Canon Reeves for Pipedream Labs

Pipedream is a network of underground tubes that offers near-instantaneous delivery of objects to and from homes and businesses.

Catch up on our last two updates here:
www.pipedreamlabs.co/july_21
www.pipedreamlabs.co/august_21

• Developed a network layout tool for studying the impact of Pipedream on delivery times
• Clearly defined the core components of a modular pipe network
• Developed concept for nodes with multi-modal support

Thanks to Cortado Ventures and Nathaniel Harding for intros to mayors! We really appreciate it!
Also huge thanks to Shaan Puri, Sean Hoge, and Nabeel for some amazing intros this week.

Modular Infrastructure
We are not just building robots, we are developing infrastructure and technologies that will enable hyperlogistics in cities across the world. In order for effectively create the future we envision, we have chosen to make our technology modular. Each component of our system is like a high-tech Lego, which can be pieced together with any other component in an array of arrangements. This allows us the freedom to optimize network layouts for each city and stage of development, while also minimizing the development time for individual deployments.

This month, we meticulously defined the features and interfaces for each component, and now our engineering team is hard at work bringing them to life. Below are some example mini-networks that show how modularity allows for extensibility as we scale up in a city.

Example Networks (the distance between nodes is shortened for visualization)

Multi-Modality:
While the future of hyperlogistics will depend heavily on dedicated underground infrastructure, other modes of transportation will also be required to achieve full autonomy at cost effective prices. Underground systems (such as PipeDream’s) will be optimized for city-scale middle mile transportation in medium to high density areas, while sidewalk robots will be optimized for last mile transportation in medium density areas (such as suburbs or campuses). Drones will be optimal for last mile delivery in low density areas, and for areas without developed infrastructure. Autonomous vehicles will likely also play a role for larger items and/or longer range deliveries.

In order to facilitate this multi-modal hyperlogistics future, transfer points between modes of transport will be required, and these transfers must be autonomous in order to scale in capacity and profitability. Over the past month we've developed several concepts for Portals such as the one pictured below that can function as end points for humans or transfer points for autonomous robots.

Portal transferring a payload to a sidewalk robot

Network Layout Tool
In August we brought on Kyle Sadler as our first software engineer and over the last month he's developed a network layout tool that allows anyone to create their own Pipedream network. Once a network layout is created, you can compare the delivery costs & times of driving only and driving + Pipedream middle mile. We intend to use this tool internally for planning networks and will continue to enhance it with more features over time. Kyle is also starting work on an operational simulator which will provide deep insight into network capacity and performance, allowing us to maximize the return on infrastructure cost.

You can check out an example of the beta version here, but please do not share externally:
https://demo.pipedreamlabs.co/delivery-simulator/seattle

You can also build your own middle mile networks here:
https://demo.pipedreamlabs.co/delivery-simulator/sandbox

Send us a screenshot if you make a cool one!

Intros
At this stage, the most important thing we can do is acquire the absolute best team possible. Our filter for hiring at the moment is that the next candidate should be more talented than anyone else currently on the team. We have done that with the technical roles, and are looking to hire the best possible Business Development person in the logistics/infrastructure/city tech spaces. If you know someone who might be a good fit, please reach out to: [email protected].

We are also at the stage where we are starting to build partnerships in the with delivery providers (Uber Eats, Doordash, Nuro, drone delivery companies, tech savvy pizza companies, etc). Establishing strategic partnerships with people who need things delivered faster is essential to creating value-added pilot programs in multiple cities (which is the next growth phase of the company). Any intro's in this space would be extremely valuable.

Ending Balance: $1,212,095
Expected Monthly Burn: $47k
Projected Runway: 26 Months

Email: [email protected] to request a detailed report.