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The People-First Approach to Funding the Future of Logistics with Michael Sachaj

Release Date: 05/06/2025

REPOST: Beyond the Yard: How Velostics Streamlines Scheduling

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss beyond the yard - how Velostics streamlines scheduling. Gaurav is the Founder and CEO of , a company on a mission to revolutionize the logistics landscape. Summary: Beyond the Yard: How Velostics Streamlines Scheduling In this podcast, Gaurav Khandelwal, CEO of Velostics, discusses how their cloud-based logistics software automates scheduling and streamlines processes for shippers, carriers, and logistics providers. Velostics aims to eliminate manual scheduling, reduce friction in the handoff process, and provide user-friendly tools for better...

The 5 Failures of Final Mile with Jason Burns

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In “The 5 Failures of Final Mile,” and , Host of Last2First Podcast and Insurance Producer at CUI Agency, discuss the common mistakes that final mile companies make. About Jason Burns is a native of New Orleans and a passionate business leader in the final mile transportation industry. He is a 2006 graduate of Vanderbilt University where he was a SEC Academic Honor Roll student-athlete in football and selected as the recipient of the Head Coach’s Dedication Award. After beginning his professional career in the parking industry, Jason returned to his hometown to assume a...

TIA Unpacks Freight: Tariffs, Trust, and the Fight Against Fraud with Chris Burroughs

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

In "TIA Unpacks Freight: Tariffs, Trust, and the Fight Against Fraud," and , President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), dive into key industry topics. About Chris Burroughs is the President and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), a position he assumed in November 2024. With over 14 years at TIA, he previously served as Vice President of Government Affairs, overseeing legislative and regulatory efforts before Congress and federal agencies. Before joining TIA, Burroughs gained valuable experience on Capitol Hill, working for the House...

RocketFuel: Fintech for Fulfillment with Braden DiCristofano

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss RocketFuel: Fintech for fulfillment. Braden is the Co-founder and CEO of Launch Fulfillment and RocketFuel, two high-growth companies transforming the logistics and fintech landscapes. About Braden DiCristofano is the Co-founder and CEO of Launch Fulfillment and RocketFuel, two high-growth companies transforming the logistics and fintech landscapes. Raised in Pleasant Grove, Utah, he served a two-year mission in Jacksonville, Florida, before attending Ensign College. Braden began his career in sales, gaining nine years of experience in sales and leadership—skills that laid the...

The Container Payment Portal and the Rise of AI in Freight with Jake Hoffman

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss the container payment portal and the rise of AI in freight. Jake is the Chief Technology Officer of Gnosis Freight, a logistics tech company focused on the lifecycle of a shipping container as it moves around the world. About Jake Hoffman is the Chief Technology Officer of Gnosis Freight, a logistics tech company focused on the lifecycle of a shipping container as it moves around the world. He has led the engineering team since the company's inception in 2017, bringing a deep understanding of technology and trends in the industry to bear in driving the company's technical...

From Ports to Politics: Decoding Tariffs, Ocean Shipping, and Supply Chains with Sal Mercogliano

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss from ports to politics: decoding tariffs, ocean shipping, and supply chains. Sal is is an associate professor of history at Campbell University in North Carolina and adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. About Sal Mercogliano is an associate professor of history at Campbell University in North Carolina and adjunct professor at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science in marine transportation from the State University of New York Maritime College, along with a merchant marine deck officer license (unlimited tonnage 2nd mate), a...

Delivering the Drinks: Streamlining Beverage Transportation with Kristina Bernarducci

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss delivering the drinks: streamlining beverage transportation. Kristina is the Director of Operations at Bettaway, a privately held, family-owned Supply Chain Services company headquartered in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Kristina and the Bettaway team are big supporters of Wreaths Across America. About Kristina Bernarducci isn’t just building partnerships—she’s building community. As Director of Operations at Bettaway and Director of Business Development at PalletTrader, Kristina brings energy, creativity, and a drive for results to the world of logistics and supply...

REPOST: Global Giants: ICAT Moves the World's Largest Cargo with Chris Cser

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss global giants - ICAT moves the world's largest cargo. Chris is the Director of Operations at ICAT Logistics Detroit where they handle the shipments that other companies don't, can't, and won't. Summary: Global Giants: ICAT Moves the World's Largest Cargo In this podcast, Chris Cser, Director of Operations at ICAT Logistics, takes us on a journey through the complex world of global logistics. Founded in 1992 in Baltimore, ICAT Logistics has expanded across the United States and Europe, specializing in handling unusual, high-value, and oversized freight that often falls outside the...

The People-First Approach to Funding the Future of Logistics with Michael Sachaj

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss the people-first approach to the future of logistics. Michael is a Partner at Hyde Park Angels (HPA), a leading early-stage investor based in Chicago. About Michael Sachaj is a Partner at HPA and manages and supports HPA’s investment opportunities through their lifecycle. Michael has led investment in a number of HPA’s top performing investments including ShipBob, FourKites, Paccurate, and Digit. Prior to joining HPA in 2013, Michael attended Northwestern University and worked at strategy consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton supporting various government clients in the...

Tech-Driven Drayage: A PortPro Perspective with Corey Abbott

The Logistics of Logistics Podcast

and discuss tech-driven drayage: a PortPro perspective. Corey is the Chief Growth Officer and his team lead enterprise initiatives at PortPro, an innovative technology company that keeps the drayage industry moving efficiently with its operating platform built for drayage trucking companies, brokerages, and those that do both. About Corey Abbott , Chief Growth Officer and his team lead enterprise initiatives at PortPro, focusing on developing comprehensive products designed to enhance the customer experience, guided by their needs and feedback. Corey spent over a decade at STG Logistics, the...

More Episodes

Michael Sachaj and Joe Lynch discuss the people-first approach to the future of logistics. Michael is a Partner at Hyde Park Angels (HPA), a leading early-stage investor based in Chicago.

About Michael Sachaj

Michael Sachaj is a Partner at HPA and manages and supports HPA’s investment opportunities through their lifecycle. Michael has led investment in a number of HPA’s top performing investments including ShipBob, FourKites, Paccurate, and Digit. Prior to joining HPA in 2013, Michael attended Northwestern University and worked at strategy consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton supporting various government clients in the Pentagon. Michael is an avid sneakerhead, new dad, and fluent in Polish.

About HPA

Hyde Park Angels (HPA) is a leading early-stage investor based in Chicago. HPA's People First model leverages world-class operating expertise, a powerful business network, and venture capital to fuel startup success. HPA’s extensive network of 150+ members—comprising entrepreneurs, executives, and venture capitalists—provides strategic value to entrepreneurs by offering expertise and connections to foster growth and innovation.

Key Takeaways: The People-First Approach to Funding the Future of Logistics

Michael Sachaj and Joe Lynch discuss the people-first approach to the future of logistics.
Michael is a Partner at Hyde Park Angels (HPA), a leading early-stage investor based in Chicago.
Hyde Park Angels (HPA) is a prominent early-stage investment group based in Chicago, known for its people-first approach to investing.
Positioning HPA in a Thriving Investment Ecosystem: Chicago’s early-stage funding market is more vibrant and competitive than ever, reflecting the strength and momentum of the region’s innovation economy. In response, HPA is leaning into this opportunity by elevating its brand and deepening its bench of experienced investors. By combining capital with meaningful industry access and hands-on support, HPA is increasingly positioned as a partner of choice for ambitious founders.
Integrating Capital with Strategic Expertise: HPA is committed to delivering more than just capital—it provides startups with access to strategic guidance from experienced investors across a wide range of industries. By thoughtfully aligning portfolio companies with members who bring relevant expertise, HPA ensures that founders receive meaningful, tailored support. This deliberate approach strengthens outcomes and reinforces HPA’s role as a high-impact partner in early-stage growth.
People-First Investment Philosophy: HPA stands out by prioritizing relationships over transactions. By aligning investors who bring deep operational and industry experience with entrepreneurs, HPA creates a mentorship-driven ecosystem that goes beyond capital—turning passive funding into strategic partnership. This approach builds long-term value and attracts high-quality startups.
Robust Midwest Deal Flow and Ecosystem Ties: Located in Chicago, HPA leverages its geographic advantage to tap into the Midwest’s growing startup ecosystem. With strong ties to local universities, accelerators, and business leaders, HPA gains early access to promising ventures often overlooked by coastal VCs, giving it a unique sourcing edge.