South African Mobility Startup WhereIsMyTransport Closes Doors Due to Funding Challenges
After a valiant effort to secure new funding, South African mobility startup WhereIsMyTransport has regretfully announced its closure. Established in 2016 by Devin De Vries, the startup, which once boasted a workforce of 140 employees and successfully raised over $27 million in funding, has had to bring its operations to a halt. Devin De Vries expressed his gratitude, saying, “Having failed to secure our latest round of funding, we’ve made the difficult decision to cease operations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the investors who supported us on this incredible journey. Without you, our mission would not have been possible. A sincere thank you also to our dedicated team, who wholeheartedly contributed to advancing our cause.”
WhereIsMyTransport was renowned for its innovative approach, mapping both formal and informal public transport networks. The data it collected was instrumental in enhancing the public transportation experience, focusing on safety and accessibility. Furthermore, the startup licensed a portion of its data to various governments.
In May 2022, WhereIsMyTransport proudly announced that it had successfully mapped out transportation networks in 50 cities spanning Africa, Latin America, Southeast Europe, and Asia. Among its notable clients, the World Bank utilized the startup’s data to assess access to job opportunities through public transportation in 12 African cities.
The company also had the distinction of being an alumnus of the now-defunct Naspers Foundry, having previously received $3 million in funding from the fund for its $14.5 million Series A extension. Its roster of investors included Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, Japan’s SBI Investment, Wuri Ventures, Capria Ventures, Nedbank, Global Innovation Fund, Goodwell Investments, Google, and Toyota Tsusho.
WhereIsMyTransport’s journey was marked by groundbreaking contributions to the mobility sector. The company’s legacy underscores the dynamic and transformative nature of the tech startup landscape, while also highlighting the challenges that even the most promising ventures can face in the pursuit of their mission.
