Zeelo, a global transit-tech company based in London, has recently secured $16 million in funding to further develop its shuttle optimization platform. The funding round was led by FlatzHoffmann, a European growth equity investor, with participation from IREON Ventures and a prominent Boston-based family office. This oversubscribed Series A extension round brings Zeelo's total funding to $34 million.

Optimizing Shuttle Routes for Efficiency

Zeelo's software platform is designed to help companies determine the most efficient routes for their shuttle services. This includes employee shuttles for corporate clients as well as school bus routes. By optimizing these routes, Zeelo aims to provide highly efficient, sustainable, and affordable private bus and shuttle transport programs.

The platform not only helps companies save time and money but also contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. Zeelo has committed to transitioning all its services to net-zero emissions battery-electric buses by 2030. Already, nearly 10% of Zeelo's UK clients have made the switch to electric buses for their commuter services.

Funding to Drive Expansion and Innovation

The recent funding will be used to accelerate Zeelo's expansion in the United States, with the opening of a second headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts. The company has already secured contracts with major brands, including Fidelity, and aims to roll out large-scale, multi-site transportation contracts with some of North America's biggest household names.

Sam Ryan, Co-Founder and CEO of Zeelo, expressed excitement about the increased demand for their transit-tech solution in the United States. He emphasized the importance of improving client relationships and streamlining operations for shuttle operators. The new capital will enable Zeelo to scale its team and operations, launch new technology products, and continue investing in its software offerings.

Zeelo's Impact and Future Plans

Since its founding in 2014 by serial mobility entrepreneurs Sam Ryan and Barney Williams, Zeelo has been addressing the transportation needs of various B2B organizations, including shift worker employers, office worker employers, schools, and universities. The company provides customized transportation services for daily commutes to suburban and peri-urban areas with limited mass transit coverage.

Through its platform, Zeelo offers relevant insights to its clients, helping them plan their headcount, production capabilities, and staff punctuality. This results in an average of 12 hours per week saved in administrative tasks and an increase in bus ridership by nearly 50%. Additionally, employee shuttle transportation costs are reduced by an average of 43% per year.

Zeelo's future plans include expanding its operations across Europe, North America, and Asia. With a growth rate of 10-15% per month and over 20,000 users per month, the company aims to be available across Europe within the next two years and launch in North America and Asia by 2025.

Conclusion

The recent funding of $16 million will propel Zeelo's expansion and innovation efforts in optimizing shuttle routes for efficiency. With its transit-tech solution, Zeelo aims to meet the daily mass transportation needs of developed markets and provide sustainable and affordable transportation options. Through the use of its software platform, Zeelo enables companies to streamline their shuttle operations, improve client relationships, and reduce costs. With a commitment to transitioning to net-zero emissions battery-electric buses by 2030, Zeelo is making a significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions in the transportation sector. As the company continues to grow and expand globally, it is poised to revolutionize the way shuttle services are operated and managed.

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