David Nothacker, Julius Kohler & Nicolaus Schefenacker: Revolutionizing Freight Logistics Through Technology
By David Nothacker, Julius Köhler & Nicolaus Schefenacker , Co-Founders
Founded in 2015, Sennder was established in Germany by David Nothacker, Julius Köhler, and Nicolaus Schefenacker, with one collective purpose that is changing the logistics of freight through technology as much as possible. Their dream was to build a digital platform efficiently connecting shippers and trucking companies in moving goods through streamlining tedious manual processes.
The three are applying their IT-based experience in logistics to automate and specialize in the fragmented freight industry. By putting together data-driven insights with real-time tracking, Sennder's platform improves shippers' and carriers' transparency, route optimization, and cost-effectiveness. The innovation reduced transport costs, increased operational efficiencies, and enabled scaling of business operations at ease.
The trio's leadership was instrumental in scaling Sennder operations. They secured significant venture capital funding from leading investors like Accel and HV Holtzbrinck Ventures. As the firm expanded across Europe, they actively pursued the merger and acquisition of other businesses to improve Sennder's capabilities and market presence. Those acquisitions, including the purchase of Uber Freight's European operations in 2021, further cemented Sennder's lead in the digital freight arena.
Indeed, always prioritizing innovations in technology and expanding their network, Sennder grew very quickly to achieve unicorn status by putting itself to a valuation of over USD1 billion in January 2021. Adaptability with the needs of the market, strategic investments, and the ability to innovate in teams are some of the critical success factors for Nothacker, Köhler, and Schefenacker.
Under their stewardship, Sennder not only grew its customer base but also established itself as a leader in the digital transformation of freight logistics, making it one of the most successful startups in Europe’s logistics and tech ecosystem.
