Bolt, a company specializing in mobility technology, has successfully raised over $1.5 billion from various investors in the last ten years to expand its e-hailing services globally. The CEO and founder of the company, Markus Villig, shared this information during a recent event in Dubai. Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, was established in 2013 and has evolved into a prominent global mobility platform, operating in more than 50 countries and serving over 200 million customers.
Villig also mentioned Bolt’s entrance into the UAE market through a partnership with Fly Taxi, a major fleet operator in the Middle East. This collaboration aims to leverage Bolt’s technology and wide network with Fly Taxi’s local expertise to establish a leading e-hailing service in the region.
Since its inception, Bolt has diversified its services to include ride-hailing, shared cars, scooters, and food delivery. The company initiated its African operations in South Africa in 2016 and has since expanded to countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Notably, Nigerians have taken more than 250 million rides with Bolt since its inception in the country.
In the realm of self-driving cars, Villig expressed optimism tempered with caution, citing the need for further technological advancements and regulatory frameworks before such vehicles become commercially viable. He also addressed the coexistence of traditional drivers and digital taxi services, emphasizing the complementary nature of these services in the current transportation landscape.