a16z Podcast Ryan Petersen on Rearchitecting the Supply Chain
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Nov 24, 2022 
In this engaging conversation, Ryan Petersen, Co-CEO and Founder of Flexport, dives into the urgent need for improving supply chain resiliency. He explains how e-commerce has shifted control to consumers, creating challenges for traditional logistics. Ryan shares insights on leveraging Amazon's innovative strategies and the role of customs brokerage in adapting to complexities. He emphasizes the significance of technology and data science in transforming supply chains for efficiency and resilience, especially with the holiday shopping season around the corner.
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Motorcycle Import Struggles
- Ryan Petersen imported motorcycles from Asia and sold them online in the early 2000s.
- He found the process incredibly complex, sparking his interest in improving the supply chain.
Trade's Importance and Stagnation
- Global trade, a significant portion of GDP, acts as the circulatory system of the world economy.
- Despite its importance, the shipping container, a key invention, has seen minimal innovation since the 1970s.
Flexport's Strategic Expansion
- Flexport initially focused on customs brokerage due to its perceived complexity and data richness.
- However, they quickly expanded to freight services to build trust and address problem cases.