Interview With Matias Jalil, CEO & Co-founder of Qubik

Meet Matias Jalil, CEO and Co-founder of Qubik. In this interview, he shares his journey from an early start in entrepreneurship to co-founding Qubik. Having founded multiple ventures across diverse industries, Matias’s pivot to supply chain management was inspired by the challenges he witnessed in the transportation sector. Fueled by a desire to bridge gaps in a fragmented market, Qubik emerged as a solution with a mission to empower SMEs in the agrifood industry across The Americas. As Qubik envisions sustainable growth for SMEs, Matias’s insights shed light on the dynamic future of logistics and supply chain management.

---

Tribu (T): Matias, can you tell us about your background and how it led you to co-found Qubik? What motivated you to transition from the transportation industry to supply chain management?

Matias (M): My journey into entrepreneurship began at an early age, and it has been a constant thread throughout my life. By the time I reached 30, I had already founded four distinct companies, each in entirely different industries. However, a significant turning point occurred when I ventured into the transportation industry and established a traditional logistics truck company at the age of 24.

It was during my time in the transportation sector that I became acutely aware of the challenges my clients faced in managing their logistics operations. They consistently approached me with a myriad of logistics-related problems, seeking solutions that were often elusive. This recurring theme piqued my curiosity and became the driving force behind my decision to co-found Qubik.

Our motivation behind founding Qubik was clear: we aimed to address the pressing needs of businesses struggling to navigate the complexities of logistics. We envisioned a solution that would bridge the gaps in this fragmented market using technology as a connective force. Our vision extended beyond providing mere information; we wanted to harness the existing assets within the market to deliver comprehensive solutions to clients who had long been searching for a one-stop logistics partner. The transition from the transportation industry to supply chain management was a natural evolution driven by a deep-seated desire to solve the challenges faced by businesses in their logistical endeavors. Qubik represents our commitment to simplifying and enhancing the logistics landscape through innovation, collaboration, and the power of technology.

(T): Qubik aims to enable sustainable growth for SMEs across The Americas. Could you elaborate on the specific challenges faced by SMEs in the agrifood industry that Qubik addresses?

(M): SMEs operating in the agrifood industry encounter a distinctive set of obstacles that often hinder their growth potential. These challenges encompass restricted access to efficient logistics, intricate inventory management, and the unpredictability of market fluctuations. Qubik takes a proactive approach to address these hurdles, delivering tailored solutions that empower these SMEs.

At the core of our strategy is the provision of streamlined supply chain solutions. Qubik equips agrifood SMEs with real-time visibility into their supply chains, allowing them to make informed decisions promptly. This visibility enables businesses to adapt swiftly to market dynamics, mitigating risks associated with market fluctuations. Moreover, our cost-effective options are custom-tailored to meet the unique needs of each SME, ensuring they do not bear unnecessary costs due to production fluctuations.

Flexibility is key in our approach. With the Qubik platform, SMEs have the freedom to access on-demand services, aligning precisely with their current requirements. This flexibility extends to addressing the critical elements of the supply chain, including first-mile logistics, warehousing, and last-mile delivery. SMEs can choose services based on factors such as lead time, cost considerations, or specific origin and destination needs.

(T): What sets Qubik apart from other supply chain platforms in terms of features and capabilities? How does your platform specifically cater to the needs of the agrifood industry?

(M): Qubik stands out in the supply chain platform landscape through its tailored, real-time, and cost-efficient approach. Specifically catering to the agrifood industry, our platform offers personalized solutions that adapt to each business’s unique challenges, delivering real-time visibility from farm to table. We prioritize cost optimization, ensuring businesses minimize expenses by adjusting logistics to production and market demands. Our flexible service model, market connectivity, sustainability focus, and data-driven insights all contribute to a comprehensive platform that empowers agrifood SMEs to thrive sustainably. Qubik is more than a logistics solution; it’s a strategic partner dedicated to the success of businesses in this dynamic and competitive industry.

(T): Could you explain the core components and functionalities of the Qubik platform? How does it integrate different aspects of the supply chain to optimize operations?

(M): Here are some of the key technologies used by Qubik:

• Transportation Management System: which helps businesses optimize their shipping operations by providing optimized routes and suppliers, shipment tracking, and delivery status of products.
• Stock management system: which allows businesses to manage their inventory across multiple locations and track the movement of goods in real-time. Includes features such as barcode scanning, automated order routing, and customizable workflows, which help businesses increase efficiency and reduce errors in their warehousing operations.
• Cloud computing: The platform is built on top of cloud computing infrastructure, which provides scalability, flexibility, and high availability to support businesses of all sizes.
• Data analytics: Qubik uses data analytics to provide businesses with real-time insights into their supply chain operations. This allows businesses to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience.
• Application programming interfaces (APIs): Our platform is built on a modular architecture that allows businesses to integrate their existing systems with Qubik´s platform using APIs. This enables businesses to easily access and connect to services without disrupting their existing workflows.

(T): How do you ensure sustainability is integrated into Qubik’s solutions? What kind of impact can a company using Qubik expect in terms of sustainability and environmental responsibility?

(M): Sustainability is a core focus for Qubik. Our platform promotes sustainable practices by minimizing waste, optimizing routes to reduce emissions, and providing insights for more eco-friendly decisions. Companies using Qubik can expect a significant positive impact in terms of sustainability and environmental responsibility. By reducing waste and optimizing logistics, they contribute to a healthier planet. Specifically, they can anticipate a substantial reduction in their carbon footprint, which not only aligns with their corporate social responsibility goals but also resonates with environmentally conscious consumers. Qubik empowers businesses to be part of the solution in addressing today’s environmental challenges while achieving efficiency and cost savings in their operations.

(T): Qubik focuses on SMEs in Latin America. What industries do you focus on and could you share some success stories or examples of how Qubik has helped companies in the agrifood industry in the region?

(M): Qubik’s primary focus lies within key industries such as agriculture, food distribution, and perishable goods in Latin America. To illustrate the impact of our solutions, consider the success story of a regional dairy producer in the agrifood industry. By implementing Qubik’s platform, this company experienced a remarkable 20% increase in on-time deliveries, reducing 20% cost and being eco-friendly. This achievement not only streamlined their distribution processes but also improved customer satisfaction and reduced costly delays. These results demonstrate Qubik’s ability to make a tangible difference in the agrifood sector within Latin America. Our platform is dedicated to driving efficiency, reliability, and overall growth for businesses in these vital industries, ultimately contributing to their sustained success.

(T): Could you walk us through a typical use case of a company in the agrifood industry that adopts Qubik? What benefits and improvements can they expect to see in their supply chain operations?

(M): Let’s delve into a typical use case featuring a fruit exporter who embraces Qubik’s solutions. In this scenario, the exporter witnesses a transformation in their supply chain operations, yielding substantial benefits and improvements.

• Cold Chain Management Enhancement: With Qubik, the fruit exporter gains precise control over their cold chain management. Our platform offers real-time monitoring and alerts, ensuring that the fruits are stored and transported at optimal temperatures. This meticulous oversight minimizes spoilage, maintains product quality, and extends shelf life, ultimately guaranteeing that only the freshest produce reaches the market.
• Reduced Delivery Delays: Qubik’s route optimization algorithms drastically reduce delivery delays. By intelligently mapping the most efficient routes, the fruit exporter can ensure that shipments reach their destinations promptly. This not only enhances customer satisfaction but also reduces operational costs associated with delayed deliveries.
• Optimized Routes: Qubik optimizes transportation routes, which directly translates to cost savings for the fruit exporter. By reducing unnecessary mileage and fuel consumption, they experience improved operational efficiency and increased profitability.

In summary, the adoption of Qubik by a fruit exporter in the agrifood industry translates into enhanced cold chain management, reduced delivery delays, and cost-effective route optimization. These improvements result in fresher produce reaching the market, satisfied customers, and increased profits, illustrating how Qubik delivers tangible benefits to businesses in this sector.

(T): How does Qubik leverage technology and data analytics to optimize supply chain processes? Can you provide insights into the innovative solutions and strategies that Qubik employs?

(M): Our platform is built on a modular architecture that allows businesses to integrate their existing systems with Qubik´s platform using APIs. This enables businesses to easily access and connect to services without disrupting their existing workflows.

Also Qubik uses data analytics to provide businesses with real-time insights into their supply chain operations. This allows businesses to optimize their operations, reduce costs, and improve the customer experience.

(T): As a CEO and co-founder, what are some of the key lessons you have learned from your entrepreneurial journey with Qubik? How have these lessons shaped the company’s vision and strategy?

(M): My journey as CEO and co-founder of Qubik has imparted invaluable lessons. First and foremost, I’ve learned the paramount importance of assembling a stellar team and nurturing their growth. At Qubik, we’ve fostered a culture centered on honesty, hard work, and the belief that each team member is exceptional, setting us apart in our journey. Adaptability is another key lesson. In the fast-paced realms of logistics and technology, our ability to swiftly pivot and respond to changing circumstances has been instrumental. We’ve thrived in this dynamic environment by staying agile and responsive to market demands.

(T): In the agrifood industry, partnerships and collaborations are vital. Can you share any strategic alliances or partnerships that Qubik has formed to strengthen its position in the market and provide additional value to your customers?

(M): Partnerships are indeed crucial, and we have formed strategic alliances with regional distributors. We have a strategy to reach and partner with the best 10 logistics 3pl and trucks and distribution companies in each country that we will operate. After that, we partner with small vendors focused on temperature-controlled logistics providers. 

(T): Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals for Qubik? How do you envision the company contributing to the sustainable growth of SMEs in the agrifood industry in the years to come?

(M): Looking ahead, our overarching goal for Qubik is to establish it as the ultimate solution that catalyzes sustainable growth for agrifood SMEs. We envision Qubik becoming the cornerstone of efficiency, cost reduction, and environmental stewardship within the industry. By optimizing supply chains, facilitating market expansion through networking, and emphasizing eco-friendly practices, we aim to empower these businesses to not only navigate challenges but also thrive in a competitive market.