# Supply Chain and Fulfillment — Investment Areas — Consumer Equity Partners

Source: https://consumerequitypartners.com/pillars/supply-chain-and-fulfillment/

CEP backs technology companies that help retailers move goods from supplier to shopper, from warehouse and store automation to last-mile delivery, cold chain and circular logistics, along with AI forecasting and replenishment tools whose recommendations planners review and approve. eMarketer values the global last-mile delivery market at about $201 billion in 2025, projected to grow about 12% a year through 2029, and puts the last mile at 53% of total shipping costs. A startup proves its savings in one building or delivery zone, then extends across the retailer's network.

## Representative areas

- Warehouse robotics and goods-to-person systems
- Micro-fulfillment inside or beside stores for same-day orders
- Last-mile routing software, drones and autonomous delivery
- AI forecasting, replenishment and multi-origin sourcing tools
- Cold-chain technology for fresh food and pharmacy
- Returns, resale and circular logistics technology

## Lens

Retailers are adding automation to distribution centers and stores, and using AI to plan inventory with a person approving each decision. A product proves its unit economics in one building or one delivery zone, connects to the retailer's warehouse and planning systems, then rolls out across the network.