Axe, an AI-powered logistics automation startup, has secured $1,666,102 in pre-seed funding to expand its platform that helps logistics teams streamline communications, manage inbound calls, and accelerate operations using intelligent automation. The round was backed by Pitchdrive, Early-stage VC, Accel Scouts, Enterprise Ireland, and prominent angels including Colm Long and Colm Lyons.

Founded by James McElroy and Dan Quill, Axe is building what it calls the "AI teammate" for logistics - a digital layer that takes on repetitive tasks like phone queries, booking requests, and data entry, enabling teams to scale without increasing headcount.

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Automating the Most Fragmented Industry in the World

Logistics is one of the most fragmented and communication-heavy industries globally. Despite its size - worth over $9.96 trillion globally in 2023, according to IMARC - much of its day-to-day communication still depends on manual coordination. In fact, McKinsey estimates that up to 50% of logistics scheduling and problem resolution is still done via phone calls and emails.

Axe tackles this gap by deploying an AI-powered assistant designed specifically for logistics operations. The platform can handle inbound calls, respond to inquiries, and trigger backend workflows - integrating directly with CRMs, ERPs, and TMS systems to provide real-time automation.

“Logistics teams are overwhelmed with tasks that should have been automated a decade ago,” said co-founder James McElroy. “We’re building an AI teammate that doesn’t just take tickets - it gets the job done.”

And the genius lies in the niche. Rather than building a horizontal tool that tries to serve everyone poorly, Axe is going deep on a vertical that desperately needs it.

In a space flooded with generic AI copilots, vertical AI platforms win by going narrower and deeper. Axe doesn’t just replace a human - it speaks the language of logistics. Founders building in traditional industries should aim to build what feels like a domain-native employee, not just another software layer. If your product can own the edge cases, handle peak hours, and answer domain-specific questions faster than a human, you’re not just building a tool - you’re replacing tribal knowledge. That’s where real compounding value starts.

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Why It Matters Now

The market timing couldn’t be better. The global logistics automation market is projected to grow from $58.3 billion in 2023 to over $133 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.4%, according to Precedence Research. Increasing consumer expectations for fast, trackable deliveries - and labor shortages across transport and warehousing - are pushing logistics companies to invest in AI-driven efficiency.

At the same time, voice AI is maturing rapidly. MarketsandMarkets projects the voice assistant market alone will reach $30 billion by 2028, and logistics represents one of its most practical, real-time applications. Dispatch centers, customer service teams, and freight brokers all rely heavily on voice-based communication - making this a massive opportunity for automation.

By building a voice-first AI teammate trained specifically for freight and logistics teams, Axe is unlocking immediate impact - without changing how teams already operate.

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What Makes Axe Different

Unlike general-purpose chatbots or generic workflow tools, Axe is vertically focused and task-specific. It’s not just about NLP - it’s about fitting into complex operational chains that span ERP systems, time zones, fleet schedules, and compliance checklists.

Key features include:

• AI-powered voice handling for incoming dispatch and customer calls
  
• Context-aware responses based on delivery windows, order ID, and location
  
• Backend triggers for CRMs, booking systems, and TMS platforms
  
• Real-time status updates and confirmations pushed to customers
  
• Multilingual, 24/7 call coverage for cross-border and global operations
  

In early pilot programs, Axe has reduced call volumes by up to 45%, shortened response times by 60%, and enabled support teams to handle 3x more tickets without expanding headcount.

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Backed by Strategic Early Supporters

The round was led by Pitchdrive and Early-stage VC, known for backing operationally complex startups with strong vertical focus. Accel Scouts provided network reach and validation, while Enterprise Ireland’s involvement underscores the national strategic importance of AI innovation in supply chain technology.

Veteran operators like Colm Long and Colm Lyons added deep SaaS, fintech, and B2B go-to-market expertise to the cap table.

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Where the Funds Will Go

With $1.66 million secured, Axe will:

• Expand its engineering and ML team, with focus on logistics-specific NLP
  
• Refine its call flow engine for noisy and high-stress dispatch environments
  
• Build deeper integrations with top logistics CRMs and TMS platforms
  
• Launch paid pilots with mid-sized logistics companies in Europe and North America
  
• Develop a dashboard for team leads to monitor automation metrics, agent deflection, and call coverage
  

The team’s vision isn’t just to automate calls - but to build the digital operations layer for modern logistics teams.

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What’s Next for Axe

As logistics companies embrace AI to survive rising labor costs, driver shortages, and customer expectations, Axe is positioning itself to be the go-to automation layer for voice-based operations. Its value proposition is simple: let teams focus on the edge cases while AI handles the routine.

With pilots underway and product development accelerating, Axe is on track to help logistics providers move faster, serve smarter, and scale more sustainably.

“The best tools disappear into the background,” said Dan Quill. “Axe is here to make logistics teams feel 10x stronger - not 10x more stressed.”