Zeelo, South Africa and Europe’s leading smart commuter mobility platform for organizations, has raised $12.1 million (R175M) to accelerate its expansion in Africa, the UK, US and Europe, investment in its SaaS technology offering and continued rollout of fully electric bus shuttle programs.
Zeelo has recorded 600% revenue growth over the past 18-months, reaching regional profitability, by supporting companies in logistics and manufacturing industries, as well as post-pandemic hybrid workplaces and schools; enabling access for people in poorly served areas to reach work and education by sustainable and safe transportation.
The company works with employers, schools and fleet operators to deliver affordable and convenient transport services that provide a viable alternative to public transport options or driving a car in order to support staff safety and reduce CO2 emissions from commuting.
Through the use of Zeelo’s mobile apps, client workplace planning tools, route-optimisation software and asset-light vehicle model, costs, both external and internal are greatly reduced versus using a traditional shuttle and bus operator and CO2 emissions are reduced with every trip. Zeelo offers both turnkey and SaaS solutions to customers such as Liberty, Stanlib, GlaxoSmithKline, Firmenich and Amazon.
“What we’ve seen is the lack of safe and efficient shared transport. Amongst our shift-worker customers, 30% of staff struggle to get to work as they don’t have access to safe transport. Zeelo is playing an important role in improving social mobility and decarbonising transportation. In the past 18 months, employers have realised the importance of it too. Now it’s time to bring this to the masses” said Sam Ryan, Co-Founder & CEO.
Zeelo will use the capital to accelerate African and global expansion, as well as rolling out its technology platform as a SaaS solution to fleet operator partners and encouraging the transition to zero-emission buses and coaches. The round was led by ETF Partners, with participation from InMotion Ventures and various angel investors including Neil Smith, Founder of Transit Systems.
“Zeelo’s focus on public transport deserts directly tackles the issues of poor public transport, transport emissions and social mobility. The growth of the business during the pandemic has been extraordinary and we are delighted to continue to support the business. The world needs more affordable and sustainable mass transit – Zeelo is defining the category” added Patrick Sheehan, Managing Partner at ETF Partners.
Zeelo is a smart shuttle and bus platform for organisations, on a mission to enable access to safe and sustainable transportation for everyday journeys.
Headquartered in London with operations in the UK, USA and South Africa, serving over 70 customers with over 75 employees and moving nearly 100,000 riders each month. Zeelo was founded by serial mobility entrepreneurs Sam Ryan and Barney Williams, who exited JumpIn, a ride-sharing business, to Addison Lee in 2014.
