Upstart Zuum Transportation Inc. in Irvine is on the move keeping goods on the move, with ambitious growth plans for its digital logistics platform.
The company announced earlier this year the close of its latest $22 million round in collaboration with investors and capital partners including Bridge Bank and Trinity Partners.
Zuum is a logistics technology provider for manufacturers, retailers, freight brokers and carriers.
It offers shipper transportation management systems (TMS), freight broker software, a carrier TMS and a mobile app for truck drivers that are connected within the company’s Logistics Super Platform.
The tools are designed to enable customers to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their logistics operations while simultaneously automating their transportation networks.
Chief Executive Mustafa Azizi said the company aims to build the “biggest ecosystem that’s ever existed in the business.”
“Today we’re focusing on B2B. Eventually we will move anything anywhere any time,” he said.
Home Depot, GM
The company, which last year moved its headquarters from the Irvine Towers office complex to UCI Research Park, says it connects “shippers, brokers, carriers, and drivers on one logistics super platform.”
Aziz said Zuum works with numerous major companies, including Home Depot, General Motors, Tyson Foods and Hyundai.
The company has reported raising about $46 million to date. Officials say the firm is looking to raise another $50 million to $70 million in the next three months.
The company has 70 employees in Irvine, with the number heading to 80 this year. There are 80 employees outside Orange County.
Zuum Transportation had about 17 job postings on its website as of April 26, ranging from data lead specialist to business analyst and customer service representative.
‘Defragment’ Industry
The company seems to have borrowed a word from the computer sphere to describe its efforts to service various parts of the shipping industry.
“What we’re trying to do is defragment our industry for the better of our environment,” Azizi said.
Founded in 2016, Zuum says its clients also include BNSF Logistics, Estes Forwarding Worldwide, Sherwin-Williams and Staples among other Fortune 500, midsize and small businesses.
Matt Tabatabai, co-founder and chief operating officer, said Zuum is seeking collaboration and partnerships with others in the industry.
The firm is one of many logistics-focused tech companies in the area.
Orange County is home to numerous vehicle tracking and management companies like CalAmp Corp. and Aliso Viejo’s Telogis, now part of Verizon Connect. Santa Ana-based Iteris Inc. (Nasdaq: ITI) also provides systems to keep traffic flowing.
