Hybrid Shifting Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of AI-Powered B2C Brand Pikkol
- ByStartupStory | September 6, 2023

Hybrid Shifting Solution India Pvt. Ltd. (Hybrid Shifting), recently bolstered by a $2.5 million investment from Transworld International, is excited to announce its acquisition of Pikkol, India’s pioneering AI-based, technology-driven moving brand. In just eight years, Pikkol has evolved into India’s most innovative tech-enabled B2C moving brand, assisting over 100,000 customers in seamless relocations. This strategic move positions Hybrid Shifting at the forefront of technology in the moving industry, with an extensive partner network spanning 100 Indian cities and access to Pikkol’s loyal customer base. Importantly, all of Pikkol’s employees, including its leadership team, will remain onboard, ensuring continued focus on enhancing technology and product offerings to elevate customer experiences.
Founded and spearheaded by Deepu Chandran, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, Pikkol is dedicated to providing hassle-free, transparent, and joyful moving experiences with minimal human intervention. Recognized as one of India’s top 50 hottest startups in 2017, Pikkol takes pride in being the country’s first platform to offer instant quotes through an advanced algorithm, eliminating the need for pre-move physical surveys. With an impressive 80% customer retention rate, Pikkol has demonstrated its commitment to customer satisfaction.
Rahul Pillai, Founder, and CEO of Hybrid Shifting, expressed, “By adopting Pikkol’s direct-to-consumer model and app-based technology, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers in an industry moving towards employee reimbursement.”
With the strategic investment from Transworld International and its FIDI FAIM accreditation, combined with the acquisition of Pikkol’s tech-enabled innovations, Hybrid Shifting becomes the sole company in India to offer tech-enabled solutions for both B2B and B2C businesses across various price points. The company remains steadfast in its commitment to quality, transparency, trust, and sustainability.
Deepu Chandran, Founder and CEO of Pikkol and RedNile Innovations Pvt Ltd., highlighted the growth and scale brought by Hybrid Shifting, backed by Rahul Pillai’s exceptional leadership and Transworld International’s infrastructure. This collaboration empowers customers to choose between a white-glove service and a no-frills option without compromising on quality or commitment. The divestment and partnership align with the strategic vision of allowing Pikkol to focus on logistics services for clients while maintaining exceptional customer service in relocations.