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Clemente Theotokis, co-founder and co-managing director of London-based technology-driven logistics company Zeus, recalls his company’s origins with clarity and passion. Theotkis, along with his business partner Jai Kanwal, embarked on a mission to modernize the logistics sector, one of the most traditional sectors of the global economy. Currently, they lead one of the fastest growing companies in Europe in this field.
“We grew up in an era where technology was becoming integrated into every aspect of life,” says Theotkis. “Driven by our entrepreneurial spirit, we started exploring an industry that was lagging behind, and logistics soon emerged as a top choice.”
The pair started Zeus in their early 20s, fresh out of college, after seeing an untapped opportunity to overhaul their supply chains with digital tools. “Inspired by Jay’s grandfather, who built a hugely successful global company, we took the plunge and founded Zeus at age 21, launching the company the same week we graduated,” he said. I say.
Zeus was born at a critical moment. The pandemic forced industries around the world to rethink the way they operate, and logistics was no exception. “Lockdown not only gave us the time and space we needed to build our business from scratch, but also accelerated the need for digitization across industries,” Theotkis reflects. As traditional supply chains become strained, demand for digital solutions skyrockets, creating a unique opportunity for Zeus to thrive.
“In just six months, we have rapidly gained momentum, built a network of drivers and secured partnerships with leading companies like AB InBev,” he added. Zeus is currently transforming supply chains across Europe with a focus on reducing carbon emissions through technology-driven solutions.
Overcoming resistance: technology in traditional industries
Although the timing was perfect, Zeus’ founders faced a significant challenge: convincing an industry based on manual processes to adopt new technology. Theotkis recognizes the difficulty of introducing innovation in such areas. “Our biggest challenge was bringing technology to an industry deeply rooted in traditional manual processes,” he says.
Their approach was pragmatic. Rather than imposing abstract promises, Zeus showed concrete results. The partnership with Apollo Tires proved to be crucial. “Our solution is expected to reduce the company’s European transportation costs by €1.8 million per year and increase operational productivity by up to 25%,” said Theotokis. By demonstrating the immediate benefits of its technology, Zeus was able to build credibility in an industry often skeptical of change.
Helping Yourself: The Early Years of Self-Financing
In an era when startups often seek early-stage funding, Theotkis and his partners chose a different path. Rather than seeking investment right away, they put their own money into Zeus, confident in the business model’s potential. “We were so confident in our vision and core values that instead of seeking outside funding, we decided to support ourselves and put everything we had into it. ” explains Theotkis.
This decision turned out to be more than just a whim. “Now, four years after our founding, we are seeing strong interest from investors who recognize our potential and are enthusiastic about supporting Zeus as we continue to grow and transform the industry,” he says. Their initial sense of independence gave the company independence, allowing them to build it on their own terms.
But Zeus’ rapid growth came with setbacks. Theotkis is candid about the challenges he faced along the way. “As young entrepreneurs, we have come to see failure as part of the journey rather than something to be feared,” he says. “Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.”
For Theotkis, the key to meeting challenges is adaptability. “When things don’t go as planned, we take a step back, analyze what went wrong, and quickly adapt,” he explains. This flexible approach has allowed Zeus to overcome challenges and continue to evolve in an industry that is notoriously difficult to disrupt.
Driven by sustainability
Beyond technological innovation, Zeus is also committed to making the logistics sector more sustainable. “Our commitment to sustainability motivates us,” says Theotkis. “We aim to play a key role in helping the industry meet its 2030 Scope 3 targets.”This effort to reduce the environmental impact of logistics will help make it more environmentally friendly. Consistent with a broader industry shift towards solutions, Zeus’ products, such as Zeus Connect, a low-carbon multimodal solution, are already achieving tangible results. According to Theotokis, the platform has reduced tailpipe carbon emissions by more than 80%.
For those looking to follow a similar path, Theotkis offers some words of wisdom. “Success takes time, especially in a traditional industry like ours,” he says. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a fresh perspective and being open to new ways of thinking. “Coming into the field as technology-first natives, we learned the importance of thinking differently and being open to fresh perspectives.”
He also emphasizes the importance of building a strong team from the beginning. “Building a strong team from the beginning is essential to overcome the inevitable challenges that every company faces in its early stages,” he added.
Finally, Theotokis reminds us to stay passionate. “Staying passionate about what you do keeps you motivated and gets you through even the toughest moments in your journey.”
As Zeus continues its upward trajectory, Theotokis’ story is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience and foresight, proving that even the most traditional industries can be transformed when the right people come together at the right time. I am.
