The verdict in three sentences
A freight exchange linking 400 independent truckers with Berlin manufacturers and wholesalers launches with an MVP at EUR 70,000 to 150,000, delivered in 12 to 16 weeks. The business model rests on an 8 to 12% commission per load, which means proving three things to investors fast: shippers post, carriers accept, money moves without disputes. A successful MVP therefore covers only the full cycle of one load, with GPS tracking, photo proof of delivery and escrow payment, and nothing more.
The minimum scope that convinces an investor
On the Berlin-Hamburg, Berlin-Munich and Berlin-Warsaw lanes, small carriers still find loads through phone calls, brokers taking 10 to 15% and large exchanges like Timocom with monthly fees. Your MVP must show it is faster, more transparent and safer for owner-operators.
| Feature | In the MVP | Deferred to version 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Shipper posts a load | Yes, 2-minute form | Bulk import, TMS API |
| Carrier signup and verification | Yes, licence, insurance, vehicle photo | Advanced rating, embedded insurance |
| Matching and acceptance | Yes, push and SMS notification | Bidding, dynamic pricing |
| GPS trip tracking | Yes, via driver's phone | Telematics integration |
| Proof of delivery | Yes, photo and recipient signature | Automatic CMR document reading |
| Secure payment | Yes, escrow via Stripe Connect | Factoring, fuel credit |
| Admin dashboard | Yes, loads, disputes, commissions | Advanced analytics |
MVP budget and timeline
2026 orders of magnitude for a team of 3 to 5 people.
| Item | Budget (EUR) | Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery, journeys, mockups | 8,000 to 16,000 | 2 to 3 |
| Driver Android and iOS app | 20,000 to 45,000 | 4 to 6 |
| Shipper web and mobile space | 15,000 to 30,000 | 3 to 4 |
| GPS tracking and proof of delivery | 10,000 to 22,000 | 2 to 3 |
| Escrow payment and payouts | 10,000 to 20,000 | 2 to 3 |
| Back office, commissions, disputes | 7,000 to 17,000 | 2 to 3 |
| Total | 70,000 to 150,000 | 12 to 16 weeks |
Weeks overlap: the driver app and shipper space are built in parallel. The last 4 weeks are a pilot with 30 to 50 carriers and 5 to 10 shippers.
Monthly running costs and revenue model
| Cost or revenue | Monthly order of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Hosting, maps and GPS | EUR 700 to 1,800 |
| SMS and notifications | EUR 300 to 900 |
| Corrective maintenance | EUR 1,000 to 2,500 |
| Payment processing fees | EUR 500 to 800 |
| Total running costs | EUR 2,500 to 6,000 |
| Average load Berlin-Hamburg | EUR 550 to 750 |
| Average load Berlin-Warsaw | EUR 900 to 1,300 |
| Platform commission | 8 to 12% |
Break-even sits around 40 to 60 loads per month. That is the figure to hit during the pilot to make the funding round credible.
Mini case study
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Jonas, a founder in Berlin, has signed letters of intent with 6 shippers (building materials, food wholesale, beverage distribution). He funds an MVP at EUR 110,000 over 14 weeks. At 6 months he targets 300 loads per month at an average value of EUR 750, i.e. EUR 225,000 in freight moved. At 10% commission, the platform earns EUR 22,500 per month, minus EUR 4,500 in running costs: EUR 18,000 gross margin monthly. The MVP pays back in about 6 months at that pace, a solid numerical argument for a seed round.
FAQ
Why escrow rather than paying the driver directly?
Escrow reassures both sides: the shipper pays on posting, the carrier is paid on proof of delivery. It reduces disputes and secures the 8 to 12% commission, deducted automatically.
Do the drivers have smartphones?
Almost all do. Plan a light app under 15 MB, in German, Polish and English, with an SMS fallback for confirmations.
Does the MVP handle cross-border loads to Poland?
Yes for matching and tracking, with EUR pricing. Handling e-CMR and cabotage rules belongs in version 2, for EUR 15,000 to 30,000 extra.
How much does version 2 cost after the MVP?
Roughly EUR 90,000 to 200,000 over 4 to 6 months, depending on modules (bidding, insurance, factoring, shipper API).
Do I own the code?
Yes, intellectual property is transferred on delivery, with source code escrow, which investors always check during due diligence.
Let's scope your project. Describe your lanes, carrier network and first shippers: we will price an MVP between EUR 70,000 and 150,000, deliverable in 12 to 16 weeks, with a pilot plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
