WhereIsMyTransport, an Africa-focused transport mapping and mobility startup, has closed a $7.5 million Series A round from returning and new investors.
The returning investors include Global Innovation Fund and Goodwell Investments, while the new investors are Google, Nedbank, Liil Ventures, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC).
Founded in 2015, WhereIsMyTransport is a mapping platform for sustainable mobility in emerging markets, empowering people to get to where they want to go.
WhereIsMyTransport has mapped 34 cities in Africa and its working in Latin America, Southeast Asia and India. The company uses proprietary algorithms in its mobility API that has the capability to aid in the mapping of complex transit routes.
Additionally, WhereIsMyTransport is on a mission to change that, using data and technology to develop solutions to this problem so that everyone in these markets has the basic freedom of movement they need to be able to improve their circumstances.
Presently, WhereIsMyTransport has mapped 750,000 km of routes in 39 cities and it will use the new funding to further expand.
“We make the invisible visible, by collecting all kinds of data related to public transport and turning the data into information that can be shared with the people who need it most,” CEO WhereIsMyTransport Devin de Vries said.
“In emerging markets, the mobility ecosystem is complex; informal public transport doesn’t behave like formal public transport. Data and technology solutions that work well in London or San Francisco wouldn’t make anything like the same impact, if any at all, in the cities where we work. Our solutions are designed specifically to overcome these contextual challenges.”
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to invest in WhereIsMyTransport’s Series A funding,” says Mr. Masato Yamanami, Automotive Division’s CEO of Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
“Our division’s global network, that covers 146 countries, is primarily focused on new emerging countries where people rely on informal public transport.
“Through strategic collaboration with WhereIsMyTransport, we will develop better and more efficient mobility services that help to resolve social challenges and contribute to the overall economic development of nations, primarily emerging nations.”
Janade Du Plessis, Head of Alternative Investments and Venture Capital at Nedbank added: “Nedbank CIB is at the forefront of investing in disruptive technologies that are able to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives – including smart city initiatives that leverage Nedbank’s strategy of financing our infrastructure, transport and logistics clients.
“WhereIsMyTransport is a leading provider of sustainable transit solutions in complex urban environments. Our investment will support the company’s expansion into key African regions, and we will use our network and our influence on the continent to unlock new corporate partnerships.“
