International freight forwarding specialist Clarusto Logistics has been named Global Startup of the Year at the Scotland StartUp Awards 2026, after impressing judges with its growth, commercial discipline and international ambitions.
The Glasgow-based company received the award at a ceremony in Edinburgh on Tuesday, 23 June, which celebrated entrepreneurs and young businesses demonstrating innovation, ambition and strong business progress.
Judges praised Clarusto Logistics for building a client-focused logistics business with international ambition, recognising its early growth, operational capability and potential to scale.
In their citation, the judges said:“Clarusto Logistics stood out for its progress in building a client-focused logistics business with international ambition.
“In a short period, the company has grown to 11 employees, developed reliable operational capability and positioned itself as a practical partner for businesses needing efficient transport and logistics support.
“The judges recognised a global startup with strong early team growth, commercial discipline and the potential to scale through reliability, service quality and international reach.”
Clarusto Logistics traces its roots back to Saudi Arabia, where the business was founded by Raju John in 1992. Its UK base was established in Glasgow in 2023 by Ramiah Raju John, building on more than three decades of freight forwarding experience across air, sea and multimodal transport.
Today, the company supports customers across five continents through a growing network of offices and logistics partners, employing 24 people worldwide.
Most recently, Clarusto Logistics strengthened its international network by opening a new operating hub in Wuhan, China, reflecting the growing importance of air freight and international coordination in supporting customers’ supply chains.
As a regional winner, Clarusto Logistics will now represent Scotland at the UK StartUp Awards National Final, taking place at Ideas Fest in Tring, Hertfordshire, in September. The company will compete against regional winners from across the UK for the national title.
Ramiah John, Founder of Clarusto Logistics UK, said:
“Winning this award is a proud moment for our Glasgow team and for everyone who has supported Clarusto Logistics on this journey. Our customers come back to us because they know we will deliver with care, reliability and consistency. This recognition means a great deal to us, and as we continue to establish ourselves in the sector, we are committed to getting even better.”
The judges recognised Clarusto Logistics’ international growth strategy, customer-first approach and commitment to building a scalable logistics business serving global markets.
Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE, founder of the UK StartUp Awards, said this year’s winners demonstrated the strength, ambition and innovation driving Britain’s startup economy.
He said:“All of the winners show exactly why the UK startup economy remains so exciting. They are not just coming up with clever ideas; they are building businesses with real purpose, commercial credibility and the potential to scale.
“What impressed the judges was the evidence behind their ambition, from customers and partnerships to investment, innovation, impact and growth. Across every region, we are seeing founders creating jobs, opening up new markets and challenging established industries.
“That combination of entrepreneurial energy and practical impact is what makes this year’s winners so impressive, and their success is not only worth celebrating, it is worth backing.”
The UK StartUp Awards were founded by Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE as part of the Ideas Community and recognise outstanding new businesses that have identified opportunities, taken risks and developed innovative products and services.
