2Go invests in Mober online delivery service

SM Investments Corp.’s integrated transport solutions provider 2GO Group, Inc. (2GO) is investing in the online delivery service Mober Technology PTE.

In a statement issued Friday, Mober said it has received a capital infusion from 2GO, effectively linking it to SM Investments Corp. (SMIC). The holding firm of the country’s richest man Henry Sy, Sr. has an interest in 2GO after acquiring a 34.5% interest in its parent, Negros Navigation Company (Nenaco), last year.

With this partnership, Mober said it will be able to service SM’s various businesses, such as SM Appliance, Our Home, SM Department Stores, and other SM affiliates, by providing them with same-day delivery capabilities.

“From individual to businesses, Mober helps you move forward in just a few taps using our Mober app. It’s a click, load, deliver scheme. We offer pick-up and delivery services that’s tailored to your specific needs,” Mober founder and Chief Executive Officer Dennis Ng said in a statement.

Founded in 2015, Mober has been described as the “Uber for logistics.” Using a mobile application, Mober allows users to book vans that can transport big items around Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bulacan. It has scaled up its operations to around 140 van partners as of May 2017.

The company also provides home and store deliveries on the same day or in advance, and pet shuttles.

Meanwhile, 2GO operates through three core business units: 2GO Freight for commercial and personal shipping needs, 2GO Travel for the integration of passenger ships and fast ferries, and 2GO Supply Chain for logistics, distribution, warehousing, and inventory management.

For his part, 2GO President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said the online platform will help fill a gap in the company’s services.

“Mober fills in the gap for 2GO being a technology platform that allows on-demand delivery service for big items,” said Mr. DyBuncio, who also sits as the president and CEO of SMIC.

2GO Chief Operating Officer Ricardo B. Aguas, Jr. meanwhile said the partnership will merge technology and business innovations in the logistics space.

“This is also a strategic partnership for 2GO as we are also embracing the multiple opportunities the digital world brings,” Mr. Aguas said.

With the capital infusion from 2GO, Mr. Ng said he plans to expand Mober to other key cities in the Philippines, enhance the Mober app for better scalability, and add more van partners to its network.

Mober did not disclose how much it had received from SMIC. — Arra Francia