Index Ventures is a venture capital firm which helps entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into global businesses.

Index Ventures

Entrepreneur First is the place where the ambitious come together to build globally important technology companies. Through our platform running in 6 cities across 3 continents, we invest in high-potential individuals to help them meet their co-founder, develop their ideas and secure funding from leading investors in the shortest possible time.   We have built over 300 companies from scratch; have over 5000 alumni worldwide; and our portfolio is valued at over $5bn. EF companies include Tractable (Computer Vision, currently valued at $1bn as of June 2021), Magic Pony Technology (AI, acquired by Twitter for a reported $150m), Represent (social commerce, acquired by CustomInk), BloomsburyAI (acquired by Facebook), Cleo (fintech), OpenCosmos (space), CloudNC (manufacturing), Transcelestial (satellite communications) and many more. We're backed by some of the world's best tech founders and investors, including Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn), Greylock Partners, Founders Fund, Demis Hassabis (Google Deepmind) and Taavet Hinrikus (Wise). For more information about Entrepreneur First, visit www.joinef.com.

Entrepreneur First

Lepe Partners is an independent merchant bank focused on the media, internet and consumer sectors. They combine corporate finance advisory and principal investment practices dedicated to unlocking growth for their clients and investors.  Lepe Capital is the investment arm of Lepe Partners, established in 2013 to provide growth equity to early- / mid-stage companies focused on media and digital opportunities. Lepe Partners is a proud partner of Founders Forum through Lepe's founder, Jonathan Goodwin (LongAcre, The Wireless Group, Lepe Partners, PROfounders Capital). Set up in 2005 by Brent Hoberman (lastminute.com, made.com, PROfounders Capital) and Jonathan Goodwin, Founders Forum is a series of intimate annual global events for the leading entrepreneurs of today and the rising stars of tomorrow.

Lepe Partners

Raven Ventures Australia is a global seed and early stage venture capital firm  They are a venture firm but they certainly don’t act like one. They take a unique approach and strive to fill the funding and operational gaps of traditional venture firms.  They are a global seed and early stage venture firm that strives to deliver outsized returns to their investors through investing in visionary entrepreneurs.  Their sweet spot is early stage startups, generally the first venture round, with a focus on consumer internet, mobile, security, infrastructure and software and service investments. They will typically invest as little as $100,000 to partner closely with a founder at the seed stage or as much as $10,000,000 to help an emerging winner establish category leadership. From first-time founders to seasoned entrepreneurs, they support passionate individuals who aim to transform important markets or create entirely new ones.

Raven Ventures Australia

Pembroke VCT PLC is a venture capital trust specializing in investments in any stage of business development. Their focus is on companies in the health and fitness, hospitality, apparel, and accessories, and media and technology sectors.

Pembroke VCT

The British Business Bank brings expertise and Government money to the smaller business finance markets. Understanding markets and smaller businesses’ finance needs allows us to design programmes to make finance markets work better, and investing alongside private sector investors maximises their impact and allows us to reach the full range of finance providers such as banks, leasing companies, venture capital funds and web-based platforms.

British Business Bank

Beryl

Beryl sell their micromobilty operating system to leading transport operators (Eg. London’s Santander Cycles) and operate their own bike, e-bike and e-scooter systems.  Currently in 6 UK cities, with an exclusive contract for New York, they typically operate under exclusive, funded and long-term contracts.   Beryl designed and built their micromobility system in-house (on-bike IoT, proprietary backend operating technology stack, on-street operations etc) which allows them to tailor their offering to a city's needs and become their fully-integrated, long-term, micromobility partner, as well as partnering with other technology operators to sell their technology and platform in markets they are not yet in. Beryl was founded in 2012 by Emily Brooke, with the purpose of building a better world by getting more people in cities on bikes.  They have a range of consumer cycling products and were first known for their Laserlight safety innovation; a front bike light with a green laser projecting the symbol of a cyclist ahead of the bike.  This was later adopted by all of the 12,000 Santander Cycles in London, after which Beryl went on to provide the London Bike Share Scheme with all on-bike technology and supporting asset tracking software.  Beryl are the only micromobility company that is a certified BCorp.

Beryl is a UK-based micromobility company that provides sustainable transportation solutions through bike, e-bike, e-scooter, and cargo bike rental schemes. The company operates in partnership with cities and communities across the country, offering affordable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to private vehicle ownership.

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Beryl is a UK-based micromobility company that provides sustainable transportation solutions through bike, e-bike, e-scooter, and cargo bike rental schemes. The company operates in partnership with cities and communities across the country, offering affordable and environmentally-friendly alternatives to private vehicle ownership.
Beryl's bike share schemes allow users to access a range of vehicles, including traditional bicycles, electrically-assisted e-bikes, and e-scooters, through a user-friendly mobile app. The vehicles can be unlocked, ridden, and returned to designated parking bays strategically located throughout the service areas.
The company's technology plays a crucial role in the seamless operation of its schemes. Each vehicle is equipped with onboard sensors that provide real-time data to the system, enabling efficient fleet management and quick response times. Beryl's proprietary technology is recognized as industry-leading and is utilized by other micromobility schemes, such as London's Santander Bikes and West Midlands Cycle Hire.
Beryl's schemes have been widely successful, with the Norwich scheme alone generating over 761,000 journeys and saving nearly 30 tonnes of CO2 emissions as of January 2023. The company's commitment to sustainability is further reinforced by its B-Corp certification, which recognizes its efforts in meeting exceptional environmental and social performance standards.
In 2024, Beryl expanded its manufacturing capabilities by establishing a new hub in Poole, allowing for increased production of its vehicles and technology within the UK. Additionally, the company launched its third-generation e-bike, featuring improved design and sustainability features.

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 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.
 
 
 
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Lyft

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 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.
 
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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

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 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.
 
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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

Beryl

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