Amsterdam-based Swapfiets-investor backs a Dutch subscription service for electric inner-city delivery vehicles

Leusden-based Dockr operates with an aim to provide electric mobility options to SMEs who often fall short on capital to purchase a fleet of small means of transport. It provides subscriptions for cargo bikes and Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) for businesses operating in inner cities.

The company has raised €3M in a fresh round of funding from Dutch venture capital fund Ponooc.

Use of the funds

Rui Li, investment manager at Ponooc, says, “If you think about the increasing regulation and congestion in cities, e-commerce growth and direct deliveries from stores, it makes sense to invest in electric inner-city mobility.”

The startup will use the raised capital to accelerate its growth and secure additional debt to finance its assets.

Adding to its fleet of mobility startups

Ponooc is an Amsterdam-based venture capital fund with a focus on sustainable energy or mobility-related enterprises. It is the independent investment arm of Pon Holdings. Ponooc has invested in European startups focused on sustainable energy and mobility since 2014 and is renowned for investments in companies such as Swapfiets (the world’s first bicycle subscription service), Tranzer, Yego and Check.

“Our typical initial investment size ranges from €1M – €10M in growth capital. We have the means to make follow on investments in subsequent rounds. We look for a relevant minority shareholding. Because we are a family-owned fund we do not have a firm investment horizon although typically we are invested for 4-7 years,” says the VC fund. 

Its geographical focus lies in Northwestern Europe and is open to both early and later-stage venture deals. With this investment, Ponooc complements its portfolio in the fast-growing market of mobility subscriptions.

Last year, in October, Ponooc participated in the €2.2M funding round of Dutch sustainable delivery service, Trunkrs. This round was led by Amsterdam-based SET Ventures. 

According to Ponooc, it’s returns are used to fund land restoration projects across the world through the Comon Foundation (comon.earth).

About Dockr

Founded in 2018 by Boris G.L. Kuijpers, Dockr provides subscription services for electric vehicles for the inner-city deliveries. Via a fully flexible subscription that also provides uptime guarantee, Dockr enables companies of all sizes to manage their last-mile solutions in deliveries and services hassle-free, and without a large upfront investment. 

It also provides regular on-site maintenance, and in case a vehicle breaks down, Docker will swap it for a working vehicle. According to the company, it’s fleet consists of renowned Dutch freight bicycle brands Urban Arrow and Cargo Cycling.

Next to cargo bikes, Dockr is looking to offer a wider range of Light Electric Vehicles. The company has also developed its own customisable freight box. This enables customers to “safely deliver fragile goods or provide service in a pragmatic way.”

The platform has the option for you to choose between a monthly or an annual subscription. Also, there is a daily subscription plan starting from €6.85 per day.

Speaking about the startup, Nadine van der Hoorn, MD at Dockr, says, ”Because of upcoming regulations regarding CO2 emissions in most cities, companies feel the pressure of looking for alternatives to their polluting vans. Dockr allows them to operate in a more sustainable and easier way in a better way but without a large investment up front. And most importantly, Dockr is on a mission to set the new norm for inner-city delivery and service.”