SA start-up goes global

WhereIsMyTransport, a South African-based transport solutions start-up has announced a R12 million investment from local and global investors. Now the company is looking to overseas expansion after it set-up an office in London. By Gugu Lourie

The transport solutions startup, which was established in Cape Town seven years ago, is dedicated to improving the commuter experience in emerging markets and determined to turn commuter data into a system that serves cities and users alike.

The firm also provides to the City of Tshwane a Findmyway, an app providing a point-to-point journey planner integrating public and alternate modes of transport.

In July, WhereIsMyTransport raised £600 000 (R12 million) from local and international investors.

Tom Boardman, ex-CEO of Nedbank and chairman of Athena Capital, as well as Kim Fennell, CEO of deCarta, an Uber tech company, have both made personal investments. Other investors include South Africa’s Infotech, and global investors consists of a Dutch-based venture fund Horizen Ventures and Goodwell Investments.

“We been fortunate to have a fantastic group of investors from key industries join us. Their added expertise and experience will be crucial as we enter a new phase of product development and international expansion,” says co-founder Devin de Vries.

The company will use the London office top expand its business.

“Having an international base for operations makes it easier for us to reach other cities outside Africa and gives us the resources, credibility and access to venture capital needed to compete on a global scale,” says de Vries.

The transport solutions start-up have also  outgrown Devin’s garage. It moved from the suburban garage where they began seven years ago to a new campus in Cape Town.

“Both our overseas office and our new Cape Town offices are part of our transition to a more mature phase.”

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