Two friends overcome odds to establish FastBeetle, Kashmir's first delivery service!
In a remarkable story of friendship, determination, and innovation, childhood friends Sami Ullah Sheikh and Abid Rashid have established FastBeetle, Kashmir's first homegrown delivery service. Overcoming various challenges, the duo has successfully provided same-day doorstep deliveries to over 80,000 customers in Kashmir. With a focus on community service and bridging logistical gaps, FastBeetle has become a trusted hyperlocal venture in the region. Childhood Friends Turned Business Partners Sami Ullah Sheikh, Abid Rashid, and Ahmer Khan, who were childhood friends from Srinagar, joined forces in 2013 to start their event management company, LoudBeetle. The company gained popularity by organizing light and independent music festivals, filling a void in the city's nightlife scene. While Ahmer pursued a career as an award-winning photojournalist, Sami and Abid ventured into the logistics and delivery sector, laying the foundation for FastBeetle. Identifying Gaps in the Delivery Model During his work at a Kashmiri e-commerce company, Sami noticed significant gaps in the existing delivery model. He realized that many local businesses lacked proper logistical channels for intercity and intra-district deliveries. This realization led Sami and Abid to collaborate and address these challenges. They began interacting with their network of businesses, listening to their needs, and devising solutions to overcome the logistical hurdles. Building a Reliable Delivery Service With their combined expertise, Sami and Abid established FastBeetle in late 2018. The company quickly grew its fleet to include over 40 riders and mini delivery trucks to cater to various types of orders. FastBeetle ensures same-day pick-ups and deliveries in over ten districts, including Srinagar, Baramulla, and Pulwama. They have also expanded their services to Ladakh and Jammu, aiming to reach every corner of Kashmir. Serving the Community and Beyond FastBeetle primarily focuses on the local business-to-consumer (B2C) supply chain, but they also fulfill interstate business-to-business (B2B) orders to major cities across India. Additionally, they handle international orders to countries like the Gulf Cooperation Council, the USA, Canada, and the UK. However, their strongest point lies in delivering to remote villages where larger logistics companies are not operational. FastBeetle aims to serve every corner of Kashmir, including villages near the Line of Control. Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Reach Operating in a conflict zone comes with its own set of challenges, including communication blackouts. FastBeetle faced such a blackout when the abrogation of Article 370 was announced, disrupting internet and mobile services in J&K. Despite these challenges, Sami and Abid found innovative ways to keep their business running. They leveraged landline numbers and optimized their delivery app for areas with limited connectivity. FastBeetle also adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing their vehicles to deliver essential goods and medicine to stranded residents. FastBeetle, created by childhood friends Sami Ullah Sheikh and Abid Rashid, has revolutionized the delivery service in Kashmir. By addressing logistical gaps and providing same-day doorstep deliveries, they have earned the trust and support of the local community. FastBeetle's commitment to serving remote areas and supporting local entrepreneurs has made it a vital link in the region's supply chain. As they continue to overcome challenges and expand their reach, Sami and Abid's entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration for others in the region and beyond.
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