Doorstep Raises $8M Seed Funding - Missing Delivery Solution

The Genesis of Doorstep: Addressing Last-Mile Delivery Issues

Shashwat Murarka, while a student, frequently encountered problems with food delivery services. Deliveries were often misplaced, requiring him to search his building, or drivers struggled to locate his apartment despite his directions, leading to mutual frustration.

This initial annoyance evolved into a determination to resolve a significant, yet often ignored, issue within the supply chain – the complexities of the “last mile” of delivery. As Murarka explained to TechCrunch, he began a detailed study of the delivery process, even undertaking deliveries himself.

Identifying the Core Problem: Indoor GPS Limitations

During his final year of college, Murarka resolved to dedicate himself fully to finding a solution. He partnered with Sheel Patel, and together they founded Doorstep, a company focused on improving delivery tracking.

Murarka, serving as CEO, recognized that while standard GPS technology functions effectively outdoors, its accuracy diminishes significantly within buildings. This creates a critical blind spot for delivery personnel.

How Doorstep Works: Leveraging Phone Sensors

Doorstep integrates seamlessly with existing delivery applications. Utilizing a device’s internal phone sensors, the system accurately tracks a driver’s progress – confirming entry into a building, elevator usage, and arrival at the correct destination.

This precise data is then relayed to the delivery platform, such as Uber Eats or DoorDash. It enables automated dispute resolution and validates deliveries, effectively eliminating issues related to missing orders and questionable proof-of-delivery images.

Privacy and Data Security

Murarka emphasized that the company does not collect personal driver or user data, maintaining the same privacy and security protocols already established by existing platforms.

Doorstep’s technology provides customer support teams with the visibility they require, offering real-time, verifiable data regarding events within buildings to automate refund processes. This resolves a key pain point for all parties involved – platforms, drivers, merchants, and customers.

Securing Seed Funding and Future Plans

The company recently announced an $8 million seed funding round, spearheaded by Canaan Partners. Murarka described the fundraising process as demanding, recalling a period where he even slept in the office of the Antler accelerator after relocating to New York.

He highlighted the importance of securing investment from those genuinely invested in the company’s long-term success, individuals who are eager to contribute to the journey.

The round was completed within a week, with the lead investor identified through existing professional connections. Additional investors included Antler, Cercano Management, Cassius, and Sean Henry, a scout at Kleiner Perkins.

The newly acquired capital will be allocated to transitioning the technology from pilot programs to full-scale production. The company is also actively seeking to expand its engineering and product teams.

Competitive Landscape and Advantages

Murarka positions Doorstep’s competitors as primarily hardware-based solutions, such as building sensors, lockers, and security cameras. He argues that hardware is both costly and slow to implement, while GPS remains unreliable indoors.

Currently, Doorstep is operational across all U.S. states, although the company has chosen not to disclose the names of its current clients.

A Vision for Improved Delivery Experiences

Murarka’s ultimate goal is to eliminate the frustration associated with undelivered food orders.

“This initiative extends beyond simply preventing fraud or processing refunds,” he stated. “It’s about restoring trust between delivery platforms and their customers, and between drivers and their work.” He believes that Doorstep can significantly improve the working conditions for delivery drivers, who are essential to the success of these platforms.