-Sonoma, and Foot Locker. That is, they’re already at the higher stage of growth than WeDeliver.
Not to say that WeDeliver wouldn’t get there eventually, but according to the Chicago Tribune article about the acquisition, CEO Jimmy Odom thought there would be more to gain by joining forces instead of seeking more funding.
“We looked at the opportunities that were before us,” says Odom in the article. “Do we continue to raise more capital to continue to grow or is there an opportunity for us to accomplish this same goal by creating a relationship with another organization?”
It’s an attractive offer for sure as Deliv has experienced an 800 percent organic increase in volume from January to June 2015 alone. And as part of the deal Odom will join Deliv to oversee their local practice across the US while staying based in Chicago.
“We are impressed with Deliv’s strategy and leadership position across the nation’s top retailers,” says Odom. “During a time when same-day delivery has quickly become the new customer standard, we’re excited to continue our journey and partner with such an exciting and fun team.”
All of us at Tech.Co want to wish both Deliv and WeDeliver the best of luck as they move forward together. And for all of you other entrepreneurs reading make sure to get to our next event in your area – who knows, a year from now we could be writing about your funding or acquisition.
Image Credit: Wikipedia