Tech in Africa
Naspers has announced a US$3 million (R42 million) investment into Cape Town startup WhereIsMyTransport. The funds were channeled through its early-stage tech investment vehicle and are part of the overall US$14.5 million (R201 million) Serie A round led by Naspers Foundry, the Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund, and SBI Investment. This is the 5th investment by Naspers Foundry.
https://twitter.com/Naspers/status/1401818099180052480
WhereIsMyTransport is a tech-driven mobility startup that provides commuters in high-growth markets with travel information on where they need to go. The startup relies on data and technology in the mapping of formal and informal public transport networks. This data and technology are then used to make public transport more reliable, safe, predictable, inclusive, and accessible to millions of people in highly populated areas.
The solutions developed by WhereIsMyTransport are synonymous with commuters in emerging markets and remain fairly similar across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Among the biggest clients of WhereIsMyTransport is Gautrain (Johannesburg’s commuter rail system), Cape Town transport, the World Bank, Google, WSP, among others.
Phuthi Mahanyele-Dabengwa, Naspers SA CEO supported the investment into WhereIsMyTransport as proof “great innovation and tech talent is found in South Africa.”
Fabian Whate, Head at Naper’s Foundry pointed out the “strong track record” of WhereIsMyTransport describing the mobility company as a “ great addition to the Naspers Foundry investment portfolio.”
Devin de Vries, CEO at WhereIsMyTransport described the South African originating company’s focus to be the “central source of accurate and reliable public transport data for high-growth markets” further welcoming “Naspers as an investor.”
