Dispatch Goods

Dispatch Goods operates as a reverse logistics company, providing a platform that facilitates the transition to reusable packaging for its business clients. Founded in 2019 by Lindsey Hoell and Maia Tekle, the San Francisco-based firm aims to create a circular supply chain, initially targeting the restaurant and food delivery sectors. The inspiration for the company came from CEO Lindsey Hoell's experiences as a surfer, where she witnessed firsthand the growing problem of plastic pollution on coastlines. This motivated her to explore sustainable solutions, leading her to run the Surfrider Foundation's Ocean Friendly Restaurants program in Hawaii before pursuing an MBA at UC Berkeley and launching Dispatch Goods. Co-founder Maia Tekle brought experience from the food-tech industry, having worked at Caviar (now DoorDash), where she observed the high volume of single-use packaging consumed daily.

The company's core service is an end-to-end reuse system that encompasses the procurement of durable containers, collection, commercial sanitization, and redistribution. For clients like restaurants and meal delivery services, this model is designed to be a plug-and-play solution, removing the logistical complexities of managing a reusable container fleet. Businesses can offer customers the option to receive their orders in Dispatch Goods' containers, often made of stainless steel, for a small fee or as part of a subscription. After use, consumers can schedule a home pickup or drop the containers at designated collection bins. This system helps client brands reduce their packaging costs and environmental footprint while enhancing their brand image. Dispatch Goods serves a range of clients, from D2C meal and grocery delivery services like Misfits Market and CookUnity to corporate dining programs at companies like Google and ByteDance.

The business model generates revenue through several streams. Initially focused on corporate clients paying for on-site services, the company pivoted during the pandemic to a direct-to-consumer model. Current revenue is derived from fees paid by business partners and subscription or one-time fees paid by end-users for the convenience of the reusable service. The company has demonstrated a tangible impact by helping partners increase customer order value and loyalty. For instance, Misfits Market saw a 34% lift in average order value in areas where Dispatch Goods' service was available. Since its inception, Dispatch Goods has successfully secured funding to fuel its expansion, including a $3.7 million seed round in December 2021 led by Congruent Ventures.

Keywords: reusable packaging, circular economy, reverse logistics, sustainable packaging, food delivery waste reduction, circular commerce, zero-waste packaging, packaging as a service, returnable containers, restaurant sustainability, cleantech, B2B logistics, food tech, waste management solutions, sustainable supply chain, meal kit packaging, grocery delivery packaging, container sanitization, eco-friendly packaging, cold chain packaging