UK and Japan-based firms HIVED and Yamato team up to advance sustainable and tech driven logistics

HIVED, an electric delivery company, has announced a new partnership and investment from Japanese firm Yamato.

The agreement will see both companies collaborate to leverage their respective expertise and knowledge, with the aim of advancing sustainable and tech driven logistics across both in the UK and Japan. As part of this, Yamato will invest £2 million in HIVED.

Founded in 2021 by Co-CEOs Murvah Iqbal and Mathias Krieger, HIVED counts as customers the likes of Nespresso, Zara, John Lewis and Uniqlo. 

Yamato commands 47% of Japan’s logistics market and handles over 2.3 billion parcels annually.

Iqbal says: “This partnership represents a game changing moment for HIVED. As a world-leader in logistics, Yamato brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will accelerate our growth and improve our operations. We are excited about what the future holds as, together, we seek to push the boundaries of what modern delivery services can offer.” 

Yasuhiro Saito, Head of Innovation and Investment at Yamato Holdings, says: "We are excited to partner with and invest in HIVED, recognising the future potential of its delivery network centred on digital and electric vehicle solutions.”

“We believe its model will offer customers new value and a transformative delivery experience. As partners, we aim to collaborate closely, exchanging business insights to drive growth together."

The collaboration also aligns with the goals of the Hiroshima Accord between the UK and Japan, signed in 2023, which focuses on greater collaboration and investment across key strategic sectors, such as technology and sustainability.

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Green retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which is now open for entries.

The awards, sponsored by Scala, CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.