Careem operates a car booking platform that connects passengers with local drivers. The company's platform provides a marketplace of community drivers where passengers can request a ride in minutes, see the cost, and have it charged to their credit card of choice, giving passengers access to affordable and advantageous transportation.

Careem

Silicon Badia is a venture capital firm investing in technology companies globally.

Silicon Badia

BECO Capital provides growth capital and hands-on operational support for early-stage technology companies. It is a technology-focused venture capital that supports entrepreneurs and financial sectors to raise funds. The company helps small companies with growth capital and hands-on operational mentorship in their early stage of development. It was founded in 2012 and is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. BECO Capital was founded on February 1, 2014, by Dany Farha and Amir Farha, and it is headquartered in Dubai.

BECO Capital

Provides growth capital to digital & technology-enabled companies in Africa which have the potential to become regional and global leaders

DiGAME

Arzan Venture Capital (Arzan VC) is a Kuwait-born VC firm that has been investing in startups with a MENA angle since 2014, making it one of the earliest VC firms in the region. Arzan VC's portfolio includes 30+ startups. The firm invests in young, fast-growing and innovative tech teams and it remains committed to building long-lasting relationships with the region’s most talented entrepreneurs at an early stage.

Arzan Venture Capital

otf has 3 micro-funds which invests in:  • Idea Stage: Techween - Investment program ($50K Seed Ticket with potential follow on) • Acceleration Stage: Wadi Accelerator (Initial ~$100K ticket with potential follow on) • Growth Stage: Jasoor Ventures ($0.5M-3M - with follow on reserves)

Oman Technology Fund

Raed Ventures is a Saudi venture capital firm that provides funding for the seed and early-stage startups in KSA and MENA. They invest in entrepreneurial teams shaping the market landscape and we provide MENA startups an opportunity to work in the Saudi & GCC markets. It helps startups in building and executing their plans through collaborations with their sister companies and leveraging their market knowledge and network.

Raed Ventures

The Middle East/North Africa is the next great investment opportunity. The Middle East has a collective population larger than the US, the vast majority of whom are ‘digital natives‘ (e.g.; under 30) with great appetites for consumer technology products and services. The region boasts higher per capita GDP and more disposable income than India or China. In short, the Middle East is one of the technology sector’s high-growth regions, and offers tremendous potential for expansion in mobile, internet, social media and eCommerce services.  Like the BRIC’s and other emerging markets, local partners are key to success. Sawari Ventures is at home in the Middle East, and knows its culture, context and business climate. They have experience and relationships working with technology and investment leaders world-wide. They know how to translate local visionaries into global hits.

Sawari Ventures

DASH Ventures is a Venture Capital firm operating at the forefront of MENA’s rapidly transforming economic landscape. It focused primarily on seed and early-stage opportunities across the Arab World and beyond. The company is a private partnership of entrepreneurs and business experts applying their wealth of experience, expertise, and mentorship to help talented and ambitious entrepreneurial teams build great sustainable companies. DASH employs a collaborative and highly interactive investment approach, working closely with portfolio companies to minimize risk, develop strategies, and seize opportunities. With a focus on the technology, energy, lifestyle brands, and creative industries, DASH is committed to investing in sectors that will have a sustainable impact on the region’s environment and socio-economic development. DASH Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Amman, Jordan, and was founded in 2011.

DASH Ventures

VNV Global is an investment company with the business concept of using experience, expertise and a widespread network to identify and invest in assets with considerable potential for value appreciation. The company has a special focus on online marketplaces and businesses with strong network effects.  The common shares of VNV Global are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm, Mid Cap segment, with the ticker VNV.

VNV Global

Vostok Ventures makes seed and early stage venture investments in IT projects from Eastern Europe. It focuses on mobile applications, e-commerce, cloud services, and the gaming industry. Vostok Ventures was co-founded by Michael Kharenko and Svyatoslav Pogrebnoy, and is based in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Vostok Ventures

Autotech Ventures is a venture capital firm that manages more than $400 million to invest in start-ups that aim to generate financial returns in the vast $3 trillion ground transportation industry. Connected, autonomous, shared and electrified vehicles and related mobility services have created tectonic shifts in the incumbent ground transportation industry. Vehicle manufacturers, parts suppliers, dealerships, repair shops, parking operators, ground logistics firms, and road infrastructure providers are all being impacted by ground transportation startups. Autotech Ventures provides startup companies with 1) capital to execute on their business plan, 2) access to its industry contacts - including dozens of ground transportation corporate investors who together represent a global market capitalization of over $500 billion dollars, 3) up-to-the-minute market intelligence on the ground transport landscape, 4) support in recruiting ground transportation industry talent, and 5) fundraising support to raise additional capital from other financially-motivated investors and strategic investors. Start-ups typically innovate quickly then scale slowly, while corporations typically innovate slowly then scale quickly. Autotech Ventures brings startups and corporations together to bridge this gap and build a new transportation future.

Autotech Ventures

Endeavor Catalyst is the rules-based, co-investment fund of Endeavor, set up to invest exclusively in Endeavor Entrepreneur-led companies and to sustain Endeavor’s long-term operations in a mission-aligned way. Launched in 2012, Endeavor Catalyst has ~$500M+ AUM across four funds and has made 260+ investments to date in 35+ different markets. Today The Endeavor Catalyst portfolio has 53 companies valued at $1B+. Investments include Globant (NYSE:GLOB), Rappi, and Creditas in Latin America; Yemeksepeti.com and Careem in MENA; and Bukalapak and Carro in Indonesia.

Endeavor Catalyst

otf Jasoor Ventures is an early stage VC fund that invests in tech and tech-enabled startups in the MENA region

otf Jasoor Ventures

Blu Stone Management is an investment management firm that specializes in full asset allocation spectrum and direct private investments.

Blu Stone Management

Swvl

Swvl offers an app that allows customers to book fixed-rate rides on buses and vans in their network. It allows people to share a ride in a van or bus during morning and evening commutes for a fixed flat fare with no surge pricing. Through an app, one can book a ride at an affordable rate. Launched in 2017, Swvl has its headquarters in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

<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.</div>

Swvl Holdings, a Dubai-based Ride Sharing Firm, Plans to Reduce Headcount by 32% as Part ... - Latest Tweet by Bloomberg

Here are the Middle East’s top mobility startups

Swvl Secures 5-Year Contract Worth Up to $6.3 million with Telecom Giant, e& Egypt

Dubai-based ride sharing firm Swvl to slash headcount by a third

European bank invests in rideshare app to keep Egyptian women safe

Riding together toward a sustainable future

Shared Mobility

SWVL

Swvl Announces Pricing of $4.7 Million Private Placement Priced At-the-Market Under Nasdaq Rules to Accelerate Expansion in High Value Markets

Ford Motor

The agreement links Ford Transit van with the app-based mass transit system, SWVL, providing commuters in Egypt’s major cities with cheaper alternatives to existing transportation services.

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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.
 
</div>

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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.
 
 
 
</div>

Lyft

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.
 
</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

SWVL

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