In the Room with Ryan Petersen, Founder and CEO of Flexport

Welcome back to another season of The Room Podcast! To kick off season 12, we are joined by Ryan Petersen, the founder of Flexport, a company that’s reshaping the logistics and supply chain industry through innovative technology and a customer-first approach. Ryan shares his journey from a childhood influenced by entrepreneurial parents to navigating the complexities of global trade, ultimately leading to the founding of Flexport.

Join us as we explore how Flexport is addressing the evolving landscape of tariffs and trade policy in 2025, disrupting a highly regulated industry, and leveraging AI to transform supply chain management. Ryan also shares insights on the importance of understanding customer pain points, the challenges of scaling a tech-driven logistics company, and the impact of AI on operational efficiency.

Let’s Open the Door.

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T1: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Tariffs and Trade Policy

As Ryan reflects on his upbringing in Bethesda, Maryland, he highlights the influence of his entrepreneurial parents, who instilled in him a deep understanding of business and the complexities of government regulations. This background laid a foundation for his future endeavors in the logistics sector, where he’d be navigating government influence on global trade.

In 2025, the landscape of tariffs and trade policy is more complex than ever, with businesses facing a myriad of challenges. Just last week, the Trump Administration announced an unprecedented tariff plan that includes a 10% baseline tariff on all US imports (excluding those from Canada and Mexico), and a reciprocal tariff structure to counteract similar policies in other countries. These tariffs, announced on April 2, 2025 (“Liberation Day”), have sent the global economy into a tailspin, and have real impact on consumers. (Watch Ryan offer his latest thoughts on the tariffs and their impact on Flexport customers at StrictlyVC in SF.)

Ryan emphasizes that the shifting regulatory environment impacts everyone — from small businesses to large corporations. With tariffs fluctuating and new trade agreements being negotiated, companies must stay agile and informed to navigate these changes effectively. Flexport aims to be that partner, helping businesses adapt to the evolving landscape by providing clarity and support in understanding how these policies affect their operations.

Ryan notes that many companies struggle with the intricacies of tariffs, often feeling overwhelmed by the constant changes. Flexport’s mission is to simplify this process, ensuring that clients can focus on their core business while Flexport handles the compliance headaches. By prioritizing transparency and communication, Flexport empowers its customers to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing environment.

T2: Disrupting a Highly Regulated Industry

Operating in a highly regulated industry presents its own set of challenges, especially when dealing with the complexities of different governments’ policies and the changing hands of various goods. Ryan discusses how Flexport navigates this intricate web of regulations while maintaining customer trust.

The logistics industry has historically lagged in adopting technology, often relying on outdated systems and manual processes that can lead to inefficiencies and frustrations for customers. Ryan recognized early on that many logistics providers treated their clients poorly, resulting in a lack of trust and transparency. Flexport disrupts this status quo by integrating technology with logistics expertise, offering a modern solution to age-old problems.

Flexport has positioned itself as a pioneer among legacy incumbent companies by prioritizing innovation and customer-centricity. By leveraging technology to streamline operations, Flexport is not just keeping pace with the industry but setting new standards for what logistics can be. Ryan emphasizes that Flexport is committed to following regulations rather than challenging them, which helps build trust with clients. By positioning itself as a compliance-focused partner, Flexport alleviates the burden of navigating complex regulations, allowing businesses to focus on growth.

Flexport’s approach is rooted in understanding the regulatory landscape and the specific needs of its customers. With 43 government agencies in the U.S. alone that take an interest in imported products, compliance is a top priority. Ryan believes that by revolutionizing the logistics industry through technology, Flexport is not only improving operational efficiency but also enhancing the overall customer experience.

T3: AI’s Impact on Supply Chain Management

As Flexport continues to scale, Ryan highlights the transformative role of AI in supply chain management. The company has recently launched over 20 AI-driven products designed to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer experience. By leveraging data and machine learning, Flexport is automating many of the labor-intensive tasks traditionally associated with logistics, such as document management and status tracking.

One of the standout features of Flexport’s AI capabilities is its natural language querying system, which allows users to generate reports and insights simply by asking questions. This innovation democratizes access to data, enabling all users — regardless of their technical expertise — to gain valuable insights into their supply chain operations.

Ryan believes that the integration of AI will not only streamline processes but also empower businesses to make more informed decisions. By automating routine tasks, Flexport is freeing up human resources to focus on strategic initiatives, ultimately driving greater value for its customers.

As we look to the future, Ryan’s vision for Flexport is clear: to continue leveraging technology and AI to redefine the logistics landscape, making global trade more accessible and efficient for businesses of all sizes. With a commitment to compliance, customer-centricity, and innovation, Flexport is poised to lead the charge in transforming supply chain management in the years to come.

Special thanks to our Season 12 sponsors, Perkins Coie and Mercury, who we are thrilled to partner with for a third consecutive season.

Mercury is the fintech ambitious companies use for banking* and all their financial workflows. With a powerful bank account at the center of their operations, companies can make better financial decisions and ensure that every dollar spent aligns with company priorities. That’s why over 200K startups choose Mercury to confidently run all their financial operations with the precision, control, and focus they need to operate at their best.

​*Mercury is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Evolve Bank & Trust, Members FDIC.

Perkins Coie is a leading full-service, international law firm known for providing high-value, strategic solutions for startups and investors. Lawyers in Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital practice support the most innovative entrepreneurs and investors in fast-moving and high-growth sectors across the country, addressing the myriad legal needs that arise when fundraising and scaling their businesses. The firm’s tailored legal services are informed by an understanding of each client’s discrete needs.

Thank you to Empire Studios for hosting us for this in-person recording in their SF studio!