Germany’s grocery delivery unicorn Gorillas join forces with Dutch mobility startup DOCKR; here’s why

The Covid-19 pandemic brought radical changes in consumer behaviour and quickened the adoption of the meal and grocery delivery services. As a result, new grocery delivery firms have seen accelerated growth in the total number of transactions, and thereby revenue. According to Orian Research, the global online grocery market is expected to grow with a CAGR of 23.7 per cent in 2020- 2025.

To capitalise on this growing trend, Utrecht, Netherlands-based mobility startup DOCKR announced today that it will tie up with Berlin-based grocery delivery startup Gorillas to ensure they can continue to deliver groceries sustainably to people’s doors within 10 minutes. Along with the Netherlands, the collaboration will also roll out in Belgium and Germany.

Sustainable logistics

With its recent impressive growth, Gorillas has increased its popularity leading to an expanding amount of orders – which are now increasingly becoming bigger according to the company. Gorillas plan for an innovative and future-proof addition to its current fleet to sustain and continue the growing demand. 

DOCKR, which offers flexible contracts for fully-branded electric cargo bicycles for a fixed amount per month, will support the Gorillas brand in its expansion. DOCKR’s electric cargo bikes will allow the couriers of Gorillas to take more orders at one go and provide an all-in service so that Gorillas can continue to consistently deliver.

Gorillas: Fastest unicorn in Europe

Founded by Kağan Sümer in 2020, Gorillas is a grocery delivery provider that claims to deliver desired goods from cart to doorstep in just 10 minutes. Its users benefit from access to more than 2500 essential items at retail prices for a delivery fee of just over $2.

Earlier this year, the company raised about €244M in funding, making it the fastest unicorn in Europe to surpass the valuation of $1B.

Within the last year, Gorillas has developed a strong international footprint, operating in nine countries, 55 cities, and employing more than 11,000 people. The company provides all riders with fixed employment contracts, health insurance, employer-financed accident insurance, and paid vacation. They also gain from a strong career development program. 

Currently, the app is available in Germany, France, Italy, the US, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, and Denmark.

About DOCKR

Founded in 2018 by Boris G.L. Kuijpers, DOCKR provides subscription services for electric vehicles for inner-city deliveries. Via a fully flexible subscription that also provides an uptime guarantee, DOCKR enables companies of all sizes to manage their last-mile solutions in deliveries and services hassle-free, and without a large upfront investment. 

It also provides regular on-site maintenance, and in case of vehicle breakdowns, DOCKR will swap it for a working vehicle. According to the company, its fleet consists of renowned Dutch freight bicycle brands Urban Arrow and Cargo Cycling.

Nadine van der Hoorn, MD at DOCKR, says, “Because of upcoming regulations regarding CO2 emissions in most cities, companies feel the pressure of looking for alternatives to their polluting vans. DOCKR allows them to operate in a more sustainable and easier way in a better way but without a large investment upfront. And most importantly, DOCKR is on a mission to set the new norm for inner-city delivery and service.”