(Editor’s note: Dispatches Europe tracks the tech scene – startups, scale-ups and mature companies – across Europe because so many of our highly skilled internationals are engineers, physicists and developers who aspire to be part of the new new thing. This post on Lisbon-based startup LUGGit is part of our Tuesday Tech series.)
The Lisbon based startup LUGGit was listed as one of the most promising startups in Portugal to watch in 2021 by EU-Startups. I found their product particularly interesting.
Lisbon, becoming one of the most travelled-to cities in Europe (if not the world) now, could use a special luggage service. LUGGit’s online platform gives you access to a fleet of professional drivers they call “Keepers.” Upon requesting a service, one of their keepers meets you wherever you are and picks up your luggage. They store it in their secure facilities, then drop it off at the time and place of your choice. This way you can enjoy the city luggage-free (Moreover, you avoid the cobblestone streets ruining your luggage).
Youssef Ben Ahmed, LUGGit’s growth marketing manager, tells us why luggage in Lisbon and why
Lisbon for a startup:
What does LUGGit offer? And how did the idea come up?
LUGGit enables tourists to enjoy cities hassle-free by picking up and delivering your luggage anywhere. We store your luggage for you for as many hours or days as needed. The idea emerged when our CEO, Ricardo Figueiredo was a short-term rental provider and noticed how he and his guests suffered from luggage logistics. Either guests arrived hours before check-in or their flights are way later then their checkout time. Many guests ended up walking around with their luggage and missed out on their last day in Lisbon.
Many hosts also don’t have luggage storage solutions for their guests in these periods. Therefore, Ricardo decided to tackle this problem by creating LUGGit with three other people.
Why Lisbon and not anywhere else?
LUGGit started in Lisbon simply because, since the beginning, we were aiming to go global. Lisbon is now the best place for that.
Starting in Lisbon, the most important touristic destination in the country, as well as one of the most visited cities in Europe, enabled us to learn as much as we can in the fastest way possible. Mastering the Lisbon Market is our catalyst for expansions.
What would you say are LUGGit’s milestones so far?
I would say we are proud of two achievements.
The first one is that, even though we are a startup operating in the travel and tourism sectors, we managed to survive during the pandemic and grow in 2020 and almost double our team. The second one is being featured by the United Nations world travel organization as one of the most innovative startups in the tourism industry.
How do you see LUGGit’s future plans in Lisbon?
Our plans for Lisbon remain the same. Growing more, getting more partners, optimizing our operations and helping as many people as possible enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the world luggage-free.
About the author:
Sarah Nagaty is a PhD researcher of cultural studies in Lisbon. She’s lived in Portugal for three years.
As a student of cultural studies, Sarah is drawn to what connects people from different backgrounds to new cultures and places, how they relate to their new surroundings and what kind of activities they could engage with in their new hometowns.
See all of Sarah’s Dispatches posts here.
See more about Lisbon’s startup scene here.
See Dispatches’ Lisbon story archive here.
Sarah Nagaty has a PhD in cultural studies, She’s lived in Portugal for six years.
As a student of cultural studies, Sarah is drawn to what connects people from different backgrounds to new cultures and places, how they relate to their new surroundings and what kind of activities they could engage with in their new hometowns.
