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Michigan Venture Funds Invest In NYC Same Day Delivery Startup

NEW YORK (WWJ) -- Zipments, the New York-based company that offers consumers and businesses same-day delivery through a network of couriers, said Monday that it had closed a $2.25 million seed investment round.

The round was led by Huron River Ventures, which has offices in Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids, and FirstMark Capital of New York City.

Zipments said the round would allow it to develop its technology platform and expand into new markets.

Grand Rapids-based Windquest Group, the New York City Economic Development Corp., Chicago Ventures, and Robert Safrata, CEO at Richmond, British Columbia-based Novex Couriers, one of the largest local same-day couriers in Canada, also participated in the investment.

"We believe we can help revitalize and retool the global $20 billion same-day delivery industry," said Garrick Pohl, CEO and co-founder of Zipments. "Today's courier companies are running at dial up speed, using outdated, inefficient business tools while trying to service a broadband world. We've created an efficient platform for local delivery services to better serve retailers and businesses around the world."

Local pickup requests can be made through the Zipments mobile app, API, or on Zipments.com. Delivery requests are then automatically dispatched via the Zipments mobile app to a network of couriers based on the type of transportation required (bike, car, truck) and time in which the delivery needs to be performed. Once a courier has accepted the delivery request, the delivery status can be monitored with real time updates including pickup time, recipient signature and final delivery time.

"Zipments' innovative technology and tools will change the way businesses service their customers and the way in which goods are obtained," said Tim Streit, managing director of Huron River Ventures. "Zipments has created a seamless and convenient local delivery experience for businesses, couriers and customers."

More at www.Zipments.com or www.huronriverventures.com.

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