Date: October 5, 2023. — Dutch shared mobility platform uMob announced that it has secured €6 million in funding for its European expansion plans. This fundraising round, which was spearheaded by well-known venture capital firms, is evidence of the platform’s ability to fundamentally alter how Europeans navigate urban environments. It marks a substantial advancement toward a more sustainable and effective urban transportation system.
The company launched its app in August 2023. It aims to make shared mobility more attractive and accessible to users across Europe. The uMob app allows users to plan, book and pay for their trips using different modes of transportation. Such as public transport, taxis, and shared vehicles like scooters, bikes and cars. Users can access all these options through a single account, without having to switch between different apps or platforms.
Co-founder of uMob Raymon Pouwels claimed that customers have more convenience and choice thanks to the app’s complete integration of mobility providers. “There must always be a car available within a three-minute walk if shared mobility is to be a viable substitute for private transportation. Private transportation is a major contributor to pollution. It is also the cause of increased traffic congestion and increasingly filled parking lots. A transportation provider is unable to handle this on its own because of things like restrictions. With all providers in one app, you always have a transportation alternative nearby. This is why a MaaS app makes all the difference in this situation,” according to him.
The new money will assist uMob in extending its services to further European nations, beginning with Belgium the following year. Within three years, the organization hopes to be active in six different nations. To enhance the integration and acceptability of shared mobility, uMob also intends to work with enterprises, providers, and municipalities. The business intends to leverage data and insights to determine the best sites for mobility hubs. It also act as a liaison between service providers, and promote data interchange.
Co-founder of uMob Bibi Jorissen stated that the goal of the business is to develop a more effective and sustainable transportation system. “Providing a broad range of services is only one factor vital to the success of shared transportation. We also want to assist local governments in organizing and broadening the adoption of shared transportation. We want to work closely with local governments, service providers, and businesses,” she added.
The Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) market, which includes uMob as a participant, it expects to have rapid growth in the foreseeable future. Moreover, the global MaaS industry was estimated to be worth $171.5 billion in 2020. From 2021 to 2028, it is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 31.7%. This information comes from a Grand View Research report.
uMob’s expansion comes at a time when cities across Europe are actively seeking solutions to reduce traffic congestion, lower emissions, and improve overall urban mobility. uMob, by prioritizing sustainability with its all-in-one mobility platform, positions itself effectively to tackle these pressing challenges and shape the future of urban transportation.
