iKargos: Rebuilding Global Trade One Shipment at a Time

In a world where global trade fuels economies, the infrastructure underpinning it often remains woefully outdated. Enter iKargos, a startup born amidst the chaos of COVID-19, determined to digitise and transform international logistics.

Founders with Vision and Grit

Rekha Atri, CEO of iKargos.com, transitioned from management consulting to logistics in 2018. The inefficiencies she encountered — from Excel-based operations to fragmented systems — revealed an industry ripe for disruption. The pandemic further exposed the gaps in global shipping, highlighting the urgent need for a tech-driven overhaul.

"The gap between global trade's scale and its lack of digitisation was startling," says Rekha. Motivated by the crisis, she envisioned a platform that could introduce transparency, speed, and resilience into the supply chain.

Her co-founder, Prashant Dwivedi, brings a multidimensional edge: a computer engineer, IIM Calcutta MBA, and qualified lawyer. With a decade of experience in logistics and regulatory consulting, Prashant saw firsthand the pain points businesses face. Together, the duo founded iKargos in May 2020, aiming to streamline international cargo through technology.

The iKargos Platform: A Full-Stack Logistics Engine

iKargos is not merely a logistics company, it is a digital transformation platform. It automates documentation, integrates customs compliance, streamlines freight booking, and offers end-to-end visibility.

The platform sits at the heart of a fractured ecosystem, reducing the need for users to interact with 10–12 disconnected parties. Instead, iKargos becomes the central, intelligent hub.

Key platform features include:

• Live pricing and slot availability
• End-to-end cargo visibility
• Automated compliance and documentation
• AI-driven insights for cost optimisation and ETA forecasting

The result? Up to 20% cost savings and a 70% reduction in manual effort.

Business Model and Growth

iKargos operates on a multi-revenue stream model. It earns margins on logistics services, offers subscription plans for high-frequency users, and monetises proprietary tech tools. This value-driven pricing delivers immediate ROI for customers.

Since launch, the company has moved over 50,000 shipments and served 4,000+ clients. Despite minimal marketing spend, iKargos has grown 3–5x year-over-year and crossed ₹100 crore in FY 2024–25 revenue.

Market Position and Competitive Edge

India’s logistics market, valued at $274 billion, is vast and fragmented. While traditional and digital players exist, few offer the full-stack, interoperable system that iKargos does.

"We're not just solving for one part of the supply chain," says Prashant. "We're building the infrastructure layer for global logistics." This comprehensive approach differentiates iKargos in a space where even top players control less than 2% of the market.

Challenges, Milestones, and Recognition

Building iKargos came with challenges — from scepticism faced by Rekha as a woman in logistics to the hurdles of navigating startup life during a global pandemic. Yet, perseverance and clarity of mission paid off.

The company achieved early break-even, secured seed funding from GAIL, and expanded internationally. Its achievements have not gone unnoticed. iKargos has received numerous accolades, including 'Outstanding Women in Business' from iStory in 2024, recognition as one of the 'Top 100 SMEs in India' by the India SME Awards in 2023, and was named among the 'Digital Pioneers in International Supply Chain' by the Times Business Awards in 2023.

Vision for the Future

iKargos aims to deepen its tech stack, expand into high-regulation sectors, and open more trade lanes. With scalable infrastructure and a strong revenue model, it is poised for exponential growth. The platform also promotes sustainable trade by offering optimised shipping routes and carbon emission tracking.