Daimler’s Moovel in start-up deal

Moovel North America, the mobility company set up by Daimler, has partnered with start-up specialist Capital Factory to create MobilityX, a transportation technology accelerator aimed at fostering the growth of new mobility-as-a-service companies to bring innovative solutions to the transportation sector.

MobilityX will be part of Capital Factory, a start-up accelerator and co-working space based in Austin, Texas. The facility will have added access to Moovel North America’s network of mobility experts.

Joshua Baer, founder and executive director at Capital Factory, said: “We’re excited to team up with Moovel to foster innovation in the transportation industry. This program will provide an unparalleled opportunity for transportation and mobility start-ups to plug into the Daimler network for industry advice, customer feedback and new business opportunities.”

Nat Parker, CEO of Moovel North America, said: “As an integral part of Daimler’s mobility strategy, which encompasses mobility platforms and services, Moovel is excited to collaborate with the start-up community to develop the next generation of mobility solutions. Capital Factory will provide the MobilityX program the structure, resources, and pipeline of talent it needs to thrive.”

Mentoring

Mobility and transportation focused start-up companies will have access to experienced mentors from Capital Factory and Daimler executives, who will give feedback and make introductions to other industry executives.

This creative exchange in an incubator setting will serve as a blueprint for input into Daimler’s connected, autonomous, shared services and electric strategy.

Entrepreneurs will have the option to participate in events such as a “Mobility Think Tank,” hackathons, and various workshop discussions.

Start-up companies at Capital Factory also have access to dedicated office space, classrooms, and meeting rooms, and will receive advice on all business topics including marketing, product development and fundraising.

The program is intended to help incoming start-ups accelerate the development of mobility-focused solutions and connect them into the Daimler ecoystem for business opportunities.

The mobile ticketing applications built by Moovel North America are used by 16 transit authorities in the US and allow customers to book and pay for public transit tickets via their smartphone. The Portland, Oregon-based company is the leading provider of mobile ticketing technology for US-based transit apps.