Dynamo Dispatch (2025/07/21)
Issue 338 | Hadrian, GRIDSERVE, Exodigo
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Weekly Commentary 💭
Summer may be in full swing, but the global logistics world is anything but relaxed. This week’s headlines cover rising cargo theft in inland US states, tariff-driven volatility disrupting trade flows, and growing pressure for long-term infrastructure investments across rail, solar, and aviation. From high-speed rail revival calls to SAF investment roadblocks, it's clear the industry is juggling immediate risks while trying to build for a more resilient future.
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⭐ June 2025 Cargo Theft Trends Show Rise in Fraud, Inland Targeting. Cargo theft is on the rise in June 2025, with inland states like Georgia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania seeing sharp increases, while thieves increasingly target high-demand items such as electronics and household goods using sophisticated fraud tactics. There has been a shift from traditional hotspots like California and Texas toward broader geographic areas, driven by impersonation scams and fake carrier rerouting. In response, authorities are boosting enforcement, including a new $44.5M inspection facility in Savannah, while industry experts recommend real-time tracking, staff training, and security simulations to stay ahead of evolving threats. Completely unrelated, Green Light for New European Trade Corridor to Ease Congestion 'Long Overdue'.
Whiplash of US Tariff Policy Forces Importers Into ‘Wait-and-See’ Mode. The 2025 trans-Pacific peak season has been disrupted by rapid and unpredictable US trade policy shifts, particularly tariff changes with China, prompting importers to shift from frontloading strategies to a cautious, wait-and-see approach. Tariffs initially led to a sharp drop in Asian cargo volumes, followed by a brief surge in demand after a pause in mid-May—driven by previously held-back goods—but this spike was short-lived as uncertainty returned. Carriers struggled to match these sudden swings in demand, causing temporary spot rate spikes. This volatility underscores the growing mismatch between fast-changing trade regulations and the slower-moving container shipping supply chain, suggesting more short-term market imbalances ahead. Elsewhere, Alcoa Says Trump Tariff Added $115M in Aluminum Costs and Rio Tinto Takes $300M Tariffs Hit.
Railroad Operator Union Pacific Exploring Deal for Norfolk Southern. Union Pacific is in early-stage talks to acquire Norfolk Southern in a deal that could create the largest rail operator in the US, forming a transcontinental network and reshaping the freight rail landscape. While the deal could improve efficiency by eliminating interchange delays, it would face intense regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the Surface Transportation Board and the Justice Department, as well as opposition from unions and other stakeholders. The deal would mark the largest corporate transaction this year. Completely unrelated, Trucking Firms Help Communities Hit by Texas Flooding.
Looming August Tariff Deadline Prompts Carriers to Pull Trans-Pacific Capacity. Ocean carriers are cutting trans-Pacific capacity ahead of the August 12 deadline for higher US tariffs on Chinese goods, with 175,000 TEUs—11% of Asia–US West Coast capacity—blanked in July, up from 9% in June. Weakened demand and earlier frontloading by US importers have reduced the need for additional shipments, especially from Southeast Asia, where it's now too late to beat the August 1 trade deadline. Spot rates have declined despite reduced capacity, with some carriers quoting as low as $1,700 per container, and expectations remain low for a demand rebound in the second half of the year. Related, JB Hunt Peak Surcharges Begin Earlier Amid Trade Uncertainty.
Legislators Embrace Technology Recycling to Compete With China. At a congressional hearing, lawmakers emphasized the need to improve US recycling infrastructure to recover critical minerals like lithium from electronic waste, aiming to reduce dependence on China. Legislators highlighted that e-waste from consumer electronics and the growing AI-driven data center boom contains valuable materials that can help power a domestic clean energy transition. Challenges remain due to the complexity of recycling electronics and plastics, prompting calls for better infrastructure, regulatory support, and corporate responsibility, such as extended producer responsibility laws. The hearing also stressed that modernizing recycling systems and expanding accessibility are essential before new technologies alone can meaningfully reduce waste and environmental harm.
Report: China Threatens to Block Panama Ports Deal Unless COSCO Gets a Stake. China is reportedly threatening to block the $22.8B sale of CK Hutchison’s global port assets to BlackRock and MSC unless Chinese shipping giant Cosco is given a stake in the deal. The ports span 43 locations in 23 countries, and Chinese officials have warned they will intervene if Cosco is excluded. While all parties appear open to Cosco joining, a deal is unlikely before the July 27 exclusivity deadline, and the proposed sale has also attracted attention from President Trump, who views it as a strategic move to reduce Chinese influence near the Panama Canal. Completely unrelated, Retail Sales Snap Back After Trade Wars Die Down. Shoppers Keep the Economy Growing.
Nearshoring, Labor Among Key Manufacturing Trends to Watch in Rest of 2025. Manufacturers are responding to 2025’s tariffs and labor shortages by streamlining operations, investing in domestic talent, and exploring nearshoring as long-term strategies despite the uncertain economic landscape. While process improvements offer broad benefits regardless of tariff outcomes, nearshoring—especially to locations like Mexico or Costa Rica—can help mitigate risks but requires careful consideration based on product type and volume. Labor shortages, exacerbated by immigration enforcement, are driving wage increases and hiring challenges, pushing companies to explore alternative workforce solutions such as visa sponsorships and local retraining initiatives. Also, Tariffs, Changing EV Demand Add Volatility to Automotive Product Planning.
US Solar Makers Seek Tariffs Against India, Indonesia, Laos. US solar manufacturers have filed new trade petitions targeting India, Indonesia, and Laos, accusing largely Chinese-owned companies of illegally dumping cheap solar products into the US market. These petitions follow earlier tariffs on other Southeast Asian nations and highlight concerns over Chinese firms shifting production to avoid penalties. The investigations by the US Department of Commerce and ITC could lead to new duties, adding further uncertainty to a solar industry already grappling with trade restrictions and supply chain shifts. Elsewhere in solar, SEIA Develops Strategic Plan to Implement Circular Economy Throughout the Solar Industry.
Industry Calls for High Speed Rail Plan to be Resurrected to Help Boost Freight Capacity. British manufacturers are urging the government to revive the original high-speed rail plan to Leeds and Manchester, arguing it would free up existing rail lines for freight and support long-term economic growth and decarbonization goals. A new Make UK and Barclays survey shows overwhelming support for increased rail and multimodal infrastructure investment, with cost, low volumes, and poor terminal access cited as key barriers to using rail for freight. Across the pond, US DOT Opens Discussions on Surface Transportation Reauthorization.
Airports Join Industry Stakeholders to Call for Policy Action on SAF. Aviation industry stakeholders across Europe are reaffirming their commitment to decarbonization but stress that scaling up affordable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is critical to reaching net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. Despite efforts like the EU’s ReFuelEU initiative, challenges persist due to high capital costs, regulatory complexity, and a lack of investment in next-generation SAF projects, with none of the 40+ proposed e-SAF plants reaching final investment decision. To address this, the industry is calling for swift policy support and has proposed a 10-point action plan to unlock private investment, boost SAF production, and ensure the global competitiveness of Europe’s aviation sector. Elsewhere in aviation, Cyber Turbulence Ahead as Airlines Strap in for a Security Crisis.
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 💸
BQP Raises $5M in Seed Funding. BQP develops a quantum-accelerated digital twin platform designed for aerospace, defense, and semiconductor applications. The funding will advance R&D, expand industry collaborations, and build out its hybrid simulation infrastructure. The oversubscribed seed round was led by Monta Vista Capital, with participation from New York Ventures, Arc Ventures, Armory Square Ventures, Emergent Ventures, Alumni Ventures, and others.
Laka Raises $10.4M in Series B Funding. Laka provides insurance for e-bikes, e-scooters, and other micro-mobility options. The new capital will support its path to profitability, further acquisitions to consolidate the market, and strengthen its role in the green mobility ecosystem. The round was co-led by Shift4Good and MS&AD Ventures, with participation from Ponooc, Achmea Innovation Fund, Autotech Ventures, Motive Partners, Creandum, LocalGlobe, 1818 Ventures, and Republic.
FlyGuys Raises $13M in Series A-1 Funding. FlyGuys operates a fleet of advanced drones that capture aerial data using high-resolution imaging, thermal sensors, and lidar for industries including construction, agriculture, energy, and more. The funding will support the company’s pivot toward enabling AI applications by providing global access to real-world aerial data, expanding services, and growing its partner ecosystem. The round was led by Wonder Fund North Dakota under O’Leary Ventures.
MOTOR Ai Raises $20M in Seed Funding. MOTOR Ai develops neuroscience-driven cognitive intelligence for SAE Level 4 autonomous driving. The funds will be used to expand the engineering and safety teams, support commercial deployments in Germany, and scale cross-border regulatory efforts. The round was co-led by Segenia Capital and eCAPITAL, with participation from mobility-focused angel investors.
Amogy Raises $23M in Venture Funding. Amogy makes ammonia-based power systems that help shipping and industrial companies run equipment without using fossil fuels. The funds will be used to accelerate the development of its maritime products and support its expansion into the Asian markets. The round was co-led by Korea Development Bank and KDB Silicon Valley, with BonAngels Venture Partners, JB Investment, and Pathway Investment joining.
Augmodo Raises $37.5M in Venture Funding. Augmodo develops Smartbadges, wearable devices that use computer vision and 3D mapping to help retail employees monitor inventory, detect empty shelves, and improve store operations. The new funding will support product development, expansion efforts, and customer acquisition. The round was led by TQ Ventures, with previous investors including Lerer Hippeau, Dunnhumby Ventures, NewFare Partners, and Simple Food Ventures.
GeologicAI Raises $44M in Series B Funding. GeologicAI develops AI-powered core scanning technology that enables real-time analysis of drill core to accelerate mineral discovery and optimize exploration in the critical minerals sector. The funding will support global expansion, enhancement of its proprietary AI and sensor platforms, and increased presence in key mining regions. The round was led by Blue Earth Capital, with participation from BHP Ventures, Rio Tinto, and Breakthrough Energy.
BrightAI Raises $51M in Series A Funding. BrightAI provides AI-powered sensors and software to automate inspection and maintenance tasks for industrial companies. The funding will scale its Stateful platform, which combines custom semiconductors and AI models for analyzing physical world data. The round was led by Khosla Ventures and Inspired Capital, with participation from BoxGroup, Marlinspike, and VSC Ventures.
Bedrock Robotics Raises $80M in Seed & Series A Funding. Bedrock Robotics develops autonomous construction equipment using AI and sensors designed to handle excavation and other heavy-duty tasks. The funding will be used to accelerate deployment. Eclipse led the Seed, and 8VC led the Series A. Other investors included Two Sigma Ventures, Valor Equity Partners, NVentures, Crossbeam Venture Partners, Raine Group, Tishman Speyer, Atreides Management, Al Rajhi Partners, and Samsara Ventures.
Exodigo Raises $96M in Series B Funding. Exodigo provides AI-powered, non-intrusive 3D underground mapping technology for construction and utility projects. The company will use the new funds to advance R&D and develop a new geotechnical risk reduction product integrating multi-sensor data and AI. The round was led by Zeev Ventures and Greenfield Partners, with Vintage Partners and Leblon Capital as well as previous investors 10D VC, SquarePeg, and JIBE also participating.
GRIDSERVE Raises €115M in Funding. GRIDSERVE operates a high-power electric vehicle charging network across the UK powered by renewable energy. The funds will be used to accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure along the country’s busiest roads. The round was backed by TPG, Infracapital, and Mitsubishi.
Hadrian Raises $260M in Series C Funding. Hadrian builds automated manufacturing facilities to deliver high-precision parts for the aerospace and defense sectors, starting with CNC machining and expanding into welding, casting, and additive processes. The funds will be used to launch a new high-throughput facility in Arizona, expand its Torrance, California headquarters, and grow capabilities in maritime and munitions manufacturing. The round was led by Founders Fund and Lux Capital, with participation from Morgan Stanley, Altimeter, 1789 Capital, a16z, Construct Capital, and 137 Ventures.
Who's Hiring? 👩💻
Be sure to check out the Dynamo website for more job opportunities at our portfolio companies!
Founder’s Associate at FreightHero in Durham, NC.
Senior Sales Engineer AI SaaS at Raft in London, UK.
Analytics Engineer at Solvento in Mexico City, MX.