Piton Capital is a venture capital and growth equity firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom. Piton focuses exclusively on network effects businesses (marketplaces, exchanges and platforms) as this provide one of the few moats or forms of defensibility to achieve dominance. There are several forms of great network effects businesses that aren’t marketplaces that include data network effects (including machine learning and AI), businesses that rely on user generated content, as well as SaaS businesses with the potential to layer network effects around it. The firm is a stage and style-agnostic and seeks to invest from seed to late stage (€200k to €15m).

Piton Capital

TA Associates is a growth private equity firm. Focused on targeted sectors within five industries technology, healthcare, financial services, consumer, and business services. The firm invests in profitable, growing companies with opportunities for sustained growth.

TA Associates

TA Ventures is a network-driven VC firm investing in early-stage tech startups shaping the industries of tomorrow, primarily across Europe and North America. Our typical initial check for Pre-Seed and Seed companies is $100-250k. TA Ventures also provides follow-on investments. We offer speed of execution, proactive support, and access to a broad international network. Drawing upon our network, we support our portfolio companies by proactively soliciting large, growth-minded co-investors in subsequent rounds. We utilize our industry knowledge and network to give portfolio companies and partner VCs access to highly skilled and cost-effective R&D outsourcing teams in Central and Eastern Europe.

TA Ventures

German Startups Group is an investment company based in Berlin that focuses on young, fast-growing companies. The company acquires majority and minority shareholdings mainly by providing venture capital. Since it commenced with operations in 2012, German Startups Group has in its opinion built up a diversified portfolio of investments in young companies and become the second most active venture capital investor in Germany since 2012 (CB Insights, Germany Venture Capital Overview). According to German Startups Group, its investment portfolio reflects a cross-section of extremely promising German startups of various maturity stages and includes some of the most successful and best-known German startups.

German Startups Group

Partech is a global tech investment firm headquartered in Paris, with offices in Berlin, Dakar, Dubai, Nairobi, and San Francisco. We are a team made up of independent thinkers. We are unconstrained by hype, trend or fixed ways of working. We believe in the power of alliance in action, working together and side-by-side with the founders we back, in the shared pursuit of success. We bring together capital, operational experience and strategic support for the entrepreneurs we back from seed through to growth stage. Born in San Francisco 40 years ago, today we manage €2.5bn AUM and our current portfolio of 220 companies in 40 countries, across 4 continents.

Partech

FJ Labs is a stage-agnostic investment firm that focuses on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. Their investments are seed and series A. The investment range of the company is $50,000 to $5,000,000. It invests in Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, Adore Me, and Earnest.

FJ Labs

Early stage investor, co-investments in  North America & Europe. We write small cheques and help with making companies investable for others. Focus: Machine Learning in Health, Industrial. Focus going forward: climate positive startups with real impact (Energy generation, distribution, conservation, mobility, zero waste)

Density Ventures

LEPI Ventures invests industry-agnostic in scalable start-ups and service providers. The investment sweet spot lies within heavy-regulated industries, such as Mobility, Life Sciences, Health and Artificial Intelligence.

Lepi Ventures

Blumberg Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with visionary entrepreneurs to build successful technology companies that empower individuals, businesses and society through the innovative use of AI, big data and other transformative technologies. We are passionate about nurturing B2B technology companies from Seed stage through their growth journey, as active board members and hands-on advisors. We were among the first investors in industry leaders including Addepar, Braze, Credorax, DoubleVerify, Fundbox, HootSuite, Katapult, Nutanix, Trulioo and Yotpo. Find us in San Francisco, Tel Aviv, Miami and New York or at blumbergcapital.com.

Blumberg Capital

FundersClub focuses on Seed and early stage investments. Investments include Coinbase, Instacart, Flexport, Le Tote, Teespring, Memebox, GitLab. FundersClub is the world's first online venture capital platform. Backed by Y Combinator, First Round Capital, Spark Capital, Intel Capital, Draper, Andreessen Horowitz, Felicis Ventures, and more; FundersClub Inc. was founded in 2012 and is based in the United States.

FundersClub

Tectonic Capital partner with outstanding entrepreneurs and invest in category defining businesses

Tectonic Capital

iEurope group was founded in 2001 by Laszlo Czirjak and Kristina Perkin Davison. iEurope Fund I, the most recent fund, managed by the fund managers, achieved a gross annual return in excess of 34% for its investors. Current funds under management, including iEurope Fund II, have a larger geographic footprint and a wider sector focus.  We assist entrepreneur managers of promising companies to build and to sustain a significant leadership position in their industry.  iEurope’s partners, investors, advisors and associates have the depth of professional expertise and local experience necessary to identify, nurture and drive select medium- to small-size companies in Central  Eastern Europe. iEurope is uniquely placed, with its experience and investors’ networks, to help innovative growth companies realize their full potential.

iEurope Capital

Struck is a founder-first capital for innovative entrepreneurs. It leads seed investments sourced idiosyncratically through its robust network. The firm was founded in 2014 and is based in Santa Monica, California.

Struck Capital

Cherry Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm led by a team of entrepreneurs with experience building fast-scaling companies such as Zalando and Spotify. The firm backs Europe's boldest founders, usually as their first institutional investor, and supports them in everything from their go-to-market strategy and the scaling of their businesses. Cherry Ventures has previously invested in the seed stage of over 50 companies across Europe, including FlixBus, Auto1 Group, Infarm, Rows, Forto, and TourRadar. Cherry Ventures is based in Berlin and invests across Europe with operations in London, Paris, and Stockholm.

Cherry Ventures

MobilityVC is a global partnership of founders & funders with deep experience transforming the mobility sectors. We work with startups and incumbents disrupting the connectivity, autonomy, shared mobility, energy and logistics sectors, across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Our 20 plus partners help accelerate, invest, and acquire across the disruptive mobility landscape.

MobilityVC

KCK is a family investment fund that invests in a diverse set of industries, including medical technologies. KCK interests in Life Sciences - Biopharm/ Biotech & MedTech, Energy, Science-rich companies and Industrial Technologies. KCK invest at all stages of a startup's from early stage to growth rounds and also invest in public companies. KCK is the private equity arm of a family office which seeks to partner with experienced management teams, focused on niche markets, deploying long-term flexible capital to generate high risk-adjusted returns.

Kingsway Capital is a investment management firm.

Kingsway Capital

Wunder Mobility

Wunder Mobility is a software and hardware provider for vehicle sharing. Its highly customizable and deeply integrated software solution is complemented by a sharing-ready vehicle program built in partnership with manufacturers.

Wunder Mobility is a leading provider of software and hardware solutions for shared mobility operators with fleets of e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds, and cars. Founded in 2014, the Hamburg-based company offers a feature-rich and complete software solution, as well as vehicles optimized for sharing. Wunder Mobility's platform enables operators to accelerate their vehicle-sharing businesses by launching and scaling with ease.

Hamburg-based Wunder Mobility raises €12 million as shared mobility picks up pace

Wunder Mobility grabs €12 million to advance shared mobility globally

Wunder Mobility scoops up €12 million to strengthen SaaS platform

Wunder Mobility grabs EUR 12 million to advance shared mobility globally

Software for Shared Mobility: Lessons from Wunder Mobility

Shared vehicle software firm Wunder Mobility pulls in €12 million investment – micromobilitybiz

German mobility startup Wunder Mobility picks €12M funding — TFN

Riding together toward a sustainable future

Shared Mobility

Wunder Mobility Acquires GoUrban

Wunder Mobility is a leading provider of software and hardware solutions for shared mobility operators with fleets of e-bikes, e-scooters, e-mopeds, and cars. Founded in 2014, the Hamburg-based company offers a feature-rich and complete software solution, as well as vehicles optimized for sharing. Wunder Mobility's platform enables operators to accelerate their vehicle-sharing businesses by launching and scaling with ease.
The company's software includes a backend management system for monitoring and managing operations, pricing models, customer data, and more. It also offers a white-label mobile app for users to locate, unlock, and lock vehicles. By offering a one-stop-shop with both software and hardware, Wunder Mobility helps operators move their businesses forward faster.
As of the first half of 2022, Wunder Mobility reported a 45% year-on-year growth in platform revenue compared to the same period in 2021. The company's platform supports global operators and local champions across more than 200 cities worldwide, hosting over 50,000 vehicles and facilitating over 40 million rides.

<div>
 
 Lyft is a technology company that provides an on-demand ride-hailing platform connecting passengers with drivers. The company operates a mobile app that allows users to request rides from nearby drivers using their personal vehicles. Lyft's primary offering is private rides, enabling passengers to book individual trips for transportation. In addition to rides, the company expanded into food and package delivery services in recent years.
 
 
 
 
 Lyft's business model relies on leveraging its network of independent contractor drivers who utilize the platform to accept ride requests. The company charges a commission on each completed trip, with the remaining fare going to the driver. Lyft has implemented various features within its app to streamline the ride experience, such as upfront pricing for passengers and in-app tipping for drivers.
 
 
 
 
 Lyft's technology facilitates the ride-hailing process by matching nearby available drivers with passenger requests, optimizing for factors like proximity and demand. The app leverages GPS tracking to provide real-time updates on driver locations and estimated arrival times. Passengers can rate drivers after each trip, contributing to the platform's safety measures.
 
 
 
 
 In terms of market presence, Lyft operates primarily in the US and Canada. As of March 2024, the company held a 24% market share in the US rideshare industry, trailing behind its larger competitor, Uber. Lyft's observed sales saw a 3% year-over-year increase in March 2024, though they have yet to surpass pre-pandemic levels.
 
 
 
</div>

Lyft

<div>
 
 Swvl is a global technology provider offering enterprise and government mobility solutions. The company's platform serves as an alternative to public transportation, enabling individuals who cannot access or afford private options to conveniently book rides on private buses and vans through a proprietary app. Swvl's parallel mass transit systems empower users to commute safely, efficiently, and in an environmentally friendly manner, with varied payment options available.
 
 
 
 
 As of July 2024, Swvl secured a significant 5-year contract worth up to USD 6.3 million with e&amp; Egypt, a leading telecom operator in the country. This partnership reinforces Swvl's presence in the Egyptian market and solidifies its position as a frontrunner in the mobility industry. Additionally, Swvl acquired Volt Lines in March 2024, marking its fourth acquisition since August 2023, following the acquisitions of Door2door, ViaPool, and Shotl in previous months.
 
 
 
 
 In May 2022, Swvl announced plans to reduce its headcount by 32%, focusing on roles that had been automated through investments in engineering, product development, and support functions. This restructuring effort aimed to achieve cash flow positivity by 2023. Swvl made its debut on the Nasdaq Stock Market on April 1, 2022, after merging with the blank-check company Queen's Gambit Growth Capital.
 
</div>

SWVL

Lime is a micromobility company offering shared electric bikes and scooters for short-term rentals in over 280 cities across nearly 30 countries. The company has been at the forefront of the micromobility revolution, providing a sustainable and emission-free transportation alternative for short-distance travel within urban areas. Its proprietary electric vehicles are designed and built in-house, ensuring longevity, safety, and operational efficiency.
In the first half of 2023, Lime reported gross bookings of USD 250 million, a 45% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The company achieved an adjusted EBITDA profitability of USD 27 million and an unadjusted profitability of USD 20.6 million during this period, reflecting a 45% margin improvement over the previous year. With its improved vehicle lifespans averaging five years and reduced operational costs, Lime has successfully optimized its unit economics.
Lime's strategic acquisition of Uber's Jump bikes and scooters in May 2020 solidified its position as the largest micromobility company globally. This move not only expanded Lime's operational reach but also provided a financial lifeline during the Covid-19 pandemic, enabling the company to weather the crisis and emerge stronger.

Lime

<div>
 
 Getaround is a peer-to-peer car sharing platform that connects car owners with individuals seeking rental vehicles. It operates a digital marketplace where owners can list their personal vehicles for rent on an hourly or daily basis. Renters have the convenience of accessing nearby cars through Getaround's mobile app, unlocking the vehicle using their smartphone without the need for a key exchange.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround's innovative technology includes the patented Getaround Connect device installed in listed cars. This device allows for contactless access, enabling renters to unlock the car directly from the app. It also provides insights into the vehicle's location, trip details, fuel levels, and security. The company's business model does not involve purchasing or maintaining a dedicated fleet of rental cars.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround allows car owners to monetize their underutilized personal vehicles, earning hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month by renting them out when not in use. The platform offers a diverse range of vehicle types, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, and specialty cars like Teslas. Rental costs can vary widely, starting from as low as USD five per hour for basic models to over USD 400 per day for luxury vehicles.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround provides comprehensive insurance coverage for both owners and renters during active trips. While the company takes a 40% commission from rental revenue, it handles various operational aspects, such as identity verification, damage protection, and customer support.
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 
 
 
 In March 2023, Getaround announced an expanded partnership with the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish over 100 dedicated car share locations across the city. This initiative aims to enhance mobility options, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainability by encouraging car sharing, particularly in underserved neighborhoods.
 
 
 
 
 Getaround has also collaborated with the City of Las Vegas, introducing dedicated parking spaces for its shared vehicles near transit hubs, downtown areas, and the Las Vegas Strip. Such partnerships with municipal authorities demonstrate the company's efforts to integrate seamlessly into urban transportation ecosystems.
 
 
 
 
 Additionally, Getaround offers a &quot;Drive with Uber&quot; program in select cities like Boston, San Francisco, and Atlanta. This partnership allows individuals without personal vehicles to book eligible cars from Getaround's platform and use them for rideshare services like Uber, providing a supplemental income opportunity.
 
</div>

Getaround

Bird is a micromobility company that operates shared electric scooter and bicycle services across cities worldwide. Its core offering involves deploying fleets of e-scooters and e-bikes that customers can rent through a mobile app for short urban trips as an alternative to driving or public transit. Bird's scooters are equipped with electric motors and can be unlocked and paid for via the company's app.
In its early years, Bird rapidly expanded into hundreds of cities by leveraging a dockless model where scooters could be parked anywhere. However, the company faced challenges with unit economics, as the relatively inexpensive scooter models had short lifespans and were prone to damage from heavy usage. Bird later transitioned to a model utilizing more durable, purpose-built scooters designed for longer lifecycles.
Despite being a pioneer in the shared micromobility space, Bird consistently struggled with profitability. In November 2022, the company admitted overstating its shared scooter revenue for at least two years due to improperly recording uncollected balances, requiring restatements of its 2020 and 2021 financials. Bird's cash crunch ultimately led to layoffs, market exits, and a bankruptcy filing in December 2023 to facilitate a sale of its US assets while its Canadian and European operations continued normally.
Prior to its bankruptcy, Bird reported having facilitated over 300 million trips globally as of December 2023, offsetting an estimated 90 million pounds of carbon emissions. In September 2022, Bird acquired rival Spin for USD 19 million, collectively operating across 350 cities at that time.

Bird

Short-term car rental platforms, often in the form of a marketplace, that allow users to rent a car by the hour, on-demand.

Platforms that facilitate carpooling on-demand, allowing drivers and passengers to organize shared rides with one another. Also includes those that offer pre-arranged car pooling services but excludes van and bus sharing services.

Platforms that connect passengers with personal drivers on-demand, for dedicated rides.

Platforms that gives commuters access to transportation options such as bikes, scooters, segways, etc. that are designed for short distances, typically under 5 miles. The segment includes bike and scooter sharing services excluding hailing services.

Platforms that offer multi-passenger/pooled shuttle buses or vans on-demand or a fixed schedule, including van and bus sharing

Solutions such as ride and car sharing promote efficient use of resources

Technological innovations into urban mobility systems such as micromobility

IoT provides apps with real-time information to facilitate ride hailing and other shared transport methods

Wunder Mobility

Sources

About EDGE

Contact Us

Resources

Area of Focus

Technology Research Made Effortless