Startup ledge

In June 2020, India’s IT ministry, under Section 69 of the IT Act, banned 59 apps, including TikTok, ShareIt, UC Browser, Likee, WeChat, and Bigo Live.
The ban created a huge void, and millions of internet users across India–especially in non-metro cities–began looking for alternatives that did the job just as well. 

Gurugram-based house of apps Appyhigh was among those who decided to tap the burgeoning demand. 

Incorporated by Aneesh Rayancha and Venus Dhuria in 2018, AppyHigh was already in the business of developing utility apps that targeted mass user segments from Tier II cities and beyond. Between July and September 2020, the company launched Share Karo India, Browser Go, and Scanner Go. These three apps have a total of 136 million downloads as of July 2022, and at least 20 million monthly active users (MAUs). 

These apps, like many others on Google Play Store two years ago, tried to capture consumers using colours, logos, and a look and feel similar to the banned applications. 

Trucknetic operates as an online marketplace that connects shippers with carriers. It aims to transport front haul and backhaul loads to ensure zero waste miles for trucks.

The platform comprises two applications: Trucknetic Carrier, for fleet owners and transporters; and Trucknetic Shipper, which caters to individuals, traders, MSMEs, and corporates. 

The pain point the startup is solving is the return load problem, which costs the Indian economy up to $50 billion annually. Trucks usually run empty on their way back, which means fuel wastage and higher costs for the carrier and shipper. 

Trucknetic aims to reduce empty running and improve asset utilisation to reduce transportation costs and eventually cut the carbon footprint.

The logistics startup provides a one-stop solution for all types of trucks and intra-city, inter-city, and line haul movements across India.  
Shippers log on to the app, fill in their movement details such as to and from location, commodity details, and book from the available trucks. They can also avail insurance and credit facilities on the platform.