FOR EXAMPLE
See how we’ve helped Starship Technologies win approval to operate around the world.
“New robot laws are popping up across the country. ”
— Vox Media, April 22, 2017
Washington (2019)
House Bill 1325
“Postmates and Starship Technologies worked closely with Washington, D.C., to test delivery robots, and have taken a similar approach of working with governments across the country since that initial trial. In the end, working with cities and local governments is a more cost- and reputation-effective way for technology companies to disrupt.”
— San Francisco Chronicle, April 20, 2018
STARSHIP TECHNOLOGIES
Tackling the challenges associated with the “last-mile” of delivery are key to the sustainability of e-commerce and improving the environment. Starship Technologies is confronting this challenge by building a fleet of autonomous personal delivery devices (“PDDs”) designed to deliver goods locally in 15-30 minutes within a 2-3 mile radius.
Launched by two Skype co-founders, Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, Starship’s aim is to fundamentally reshape how goods are shipped and delivered, and make local delivery, almost free. The company offers a powerful solution to the environmental challenges associated with the “last mile” of delivery, by eliminating failed deliveries, facilitating returns, and dramatically lowering the cost, energy usage, and CO2 emissions associated with this portion of the delivery system.
Utah (2018)
House Bill 217
Idaho (2017)
House Bill 204
Arizona (2018)
House Bill 2422
D.C. (2018)
Bill 22-19
GOALS
Starship’s revolution in the local delivery, however, requires approval from a variety of levels of government, depending on the jurisdiction, in order to operate on sidewalks, crosswalks, and other areas in cities across the country and internationally. That’s where Georgetown Public Affairs comes in.
Georgetown Pubic Affairs leads Starship’s international public affairs efforts in the United States, the United Kingdom, Estonia, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, among other countries. In the United States, Georgetown Public Affairs has been the driving force behind the adoption of laws in seven states and the District of Columbia, authorizing the operation of PDDs in public space. Finally, Georgetown Public Affairs has been involved in securing local permits around the globe.
PLANS
GPA has been responsible for developing Starship’s legislative and regulatory strategy both in the United States, Europe, and Australia, including but not limited to:
Crafting company talking points and issue messaging;
Drafting legislative and regulatory language;
Identifying and recruiting local allies;
Working with governors, state legislatures, Members of Parliament, transportation agencies and officials, and many others;
Responding to local and national media;
Utilizing legislative and trade associations to engage public officials and industry partners; and
Navigating complex political environments in multiple jurisdictions.
