Walmart, JD Invests $500 Million in Chinese Logistics Service

Dada-JD Daojia has raised $500 million from existing backers JD.com Inc.and Walmart Inc. to quicken the growth of its delivery network across China.

The logistics company said it intends to use the funds to invest in supply chain technology and serve merchants on its platform, which connects scooter-riding drivers in about 400 cities with about 1.2 million online merchants and delivers everything from packages to groceries. Walmart’s Chinese-based supermarkets are one of Dada-JD Daojia’s key clients.

Formed when JD merged certain business assets with Dada Nexus Ltd., the company is distinct from JD’s own logistics operations in that it mostly relies on freelance couriers. It’s a key cog in a battle with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. that sends millions of riders onto Chinese streets daily. At peak times, Dada-JD Daojia says it delivers 1 million orders per day, and its platform also acts as a shopping portal that promises delivery within an hour of orders.

“Dada-JD Daojia will deepen our partnership with leading retail partners and improve supply chain efficiency via technology,” Chief Executive Officer Philip Kuai said in a statement.

Bloomberg.com