Singapore logtech startup nets funding to ‘democratize’ relocation services

Moving is often seen as a stressful life event, even more so if you’re relocating from one country to another. There is no escaping from the “manual labor” involved, such as packing and hauling your personal effects, in addition to filing paperwork.

Singapore-based logistics startup Moovaz wants to change this perception. Founded in 2017, the company specializes in international relocation that’s “cheaper, faster, and more transparent,” co-founder and CEO Lee Junxian tells Tech in Asia.

Photo credit: Moovaz

“We started out as an online aggregator platform for all relocation needs. Along the way, we had the golden opportunity to use technology to democratize the existing relocation services market,” adds Lee, who has undergone this “complex and stressful” process himself.

Moovaz aims to make relocation seamless for its customers from start to end.

To receive an estimate, the cloud-based platform requires its customers to input the origin and destination cities, volume of movable items, and tentative move date. Moovaz will then calculate an optimal price point and indicate a simple recommendation for customers.

Once users have indicated their preferences, they will be assigned to a “move manager” who will guide them through the final steps of confirming the quotation. This includes home surveys and other personalized requirements.

Aside from helping customers with the physical aspect of moving, the startup also facilitates other processes like finding a suitable property as well as acquiring travel visas, insurance, and bank accounts. Customers will be able to track each stage of the move via their dashboard on the website.

“The notion of international relocation is perceived as just a logistical exercise, but really, it’s about the entire experience,” says Lee. “We shaped Moovaz with the customers’ needs in mind. We want to ease the stress of relocation so our clients can focus on their families and themselves.”

Using data from every relocation job it performs, the startup enhances its operational efficiency through machine learning. “This allows Moovaz to scale as a platform to capture the global market,” notes Lee.

And to bankroll its growth plan, the company has snagged an undisclosed investment from Hustle Fund. Co-founded by two former 500 Startups partners, Hustle Fund is an US$11.5 million vehicle that focuses on early-stage startups in the US, Canada, and Southeast Asia.

Koh Shiyan, a Singapore-based general partner at Hustle Fund, believes that Moovaz has the opportunity to transform the industry. “Moving is an extremely fragmented industry, which often neglects customer experience and lagging in terms of technology adoption.”

Moovaz wants to use the fresh capital to improve its platform and expand its team. It also plans to bring its go-to-market strategy to Australia, specifically in Melbourne and Sydney.

The startup previously raised US$1 million in seed funding in June 2018. To date, Moovaz has facilitated more than 10,000 moves via its platform.