Dynamo Dispatch (2025/02/10)
Issue 318 | FreightHero, Archive, Stockly
Dynamo Dispatch. A weekly update from Dynamo Ventures covering the latest and greatest in supply chain, mobility, and building venture-scale businesses.
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Weekly Commentary 💭
💥 Alongside CEO André Luis Martins Filho and AI Fund, we are thrilled to share the launch of FreightHero, an AI-powered automation platform designed specifically for freight brokers. With a human-in-the-loop approach, FreightHero’s AI Agents streamline the industry’s tedious back-office processes, allowing brokers to focus on the high-value, relationship-driven aspects of their work. For more on FreightHero’s exit from stealth, check out this piece in FreightWaves.
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Supply Chain 📦
⭐ White House Pauses De Minimis Ban on Chinese eCommerce. President Donald Trump has delayed the immediate enforcement of his ban on duty-free de minimis shipments from China until border agencies can establish efficient systems for processing and collecting tariffs on individual parcels. The sudden policy change, which was part of a broader effort to curb fentanyl smuggling and impose tariffs of up to 38% on Chinese goods, initially led to confusion and a temporary suspension of Chinese package shipments by the USPS. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) now faces the challenge of implementing the ban without overwhelming the import clearance system, as experts warn that processing millions of small packages daily could cause significant delays. Related, Container Trades Ended 2024 Robustly, But Eyes Will Now Be On Far East Exports.
Trump Tariffs Live Updates: USPS Does A U-Turn And Says It Will Continue Accepting Packages From China. As of the time of writing, President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Chinese imports took effect, prompting immediate retaliation from Beijing which announced countermeasures including tariffs on US goods and export controls on critical minerals. USPS initially suspended, then resumed, accepting packages from China as it worked to implement new tariff collection procedures, while Canada and Mexico secured 30-day tariff exemptions. Global markets reacted negatively, with stock indices and major US companies seeing declines, while economic analysts warned the tariffs could raise consumer prices and slow growth. Trump signaled potential future tariffs on European imports, while China filed a WTO lawsuit and launched an anti-monopoly probe into Google, further escalating trade tensions. Related, USPS U-turn on China Parcels Sows Confusion Among Retailers, Shippers, Tariffs Give US Steelmakers a Green Light to Lift Prices and for more, Live: Trump Tariffs Reverberate Globally.
Will Relatively Stable Freight Rates Stay That Way in 2025? Freight markets in 2025 face uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and economic fluctuations, yet current rates for trucking, ocean, and air freight remain relatively stable. The trucking industry is experiencing an equilibrium in supply and demand, but potential trade conflicts, particularly Trump's proposed tariffs on Mexico and Canada, could significantly disrupt the North American freight market. In ocean shipping, container rates spiked due to Red Sea disruptions and Panama Canal droughts but have since stabilized, with expectations of slight declines in spot rates as contract negotiations progress. Air freight remains heavily influenced by Chinese eCommerce shipments, but regulatory changes to the de minimis exemption could dampen demand, highlighting the risk of sudden shifts in the freight landscape.
Panama Accuses US of Lying About Deal for Free Navy Canal Passage. One of the world’s most critical trade routes has become the subject of an international dispute, with Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino accusing the Trump administration of falsely claiming that Panama had agreed to grant free passage for US Navy vessels through its canal. The announcement surprised Panamanian officials, who emphasized that such a concession would require legal review to avoid violating the 1977 canal treaty, which mandates equal treatment for all users. While Trump has threatened to seize the critical trade route and criticized Panama’s transit fees, Mulino reaffirmed that he lacks unilateral authority to waive them and has taken steps to distance Panama from China, which the US sees as a security risk. Related, Transits Through the Panama Canal are Down 10%.
China’s Online Shopping Boom Faces EU Crackdown. The European Commission is planning a crackdown on the flood of low-cost Chinese parcels into Europe by introducing stricter customs checks and new handling fees. The proposed eCommerce action plan would increase oversight of imports from platforms like AliExpress, Shein, and Temu, while also pushing to eliminate the €150 tax exemption that has fueled the rise of duty-free Chinese shipments. The changes could generate an additional €1B annually for EU customs authorities and are part of broader efforts to ensure fair competition and consumer protection. Meanwhile, Shein and Temu are facing increased scrutiny from European regulators, mirroring similar actions in the US. Related, Can Shein and Temu’s Logistical Infrastructures Withstand Disruptions and Duties?
Mobility 🚗
⭐ Nissan to Reject Honda Deal to Create World’s No 3 Automaker. Nissan’s board has found Honda’s latest proposal of making Nissan a subsidiary unacceptable, threatening the planned merger that would have created the world’s third-largest automaker. Talks are ongoing, with a decision expected by mid-February. Nissan’s struggles in the US and China add pressure to secure a path forward, with analysts speculating it may seek foreign partners if Honda talks collapse. The breakdown of negotiations underscores the challenges of uniting two companies with distinct corporate cultures amid intensifying competition in EV and autonomous vehicle development. From other reports, Foxconn Reportedly Back in Hunt for Nissan After Honda Deal Dies while Despite Reports of Potential End to Merger Talks, Discussions Still Ongoing For Now.
Trump Administration Pauses $3B Marked For EV Charging Stations. The Federal Highway Administration has paused the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program for review, delaying billions in funding for EV charging stations. While existing contracts will be honored, no new projects can proceed. The move aligns with Trump’s broader push to boost fossil fuels, including his declared “national energy emergency.” Analysts predict legal challenges, as the program was part of a bipartisan infrastructure law, and some experts believe funding will eventually resume. Despite that, Sales Growth In the Forecast For EVs, Hybrids.
Tesla’s Planned Self-Driving Service Is Behind The Curve. Elon Musk’s announcement of a self-driving ride-hailing service in Austin by June has sparked investor interest, but Tesla remains years behind leaders like Waymo in the robotaxi sector. While Tesla benefits from millions of camera-equipped EVs on the road, it lags in regulatory approvals and operational experience. Waymo dominates California’s AV market and is expanding globally, while Tesla's fleet in the state is small and lacks driverless permits. As Waymo scales through Uber partnerships, Tesla’s go-it-alone strategy faces significant hurdles in proving its technology, securing regulatory approvals, and competing with established ride-hailing networks.
GM Weighs Production Shifts, Sourcing Reviews To Mitigate Tariffs. GM is exploring options to mitigate the financial impact of new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, including shifting some truck production to the US and optimizing its supply chain. CEO Mary Barra emphasized that the company has "several levers" to pull, such as adjusting international sourcing and leveraging domestic manufacturing capabilities. While GM is not making major capital investments without policy clarity, it is developing contingency plans. With a one-month delay in tariff implementation, GM is maintaining its 2025 financial guidance but remains focused on preserving American jobs and innovation while adapting to potential policy changes. In other tariff reactions, Ford: Billions in Profits Will Be ‘Wiped Out’ By Tariffs and UAW President Backs Use Of Tariffs To Protect Jobs, But Not For Other Policy Aims.
Porsche Overhauls Line-Up to Bring Back Combustion Engines. Porsche is scaling back its focus on full EVs, investing €800M into combustion engine and hybrid models as demand for EVs wanes. The investment will weigh on the company’s profits, with expected margins of 10-12% in 2024, well below its long-term target of 20%. The pivot follows a challenging year, with deliveries falling 3% and Chinese sales plunging 28%, largely due to weak demand for its Taycan EV. While analysts welcome Porsche’s shift back to internal combustion engines, concerns remain over the company’s financial outlook as it faces rising debt obligations. Elsewhere, Stellantis Further Simplifies Operations To Be More Flexible and Efficient In Responding To The Market.
The Future of Supply Chain 🎙️
Check out our podcast series that’s been running since 2018. On each episode of the Future of Supply Chain, we sit down with a different entrepreneur, investor, or industry veteran to discuss innovation, technology, and the most exciting opportunities in supply chain as we build the future of the industry together.
Fundraises and M&A 💸
Sotira Raises $2M in Pre-Seed Funding. Sotira leverages AI to help companies offload and monetize surplus inventory, matching surplus grocery, health, wellness, and cosmetics goods with verified brick-and-mortar buyers. The funding will be used to expand operations nationally, particularly in the Midwest and Southeast. The round was backed by Unusual Ventures, Night Capital, K5 Global, Ritual Capital, and others.
Trace.Space Raises $4M in Seed Funding. Trace.Space is an AI-driven platform for engineering complex industrial products, has raised $4 million in seed funding. The funding will be used to enhance its cloud-based product development platform, which supports industries like automotive, aerospace, robotics, and semiconductors. Cherry Ventures led the round, with participation from Outlast Fund, Nebular, Fiedler, and Change Ventures.
Podero Raises €5.5M in Seed Funding. Podero helps utilities reduce energy costs for flexible consumer devices like heat pumps, EV chargers, inverters, and home batteries. The funding will be used to enhance its device steering and trading technology, enabling utilities to optimize energy usage and trade aggregated power on electricity markets. The round was led by Planet A Ventures, with participation from Systemiq Capital, Pale Blue Dot, and Push Ventures.
MacroCycle Raises $6.5M in Seed Funding. MacroCycle has developed a low-energy and low-cost solution to “upcycle” plastic waste for re-use. The funding will be used for commercialization. The round was led by Clean Energy Ventures and Volta Circle, with participation from KDT Ventures and Neotribe Ventures.
SAEKI Raises $6.7M in Seed Funding. SAEKI uses advanced 3D printing and precision machining to manufacture large, complex parts. The funding will be used to accelerate SAEKI's development of autonomous factories that integrate quoting, 3D printing, machining, and inspection. The round was led by Lightbird with participation from Founderful, 2100VC, and Danobat.
Desteia Raises $8M in Seed Funding. Desteia extracts and organizes unstructured data from emails, messages, and documents to provide real-time visibility and decision-making tools for supply chain operators, with a focus on US-Mexico trade. The funding will be used to expand its AI-driven platform and strengthen operations across North America. The round was led by Autotech Ventures, Nazca, and Village Global, with participation from Foundamental, Bridge Latam, and Nido Ventures.
Le Fourgon Raises €8.2M in Series A Extension. Le Fourgon is a French startup reviving the glass deposit system for reusable packaging. The funding will support the expansion of its returnable product range, B2B services, and geographic footprint in France. ID4 Ventures, Teampact Ventures, La Poste Ventures, Bred, Noshaq, and Future Positive Capital participated in the round.
Pendulum Raises $11M in Funding. Pendulum is an AI-powered platform enabling companies to predict supply and demand for real-time supply chain planning. The capital will be used to expand operations and its development efforts. Lowercarbon Capital, Cross-Border Impact Ventures, and Decisive Point, and more provided the funding. The equity comes alongside $11M in non-dilutive funding for R&D.
Comstruct Raises $13M in Funding. Comstruct is a procurement platform for construction materials. The round was led by GV and 20VC, with existing investors Booom and Puzzle Ventures also participating.
Presto Raises $15M in Seed Funding. Presto is an all-in-one EV charging platform, enabling fleets to find, charge, and pay for EV charging across thousands of partner stations through its app and APIs. The funding will be used to onboard new fleets, integrate more chargers, and enhance platform features. Union Square Ventures led the round, with participation from Congruent Ventures, Powerhouse Ventures, and Jetstream.
Stockly Raises €26M in Funding. Stockly enables eComm retailers to share and exchange inventory, preventing lost sales due to stock shortages by allowing them to fulfill orders through partner inventories. The funding will be used to grow its commercial operations, hire 30 new team members, and expand its footprint across Europe. The round was led by 83North, with participation from Anyma Capital, Square Capital, and existing investors Eurazeo and Daphni.
Archive Raises $30M in Series B Funding. Archive is a software platform enabling fashion brands to launch resale platforms. The funding will be used to enhance its resale software, expand product innovation, and support global brands in secondhand fashion. Energize Capital led the round, with participation from Lightspeed Venture Partners, G9 Ventures, and Bain Capital Ventures.
Who's Hiring? 👩💻
Be sure to check out the Dynamo website for more job opportunities at our portfolio companies!
AI Engineer at Ceto in Newcastle, UK (Remote).
Customer Success Manager at Token Transit in San Francisco, CA (Remote).
VP of Finance at Solvento in Mexico City, MX.