Gatik

Company Overview

Gatik is a technology company specializing in autonomous middle mile logistics. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, Gatik develops autonomous driving technology for light and medium duty trucks to transport goods safely and efficiently on short-haul, business-to-business (B2B) routes.

The company focuses on “structured autonomy” - operating autonomous vehicles on fixed, repeatable routes between distribution centers, fulfillment centers, and retail locations. This approach allows Gatik to maximize safety and efficiency in its autonomous operations.

Gatik has commercial operations in multiple markets including Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Ontario, Canada. The company made history in 2021 by becoming the first to operate fully driverless commercial deliveries on the middle mile.

Products Overview

Gatik’s core product is its autonomous driving technology platform called Gatik Carrier™. This proprietary technology enables Level 4 autonomous driving capabilities specifically designed for middle mile logistics routes. Key features include:

• Robust capabilities for both highway and urban environments
• Custom-built for transporting freight between pick-up and drop-off locations
• Seamless integration into customers’ existing logistics operations

Gatik deploys its technology on light and medium duty box trucks (Class 3-7) from manufacturers like Isuzu. The company offers Autonomous Transportation as a Service (ATaaS) to its customers, integrating its autonomous trucks into their supply chains at scale.

Founding Team

Gatik was founded by:

• Gautam Narang - CEO and Co-founder
• Arjun Narang - CTO and Co-founder
• Apeksha Kumavat - Chief Engineer and Co-founder

All three founders are veterans of the autonomous technology industry.

Problem and Market Fit

Gatik aims to solve inefficiencies and challenges in the “middle mile” of supply chains - the transport of goods between distribution centers, fulfillment centers and retail locations. This segment faces issues like driver shortages, rising costs, and inflexibility.

By using autonomous vehicles on fixed, repeatable routes, Gatik can provide more reliable, safe and cost-effective transportation compared to traditional human-driven trucks. This addresses a clear need for retailers and logistics companies looking to optimize their supply chains.

Business Model

Gatik operates an Autonomous Transportation as a Service (ATaaS) business model. Key aspects include:

• Providing autonomous trucks and technology to customers on a service basis
• Integrating into customers’ existing supply chain operations
• Focusing on known, repeatable B2B short-haul routes
• Offering dedicated capacity and reliable autonomous deliveries
• Aiming to lower transportation costs for customers

Funding and Runway

While specific funding amounts are not provided in the given materials, Gatik has raised venture capital funding from investors. The company has partnerships with major corporations like Isuzu, Ryder, Goodyear and Cummins, which likely provide additional financial and operational support.

Competitive Landscape

Gatik competes in the autonomous trucking and logistics space. While many competitors focus on long-haul trucking or last-mile delivery, Gatik’s emphasis on middle mile logistics gives it a differentiated position. Some key competitors in the broader autonomous trucking market include TuSimple, Aurora, and Embark.

Customers

Gatik’s customers include major retailers and logistics companies such as:

• Walmart
• Loblaw
• Kroger
• Tyson Foods
• Pitney Bowes
• Georgia-Pacific
• KBX

Relevant News

• May 2024: Isuzu invested $30 million in Gatik to develop autonomous driving logistics business.
• March 2024: Gatik launched autonomous deliveries for Kroger in Dallas, Texas.
• September 2023: Gatik partnered with Tyson Foods to deploy autonomous trucks in Northwest Arkansas.
• October 2022: Gatik and Loblaw launched fully driverless commercial operations in Canada.
• November 2021: Gatik removed safety drivers from autonomous trucks operating for Walmart, becoming the first company to conduct daily driverless commercial deliveries on the middle mile.

Gatik has received numerous industry awards and recognitions, including being named to Fast Company’s list of World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2023 and TIME’s Best Inventions of 2022.