What innovation did Instacart's founders, Arian Shnell, Max Mullen, and Alex Obenauer, prioritize over warehouse building?
Answer
A sophisticated software platform designed for logistical orchestration.
Unlike Webvan, which focused on building physical infrastructure (warehouses), Instacart's founders concentrated their efforts on creating a sophisticated software solution. This platform was specifically engineered for logistical orchestration, meaning it managed the complex coordination required between the customer's order, the independent shopper finding the items in a third-party store, and the final delivery. This focus on software, rather than physical assets, allowed for a more flexible and scalable operational setup.
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