Global Logistics Conglomerate - Innovation Accelerator
Challenge
A logistics conglomerate sought to establish a corporate accelerator to:
• Source innovative startups solving supply chain and logistics challenges.
• Provide curated startups with corporate customer access and pilot opportunities.
• Build the conglomerate’s reputation as an innovation leader in the logistics sector.
• Create a deal flow pipeline for the CVC program.
Key constraints:
• Competitive landscape: Multiple logistics accelerators already operating globally.
• Internal skepticism: Previous innovation initiatives had delivered limited business impact.
• Dual mandate: Need to serve both corporate innovation goals and regional startup ecosystem development.
TURN8’s Approach
Program Design
• Conducted a competitive analysis of over 50 global logistics accelerators.
• Designed a six-month program structure focused on the pilot-to-production pathway.
• Created selection criteria emphasizing commercial readiness over early-stage ideas.
• Established a business unit engagement model, ensuring a corporate sponsor for each startup.
Marketing and Sourcing
• Systematic startup sourcing identified more than 10,000 relevant companies globally.
• Launched venture competitions, generating thousands of applications.
• Selected 10 startups per cohort across IoT, automation, sustainability, mobility, ecommerce, and fintech technologies.
Cohort Operations
• Onboarded startups with tailored support roadmaps.
• Facilitated meetings between startups and business unit leaders.
• Structured paid pilot programs with clear success criteria.
• Provided technical, commercial, and operational mentorship.
• Organized demo day with over 200 attendees, including corporates, investors, and ecosystem partners.
Outcomes
Results:
• 80 startups completed the program in multiple cohorts.
• Several paid pilots executed.
• Pilots converted to commercial contracts.
• Some of the startups became CVC investment targets.
• 100% startup survival rate 12 months post-program.
Key Learnings:
• Pilot-to-production focus delivered commercial outcomes that traditional accelerators struggle to achieve.
• Business unit engagement model critical: Requiring corporate sponsors for each startup ensured genuine commitment.
• The strategic matching process was twice as successful as ad hoc curation.
• A six-month timeline balanced the depth of support with the urgency required to generate traction.
• Success metrics must balance corporate impact and startup outcomes equally.