In this episode of Tech Scenes Unplugged, we sit down with Rathna Sharad, the founder and CEO of FlavorCloud, a cross-border shipping platform that’s transforming the logistics landscape for direct-to-consumer brands. Drawing on her 20+ years of experience in global supply chain and e-commerce, Rathna has built a powerful “anywhere-to-anywhere” logistics solution that empowers brands to operate seamlessly on a global scale.
Founded in 2018, FlavorCloud simplifies international shipping for mid-to-large enterprise merchants by abstracting the complexity of customs, carrier disruptions, and compliance. The platform enables businesses to offer guaranteed global delivery with best-in-class rates and a streamlined checkout process, unlocking new revenue opportunities in a $4.8 trillion global B2C and $7.3 trillion B2B e-commerce market.
In this episode, Rathna shares her journey from developer to entrepreneur, offering insights into the complexities of logistics, the challenges of scaling a remote-first team, and the importance of community support among founders. She emphasizes continuous learning and adaptation in a constantly evolving industry, providing valuable advice for early-stage founders, along with reflections on her fundraising journey and team dynamics.
Key Takeaways:
- FlavorCloud simplifies cross-border shipping, making it as easy as domestic logistics for brands and retailers.
- Rathna’s journey spans 20+ years in global supply chain and logistics.
- The logistics industry is complex and ripe for disruption, especially with the power of technology.
- Continuous learning and embracing discomfort are essential for entrepreneurs.
- Remote work creates unique challenges in team alignment and communication.
- Fundraising requires a structured and disciplined approach for efficiency.
- Community support is crucial in navigating the entrepreneurial journey.
- Scaling a startup involves adapting to changing team dynamics and regulatory hurdles.
Chapters:
- Introduction to Rathna Sharad and FlavorCloud
- The Complexities of Cross-Border Logistics
- Rathna’s Journey in Logistics and E-commerce
- FlavorCloud’s Mission to Simplify Global Commerce
- The Challenges of Scaling a Remote-First Team
- Fundraising Insights and Strategies
- The Role of Community in Entrepreneurship
- Embracing Discomfort and Continuous Learning
- Regulatory Compliance in the Logistics Industry
- Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders
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Music by Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie
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