Darkstore was an innovative logistics company founded in 2016 by Lee Hnetinka. It pioneered the concept of 'dark stores' – local fulfillment centers not open to the public – to enable e-commerce brands to offer ultra-fast, same-day or even sub-2-hour delivery to their customers. The company provided an API-driven platform allowing brands to store inventory in strategically located urban warehouses and utilize a network of last-mile delivery providers. Darkstore aimed to democratize access to rapid fulfillment, empowering direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands to compete with major retailers on delivery speed. After raising significant venture capital, its business model evolved, with its technology and concept later underpinning the FastAF app. Darkstore's independent operations under its original branding ceased as it transitioned.
The San Francisco headquarters served as the main center for strategic decision-making, software and platform development, business operations, and managing partnerships.
As a tech startup, its San Francisco office was likely a modern, open-plan space designed to foster collaboration and innovation, common in the Bay Area tech scene. Specific architectural details were not widely publicized.
The work culture at Darkstore was characteristic of a venture-backed startup in the competitive logistics technology sector: fast-paced, agile, and intensely focused on rapid growth, technological innovation, and solving complex logistical challenges.
Being headquartered in San Francisco was crucial for Darkstore, providing access to a rich pool of tech talent, venture capital networks, and a vibrant ecosystem of innovation that fueled its early growth and platform development.
Darkstore's operations were primarily focused within the United States. It established a network of micro-fulfillment centers in major American metropolitan areas to support its same-day delivery services. While there might have been ambitions for international expansion, its main operational presence and services were concentrated on serving brands and consumers in the US market.
944 Market St, Floor 6
San Francisco
CA
USA
Address: Strategically located micro-fulfillment centers (not traditional corporate offices) in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix, and Seattle.
To enable rapid, last-mile delivery services (including same-day and sub-2-hour options) for e-commerce businesses within specific high-demand urban regions, drastically reducing shipping times and improving customer experience.
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As of April 2025, Darkstore' leadership includes:
Darkstore has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:
No publicly reported executive new hires or exits specifically for the Darkstore entity have occurred in the last 12 months. The company's operational structure and branding underwent significant changes prior to this period, with key personnel transitions likely occurring during its evolution phases.
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While Darkstore's specific internal email format conventions were not publicly detailed, technology startups commonly use standardized formats based on employee names. Given its operational period, common structures would likely have been adopted.
Likely formats included [first]@darkstore.com (e.g., lee@darkstore.com) or [first_initial][last]@darkstore.com (e.g., lhnetinka@darkstore.com).
Format
lee@darkstore.com
Example
70%
Success rate
TechCrunch • December 6, 2018
Darkstore, a startup building out a network of fulfillment centers to power same-day delivery for e-commerce brands, has raised $7.5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by EIF (Exponent II Fund), with participation from existing investors PivotNorth Capital, RTP Ventures and Cota Capital....more
Forbes • October 28, 2020
FastAF Technologies, an evolution from Darkstore, launched its direct-to-consumer app, FastAF. The app promised 2-hour delivery of products from a curated selection of premium brands, showcasing a strategic pivot by founder Lee Hnetinka....more
VentureBeat • November 13, 2017
Darkstore announced it had raised $1.4 million in seed funding from investors including PivotNorth Capital, Khosla Ventures, and Precursor Ventures. The company aimed to provide on-demand warehousing and delivery, effectively turning any space into a fulfillment center for e-commerce brands....more
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