The last-mile delivery sector is undergoing a revolutionary transformation driven by innovative startups leveraging cuttin-edge technologies and novel business models. From autonomous robots and drones to electric vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered logistics platforms, these top last-mile delivery startups are reshaping how goods move from distribution centers to consumers’ doorsteps.
Best Last-Mile Delivery Startups to Watch
Every year, new startups pull to the forefront of their industry through exciting innovation, tech, and industry-disrupting business models. We’ve rounded up the most exciting last-mile delivery startups of 2025 that startup-lovers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs should follow.
Disclaimer: With so many exciting last mile delivery companies launching and growing worldwide, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the startups that are listed below aren’t officially ranked and are listed in no particular order.
1. Goldbelly
- Location: New York, New York
- Founder(s): Joe Ariel
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: Series C, $134 Million
- Investors Include: Spectrum Equity, Enlightened Hospitality Investments, ASDF Ventures
Goldbelly is an ecommerce platform that specializes in shipping iconic regional and local foods nationwide. While not strictly a last-mile transportation company, Goldbelly facilitates the delivery of gourmet food items from famous restaurants and food makers across the United States. Goldbelly partners with local shipping and delivery services to ensure their unique food items reach customers’ doorsteps in prime condition.
2. Transit
- Location: Montreal, Canada
- Founder(s): Samuel Vermette
- Founded In: 2013
- Funding: Series B, $26.2 Million
- Investors Include: Accel, Alliance Ventures, InMotion Ventures
Transit is a mobile app startup that provides real-time public transit information and trip planning for users in cities around the world. The app aggregates data from various transportation modes (e.g., buses, trains, bike-sharing, and ride-hailing services) to offer users the most efficient routes. While Transit doesn’t operate its own vehicles, it plays a crucial role in optimizing last-mile transportation by helping users seamlessly combine different transit options.
3. Curri
- Location: Ventura, California
- Founder(s): Matt Lafferty, Brian Gonzalez
- Founded In: 2018
- Funding: Series B, $50.8 Million
- Investors Include: Y Combinator, Bessemer Venture Partners, Burst Capital
Curri is a last-mile delivery platform specifically designed for the construction and industrial supply industry. The company offers on-demand and scheduled deliveries, connecting suppliers and distributors with a network of drivers equipped to handle various types of construction materials and equipment. Curri aims to streamline the supply chain in the construction industry by providing fast, reliable delivery services.
4. Slip Robotics
- Location: Norcross, Georgia
- Founder(s): John Jakomin, Chris Smith, Dennis Siedlak
- Founded In: 2020
- Funding: Series A, $17.4 Million
- Investors Include: Tech Square Ventures, Hyde Park Venture Partners, Pathbreaker Ventures
Slip Robotics is revolutionizing the freight industry by transforming loading docks from bottlenecks into high-throughput interfaces. The company has developed a system that enables loading and unloading of any truck in just five minutes — dramatically reducing the 23% of truckers’ workday typically spent idling at docks. By increasing speed, throughput, and safety by a factor of 10, Slip Robotics aims to modernize the “universal standard interface” of the global supply chain — a system that hasn’t seen significant improvements in over 50 years.
5. Starship
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founder(s): Ahti Heinla, Janus Friis
- Founded In: 2014
- Funding: Series B, $218 Million
- Investors Include: Coefficient Capital, Ambient Sound Investments, 10X Capital
Started by the cofounders of Skype, Starship is a self-driving robot delivery company that boasts delivery in 30 minutes or less within a four-mile radius. Starship is a pioneer in autonomous delivery robots, focusing on last-mile delivery solutions for food, groceries, and small packages in urban areas. The company’s six-wheeled robots are designed to navigate sidewalks and pedestrian areas, delivering items directly to customers’ doorsteps. Starship has partnered with various universities, corporate campuses, and cities to provide efficient, contactless delivery services.
6. Joyride
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Founder(s): Vince Cifani
- Founded In: 2014
- Funding: Series A, $8.89 Million
- Investors Include: XDL Capital Group, Liil Ventures, Proeza Ventures
Joyride is a software startup that enables entrepreneurs and businesses to launch and manage shared micromobility services, such as escooters, ebikes, and mopeds. The company provides the technology infrastructure — including mobile apps, back-end systems, and fleet management tools — for operators to run their own micromobility fleets. While Joyride doesn’t operate its own vehicles, it plays a significant role in the last-mile transportation ecosystem by empowering local and global shared mobility services.
7. Swoop Aero
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Founder(s): Eric Peck, Andrew Thomas
- Founded In: 2017
- Funding: Grant, $17.8 Million
- Investors Include: Levitate Capital, Giant Leap, Main Sequence Ventures
Swoop Aero is a drone logistics company that specializes in delivering medical supplies and other essential items to remote and hard-to-reach areas. The company operates a two-way drone delivery network capable of transporting various payloads, including vaccines, medical samples, and humanitarian aid. Swoop Aero’s focus is on improving health care access and supply chain resilience in challenging environments — particularly in developing countries and rural areas.
8. Orange EV
- Location: Kansas City, Kansas
- Founder(s): Wayne Mathisen, Kurt Neutgens, Mike Saxton
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: Series B, $35.1 Million
- Investors Include: Lion Electric, Lightning eMotors, Scania CV
Orange EV is a manufacturer of heavy-duty electric trucks, specializing in the electric terminal tractors (also known as yard trucks or hostlers) used in distribution centers, rail intermodal sites, and container ports. The company aims to reduce emissions and operational costs in the logistics industry by replacing diesel-powered vehicles with zero-emission alternatives. Orange EV’s electric trucks offer lower maintenance requirements and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional diesel tractors.
9. DroneUp
- Location: Virginia Beach, Virginia
- Founder(s): Thomas Walker
- Founded In: 2016
- Funding: Series Unknown, $14.2 Million
- Investors Include: Walmart, Virginia Venture Partners, John Vernon
DroneUp is a drone delivery and services company that focuses on developing end-to-end drone delivery solutions for retail, commercial, and government applications. The company offers a range of services, including drone delivery, flight services, and technology solutions for autonomous flight operations. DroneUp has partnered with major retailers like Walmart to provide on-demand drone delivery services, aiming to make local delivery faster and more efficient.
