Derk Hoekert

Derk Hoekert is a Dutch entrepreneur and Director & Co-Founder of Pargo, a South African smart logistics company specializing in click-and-collect delivery solutions. Founded in 2014 with Lars Veul, Pargo addresses last-mile distribution challenges across Southern Africa and recently expanded to Egypt with $4 million in funding (2024). His diverse background includes service in the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps and Dutch Special Forces (1997-2004), UN peacekeeping in Ethiopia and Eritrea (2000-2001), and leadership roles at Groupon South Africa (2011-2014). Recognized as an Endeavor Entrepreneur and 2019 Founder of the Year winner, he combines military discipline with strategic planning to drive innovation in African e-commerce logistics.