Carla Ferreri
Episode · #296
PAMETNA HRVATSKA Carla Ferreri
Guest Carla FerreriHosted by Boris ŽivkovićMay 3, 2026
Carla Ferreri
About this episode
What you'll hear in this conversation
The fastest way to send a package from Zagreb to Zadar isn't a courier service; it's a stranger driving there anyway. Carla Ferreri, co-founder of TheGepek, has built a platform around this simple premise: a 'BlaBlaCar for packages.' By leveraging empty space in private cars, TheGepek offers same-day intercity delivery, a service traditional logistics simply cannot match. Ferreri explains how this shared-economy model not only fills a market gap but also provides a vital source of supplemental income for drivers, especially in times of economic uncertainty. The conversation reveals how a well-timed platform can redefine expectations for speed and efficiency, making you rethink what's possible in last-mile delivery.
Insights from the conversation
What to take from this episode
01
Carla Ferreri defines TheGepek not as a courier, but as 'BlaBlaCar, but for packages.' A clear, relatable analogy is often the quickest path to explaining an entirely new business model, immediately setting expectations for how it operates.
02
Within months of launching its minimum viable product (MVP), TheGepek registered two thousand users. A strong underlying concept, even with minimal functionality, can generate significant early user adoption, proving market interest before full-scale development.
03
The platform unexpectedly attracted agricultural producers and OPGs, who need to deliver fresh produce quickly; Carla specifically mentions collaborating with Gruntech. Initial market assumptions are rarely exhaustive; platforms should remain open to discovering and serving unforeseen customer segments that find unique value in their core offering.
04
The typical TheGepek user is 25-55, slightly more male than female, and already comfortable with sharing economy services like BlaBlaCar and Airbnb. New sharing economy models don't always need to overcome initial user skepticism; often, prior platforms have already paved the way, creating a receptive audience for similar services.
05
TheGepek's primary competitive advantage is its speed, enabling intercity deliveries like Zagreb to Zadar in as little as four hours. When traditional logistics services are constrained by time, a model that prioritizes rapid, point-to-point transport can carve out an essential niche by redefining delivery expectations.
06
TheGepek currently operates without taking a commission, with users settling payments directly, but plans to introduce a fee structure later and is exploring partnerships with insurance companies. Early-stage platforms often prioritize user acquisition and market penetration over immediate monetization, building critical mass before introducing revenue streams.
07
Drivers on the platform include both unemployed individuals and those seeking supplemental income, a trend amplified by the pandemic and recession. Economic shifts can create a ready and motivated supply side for sharing economy platforms, turning personal commutes into opportunities for additional earnings.
08
The most common items transported are low-value packages, seasonal clothing, and fresh produce, with one user even sending homemade food to her son in Germany. The service fills a specific gap for items that are either too time-sensitive for conventional postal services or not valuable enough to justify premium courier costs.
09
The platform ensures safety and trust through driver profiles, ratings, and internal messaging, mirroring established sharing economy practices. Building trust in a peer-to-peer service relies on transparent, user-driven feedback mechanisms and clear communication channels to manage expectations and ensure accountability.