As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, almost every country is creating a curb on travel, cancelling the large business events, and VC firms are advising startups to conserve cash and spend less till the uncertainty ends.
Amid this outbreak, Via, the company that provides a digital infrastructure to power public mobility in cities around the world, announces today that it has raised $200 million (approx €181 million) Series E financing led by EXOR. On top of that, Noam Ohana, head of EXOR Seeds, the early-stage investment arm of EXOR — will join Via’s Board of Directors.
Via’s co-founders Oren Shoval and Daniel Ramot said:
“We are honoured to partner with John, Noam, and the EXOR team to help cities provide accessible, affordable, and environmentally-friendly transit to their residents. Especially in these difficult times, we greatly value EXOR’s commitment to Via’s vision of a dynamic, data-driven public mobility system that provides more cost-effective and equitable transport to communities everywhere.”
Holds a diversified portfolio!
EXOR is one of Europe’s largest diversified holding companies controlled by the Agnelli family. For over a century, EXOR has made successful investments and built great companies worldwide with a culture that combines entrepreneurial spirit and financial discipline.
Values at €2.04 billion!
Notably, the new investor’s Shell, Macquarie Capital, and Mori Building also participated in the round, as did existing investors Pitango, 83North, Hearst Ventures, Ervington Investments, Planven Ventures, Broadscale Group, and RiverPark Ventures.
This financing values the company at $2.25 billion (approx €2.04 billion). This funding will enable Via to advance its vision of efficient, accessible, and equitable public mobility. To date, Via has raised around €533 million.
Deployed globally!
Via’s algorithm efficiently combines, in real-time, multiple passengers or packages headed in the same direction, significantly reducing urban congestion and emissions while providing high quality and lower cost mobility service.
Founded by Daniel Ramot and Oren Shoval in 2012, Via was first launched in New York City in 2013, and it’s technology is now deployed globally, including in Europe as ViaVan. It’s worth mentioning that ViaVan is the joint venture between Via and Mercedes-Benz Vans.
To date, Via is now available in more than 70 cities in 20 countries and has provided over 70 million rides around the world. The company has worked closely with more than 100 partners across municipalities, public transit agencies, transportation operators, major corporations, schools, and universities to optimize their transport systems.
Provides emergency transit
Further, Via is actively helping partners provide emergency transit of goods as well as essential personnel. The company’s emergency services and transit network optimization expertise are being utilised across the world in locations as diverse as Berlin, Ohio, and Malta, to support communities impacted by COVID-19.
Via co-founders concluded:
“During this emergency period, we are proud to apply our technology and operational expertise to assist cities with optimizing transit networks, transporting essential workers, and delivering goods and services to individuals in need.”
Main image credits: Via
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