Meet the founder | VanFill
In a world where we can buy and sell things with more ease than ever, how do we ensure that when couriering goods, we are doing it efficiently?
Wouldn’t it be reassuring to know that the item you were delivering wasn’t taking up a whole van or truck to get to its location? But instead, was fitting into an existing delivery and in turn costing you less?
Next up in our meet the founder series, we speak to Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka, founder of VanFill who is doing just that! Read on to find out more about her innovative delivery management solution and how it is going to transform the delivery of goods industry, particularly on a local level.
Can you give us a brief overview of VanFill and where the initial idea came from?
VanFill is an on-demand booking platform designed to fill empty space in vans and trucks, helping customers deliver goods across the country. It connects customers with available vehicles, making it easy to book transport for both local and long-distance deliveries. VanFill aims to reduce delivery costs, promote sustainable transport, and ensure reliable delivery services, even in the most remote areas.
The idea for VanFill first came about while I was organising a medical supply collection, and organising transport to Ukraine from Scotland.
Through this process, I discovered a few things:
- how difficult and time-consuming it is to find reliable transport
- that there is a lot of unused space in vans and trucks
- it is hard to find an efficient match of customer needs and the transport provider capability
Different areas face unique logistical challenges, often due to poorly coordinated transport options. VanFill aims to solve this by using data and technology to better match supply and demand, optimise vehicle use, reduce empty trips, and lower transportation costs.
Tell us more about the team at VanFill?
I’m Aleksandra Czech-Seklecka, Founder and Managing Director, I have over 10 years of project management experience, including five years at Samsung R&D Centre Poland. I have focused on solving complex challenges and delivering innovative solutions.My passion for helping others and making a positive impact on the environment led me to create VanFill after seeing how businesses, especially in rural areas, struggle to find efficient ways to transport their goods.
My Co-Founder and Senior Software Engineer, Mariusz Seklecki, has 13 years of experience in software development. He works as a Senior Software Engineer and Scrum Master, developing software for global energy suppliers. Additionally, he holds a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering and is applying Agile methodologies to his work to ensure the platform is scalable and efficient.
What makes you excited about the problem VanFill is solving?
What truly drives my excitement about VanFill is the ability to create meaningful change across multiple areas. It’s about empowering people and businesses with a platform that addresses numerous challenges at once.
VanFill is a tool that will not only give businesses the chance to grow and reduce their costs but also help local transport operators reach more customers, especially in rural and underserved areas.
I am inspired by the idea that we are building a network that fosters collaboration while also contributing to the UK’s Net Zero ambitions. VanFill is about creating positive change for communities, businesses, and the environment.
What are VanFill’s goals during the accelerator programme?
Our primary goal during the accelerator programme is to successfully prepare for the MVP launch by leveraging the support and resources provided. Access to geospatial data from Geovation Scotland will play a crucial role in enhancing our platform’s ability to address transportation challenges.
We also aim to take full advantage of the tailored mentorship in marketing, finance, and sales, which will help us sharpen our strategies as we move forward. The programme’s networking opportunities will allow us to forge valuable partnerships, explore new markets, and gain insights from other startups.
Additionally, the guidance from Geovation Scotland team will ensure we stay focused on our goals and overcome any challenges we face.
What does it mean to be part of the Scottish Tech Ecosystem and Geovation Community
Being part of the Scottish Tech Ecosystem and Geovation Community means joining a dynamic network of innovators, startups, and experts working together to drive change and solve real-world problems. It fosters collaboration and provides access to a supportive community that offers guidance, mentorship, and the chance to connect with specialists across various fields.
For VanFill, this connection strengthens our ability to grow and innovate. It gives us the opportunity to work together, share ideas, and create solutions that help businesses run more efficiently and reduce their environmental impact.
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