The PostalPitch startup competition has named ZigZag Global, a software solution to help e-commerce retailers manage returns globally, as its winner.
The competition, hosted by PostalVision 2020, invited entrepreneurs from all over the world to present their latest ideas, products and solutions to the greater global postal, parcel and logistics delivery industry. A jury of industry experts selected nine finalists to pitch their solution at PostalVision’s eighth annual event in Pentagon City, Washington.
The award criteria were based on innovation, value and impact, with the winning solution needing to identify new, so far unmet, customer needs with a unique value proposition, good cost-to-benefit ratio, a robust business model, and market entry strategy with significant value proposition.
This year’s competition was chaired by Bernhard Bukovc of the Postal Innovation Platform and a jury featuring Thierry Golliard, director open innovation and venturing at Swiss Post; Olaf Klargaard, director, innovation, at Geopost; Karlijn Krol, startup scout at PostNL Innovation Studio; Gary Reblin, vice president, product innovation at USPS; Farzin Shadpour, vice president and managing director, supply chain, at PlugandPlay; and Elmar Toime, chairman of Postea Group.
ZigZag has already received offers of partnership from postal providers on the judging panel.
Commenting on the event, Bukovc said, “The judges gave a clear vote and selected ZigZag, which provides a solution in an area that is of utmost relevance for postal and logistics providers – returns.
“We had some strong entries, but we believe ZigZag has the capability to be a game changer, with an impact on the industry, the environment and society.”