Public transport data firm secures $7.5m Series A funding for global growth

A firm aiming to improve public transport globally using data and technology solutions has closed a multi-million dollar funding round.

WhereIsMyTransport, which is headquartered in London, has secured $7.5m in a Series A investment round.

The round saw participation from existing investors Global Innovation Fund and Goodwell Investments as well as new investment from Google, Nedbank, Liil Ventures, and Toyota Tsusho Corporation (TTC).

Founded in 2015, WhereIsMyTransport specialises in using its self-developed technology to integrate formal and informal public transport data for use by governments, operators and third-party solution developers.

WhereIsMyTransport CEO, Devin de Vries, explained: “In emerging markets, the mobility ecosystem is complex; informal public transport doesn’t behave like formal public transport. Data and technology solutions that work well in London or San Francisco wouldn’t make anything like the same impact, if any at all, in the cities where we work.

“Our solutions are designed specifically to overcome these contextual challenges. Bringing these investors together to support our mission is not only an honour but real proof that we are building something meaningful and remarkable in the majority world.”

This latest investment will allow the firm, which has offices in London, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Mexico City, to expand its global reach and build on its existing proposition.

Masato Yamanami, automotive division CEO of investor Toyota Tsusho Corporation, commented: “We are pleased to have the opportunity to invest in WhereIsMyTransport’s Series A funding.

“Our division’s global network, that covers 146 countries, is primarily focused on new emerging countries where people rely on informal public transport.

“Through strategic collaboration with WhereIsMyTransport, we will develop better and more efficient mobility services that help to resolve social challenges and contribute to the overall economic development of nations, primarily emerging nations.”