Started in South Africa and now headquartered in London, mobility technology company WhereIsMyTransport is set to close the second funding round for capital to expand its impressive portfolio of mobility data and solutions for emerging-market megacities. This will bring the total raised by the company during its Series A funding to $22 million (£15.59 million).
The funding infusion is led by Naspers Foundry, Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, and SBI Investment, joining a notable list of existing investors, including giants like Google and Toyota Tsusho Corporation.
Mapping emerging-market megacities
The extension comes as the company deepens its mobility data offering in the Majority World, adding and maintaining complete network data from every mode of public transport in Bangkok, Mexico City, Lima, Dhaka and Gauteng, and on target to map 30 emerging-market megacities by 2023. Other participants confirmed in the extension are Capria Ventures, Wuri Ventures, Mission Gate, B&Y and KDDI Open Innovation Fund managed by Global Brain.
Central source of mobility data
Working on the ground in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Europe and South and Southeast Asia, it digitalises network information from all modes of public transport, and maintains data accuracy as these dynamic systems change. The company’s products and data services improve the public transport experience and inform industry-leading clients.
“Our initial round gave us the leverage we needed to enter new markets, and to broaden our reach. Securing additional funding now, as cities experience unparalleled changes to their mobility landscapes, is testament to the many opportunities that we create by producing accurate and reliable public transport data, and to our market-leading position,” says Devin de Vries, CEO and co-founder of WhereIsMyTransport. “More than ever, citizens and businesses in emerging markets need a central source of mobility data they can trust.”
Latin America venture
Following closely on the news of the Series A extension is the launch of WhereIsMyTransport’s first consumer product, Rumbo, in Latin America. Leveraging the company’s unrivalled mobility data, the Android app is the first in these markets to provide network information from every mode of public transport.
Rumbo has reached over 100,000 users and delivered over 750,000 real-time network alerts since launching in Mexico City in November 2020.
The consumer-friendly app delivers alerts and journey alternatives from all modes of public transport—over 2,400 routes in Mexico City—powered by its comprehensive mobility data. Local teams work on the ground in each city, maintaining data accuracy, and managing an up-to-the-minute alerts service on all modes, informed by 24/7 social listening.
“The launch of Rumbo is a milestone. Helping people understand digitally invisible public transport has always been our mission. Supporting commuters with this information, first-hand and for the first time, is a defining moment for helping people in the Majority World get where they need to go,” says de Vries. It will be launched in Lima, Peru, later this year.
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