Laura Behrens Wu

Laura Behrens Wu is the co-founder and CEO of Shippo, a prominent shipping platform designed to streamline logistics for e-commerce businesses. She co-founded Shippo in 2013 after encountering shipping challenges while running her own e-commerce store, which led her to recognize a significant market need for simplified shipping solutions. Under her leadership, Shippo has grown to serve over 120,000 merchants, becoming a billion-dollar company valued at $1 billion in 2021.123

Background and Education

Laura graduated from Harvard University, where she gained early exposure to startup culture through an internship at LendUp. This experience influenced her entrepreneurial journey and her decision to enter the tech space.24 Despite having no prior experience in the shipping industry, she and her co-founder Simon recognized the complexities and inefficiencies in logistics as an opportunity for innovation.34

Achievements

Laura has been recognized in several prestigious lists, including Forbes' 30 Under 30 and Inc.’s Female Founders 100. Her leadership has been pivotal in transforming Shippo into a vital tool for small and medium-sized businesses, allowing them to compete more effectively in the marketplace.15

Philosophy and Leadership Style

Laura emphasizes the importance of optimism and resilience in entrepreneurship, stating that the ability to recover from setbacks is crucial for founders. She aims to make logistics a more enjoyable experience for customers by focusing on design and user experience.13 Her approach combines practical problem-solving with a commitment to creating delightful user interactions within the shipping process.14

Current Role

As CEO, Laura continues to drive Shippo's growth and innovation, advocating for small businesses and ensuring they have access to effective shipping solutions. She also engages in angel investing, supporting various startups across different sectors.6