Glīd, a logistics infrastructure company, secured the top prize at TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield 2025. The company’s solutions address critical inefficiencies in container shipment, making the process simpler, safer, and more intelligent. Founder and CEO Kevin Damoa outlines how a personal experience in the U.S. Army sparked the company’s foundation.
From Military Logistics to Startup Success
Damoa’s journey began during his military service, where he directly observed the challenges of large cargo transport. Specifically, he noticed the friction between road and rail systems – while railways avoid road congestion, their own loading and unloading processes are complex and often slow down delivery. This firsthand exposure revealed a major pain point in global logistics.
Years later, Damoa stood on the Disrupt stage, victorious over 200 other startups. His win wasn’t just about identifying a problem, but delivering a working solution: a combination of hardware and software designed to streamline the cargo transfer process. This included a live demo of three products launched simultaneously – a feat achieved under intense pressure.
The Team Behind the Breakthrough
Glīd’s success isn’t solely down to its technology. Damoa emphasizes the critical role of a highly focused and mission-driven team. He describes a fast-paced, “organic” hiring process where initial assessments quickly escalate to full recruitment. The company prioritizes candidates who practice mindfulness, reflecting Damoa’s own approach to high-stakes moments (“I’m going to meditate,” he said upon learning they were in the top five).
Scaling Up: Pilots and New Products
Glīd is already moving from proof-of-concept to real-world implementation. The company is launching a pilot program with Great Plains Industrial Park, and its next product, Glīder, is set to enter the market. They are currently hiring across all departments to accelerate growth.
Glīd’s win highlights a growing trend: logistics tech is becoming increasingly vital as supply chains face disruption and demand for efficiency rises. The company’s unique approach – combining practical insight with a human-centric culture – positions it as a potential leader in the sector.
Glīd’s success demonstrates the power of turning real-world experience into scalable solutions. Their current momentum and funding will likely propel them further, potentially reshaping how global cargo moves in the coming years.
