Enakl Secures $1.4M Pre-Seed Funding to Revolutionize Urban Mobility in Africa

The company, Enakl, which has been founded by Moroccan start-up entrepreneurs Samir Bennani, Charles Pommarede, and then associate CTO, Ahmed Omrane, aims at transforming the daily commuting for millions in Africa. Enakl is an innovative shared transit platform that will offer reduced congestion and carbon emissions from growing cities, launched last September 2023.

In its early stages, Enakl has attracted much attention and support, raising $1.4 million in pre-seed funding from prominent investors, such as Catalyst Fund, Renew Capital, Digital Africa, Station F, and 15 business angels.
The financing will accelerate the growth of the startup first in Morocco, then gradually in other African countries.

Using Technology to Change the Face of Urban Transit in Africa

Enakl’s approach focuses on providing efficient, environmentally friendly, and need-based shared transit services for urban commuters. The platform is designed to simplify transportation in cities where congestion and pollution are growing concerns. The AI-powered technology of Enakl’s model optimizes routes to improve the commuter experience and ensure sustainability in urban mobility. The intuitive app interface makes booking rides easy, reduces wait times, and encourages shared transit usage.

Since its launch, Enakl has been gaining very impressive traction in Casablanca, one of the largest cities in Morocco, managing over 15,000 bookings per month. This startup has also shown outstanding growth with a 20% monthly increase in bookings, thus pointing out the high demand for services in the urban centers. Enakl’s success in Casablanca serves as a pilot phase, and the company now sets its sights on other major cities across Africa to replicate this model in regions with similar urban challenges.

We are highly excited about the development that Enakl has experienced during its pilot phase in Casablanca. This investment will enable us to further increase our impact, extend our coverage, and accelerate the development of our technology to enhance commuter experiences and optimize routes,” Bennani and Pommarede said. “Our mission is to drive sustainable urban mobility solutions, making daily commuting smarter and greener for all.”

Tackling Urbanization and Sustainability Challenges

The growth of urbanization in African cities has led to increased demand for efficient and affordable transportation solutions. Congestion, air pollution, and limited mobility options are challenges that many major cities in Africa face. Enakl’s solution addresses these issues by offering a green, tech-driven alternative to traditional modes of transport. By providing shared rides, Enakl helps reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, cutting down on traffic and lowering carbon emissions.

Maxime Bayen, an operating partner at Catalyst Fund, emphasized the importance of Enakl’s mission, noting that the startup is not only transforming urban transit but is also providing a scalable and sustainable solution to meet the needs of Africa’s rapidly growing cities. “Enakl’s innovative platform is a game-changer for urban mobility in Africa. By providing shared transport that reduces emissions and traffic congestion, they are addressing some of the key challenges facing cities while improving access for commuters, Bayen said. “In a world where climate consciousness is growing, Enakl is leading the charge in creating sustainable, inclusive mobility solutions that can make a real difference in Africa.

The success at the Casablanca branch presents a good starting point for expanding within other African cities. Due to its scalable model, Enakl will replicate its services to spread across different urban areas all over the continent, in respect to cities with a potential of facing similar problems: transportation and environmental issues. Growing urban populations are giving room for Enakl to offer timely solutions about those issues of urban congestion emissions and the need for smart mobility.

Enakl will be able to grow by further developing its technology in preparation for greater demand as the firm grows during the pre-seed round of funding. Even while AI will remain as central to optimizing routes as before and enhancing the user experience, the platform will then be an even more efficient mechanism of mobility for commuters. Further, Enakl will utilize the funds in hiring new talent, particularly in the engineering area, to support the technological advancement and scale of impact across African markets.

A Sustainable Solution for Africa’s Urban Future

Enakl’s mission is based on sustainable mobility. As cities in the continent are growing rapidly and transportation needs are evolving, Enakl can offer an alternative green, affordable, and accessible solution to the traditional commuting options. Enakl is supporting the need to address congestion and pollution with shared transit services that are powered by cutting-edge technology, improving the overall quality of life for the urban population.

As the company looks forward to the future, Enakl is excited about the potential to make a huge impact on the transportation landscape in Africa. With its innovative platform and sustainable approach to urban mobility, Enakl is well-positioned to become a leader in the African transit market, driving positive change for the continent’s rapidly growing cities.