London-based smart commuter mobility platform Zeelo has raised US$12m (£8.65m) to accelerate its expansion in the USA, Europe and Africa, investment in its software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology offering and continued rollout of fully electric bus shuttle programmes.
Zeelo said it 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 car-dependent areas to reach work and education by sustainable transportation.
The company works with employers, schools and fleet operators to deliver affordable and convenient bus programmes that provide a viable alternative to driving a car, in order to support staff recruitment and to 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 are reportedly reduced by up to 42% versus using a conventional bus operator and CO2 emissions reduced by 78%, with 30 cars being taken off the road for every trip.
Zeelo currently offers both turnkey and SaaS solutions to customers such as Ocado, Amazon and Wincanton.
“Outside urban centres, the vast majority of people need a car to access work and education,” said Sam Ryan, co-founder and CEO of Zeelo. “Amongst our shift-worker customers, 30% of candidates don’t turn up to the job interview in the first place because they can’t get there.
“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.”
The investment round was led by ETF Partners, with participation from InMotion Ventures and various angel investors including Neil Smith, founder of Transit Systems.
