Namma Yatri Raises $11 Million in Pre-Series A Funding to Revolutionize Public Transportation
Public transportation plays a crucial role in the daily lives of millions of people worldwide. It provides a reliable and affordable means of transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting sustainable mobility. However, many public transportation systems face challenges such as limited accessibility, inefficient routes, and outdated technology. That's where Namma Yatri comes in.
Namma Yatri, the ride-hailing app developed by Moving Tech, aims to revolutionize public transportation in India. Recently, the company secured $11 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Blume Ventures and Antler, with participation from Google and other investors. This significant investment will enable Namma Yatri to further develop its technology, conduct research and development, and introduce innovative products that will create an integrated, fully digitized, and open public transportation system.
"With our people-first approach, our goal is to build empathetic products and tech that are 10x better. By collaborating with Samaaj (Community), Sarkar (Government), and Bazaar (Business), we aspire to create an impact similar to UPI in India and Linux worldwide," said Magizhan Selvan and Shan M S, Co-founders of Moving Tech.
Namma Yatri, initially launched and managed by JusPay, was spun off as a separate entity, Moving Tech Innovations Ltd, earlier this year. The company introduced its taxi service in Bengaluru, its home turf, in April. The app follows the same revenue model for its taxi-hailing service as for its auto-hailing service.
Moreover, Namma Yatri expanded its auto-booking services to Chennai and New Delhi, enhancing first and last-mile connectivity with metro services. The company aims to provide seamless and convenient transportation options for commuters, ensuring that they can reach their destinations efficiently.
What sets Namma Yatri apart is its commitment to open-source technology. The company started its journey in 2020 with an open mobility app called Yatri, developed on the BECKN/ONDC protocol. Namma Yatri operates under an open-source model integrated into the ONDC Network, which is an Indian government initiative to democratize digital commerce.
The company's ride-hailing services are currently operational in eight cities and towns, facilitating 46 million trips and generating Rs $7 billion in earnings for drivers. With a user base of 7 million and a network of 400,000 drivers, Namma Yatri is poised to make a significant impact on the public transportation landscape in India.
"Namma Yatri's focus on Digital Public Infrastructure is pioneering. They are building the mobility of the future—one that is inclusive, efficient, and sustainable," noted Fady Abdel-Nour and Nitin Sharma, Partners at Antler.
By securing this funding, Namma Yatri is well-positioned to continue innovating and transforming mobility in India. With the support of Blume Ventures, Antler, Google, and other investors, the company is set to create a public transportation system that is accessible, efficient, and sustainable for all.