In a significant step towards addressing Africa’s urban transport challenges, Moroccan-French mobility startup Enakl has secured $1.4 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by Catalyst Fund, with participation from Renew Capital, Digital Africa, Station F, and 15 individual investors.
Founded in September 2023 by Samir Bennani and Charles Pommarede, and later joined by Ahmed Omrane as associate CTO, Enakl is pioneering a scalable and sustainable approach to urban mobility. The startup aims to redefine daily commuting in emerging markets through intelligent, eco-friendly, and collective transport solutions tailored for urban workers.
The fresh capital injection is set to fuel Enakl’s growth, enabling the company to solidify its presence in Casablanca, expand to other African cities, and accelerate its technological development. The startup is leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize transport routes, enhance commuter experiences, and drive sustainability.
Enakl’s mission is to combat the growing challenges of urban congestion and pollution in African cities. Its platform integrates technology and collaboration with corporations and local transport operators to provide affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly transit options.
Speaking about the investment, Maxime Bayen, Operating Partner at Catalyst Fund, emphasized the transformative potential of Enakl’s approach:
“We invested in Enakl because they are redefining urban transit in Africa with a solution that is both scalable and green. Their tech-driven, shared transport model not only addresses urban challenges like congestion and emissions but also fosters accessibility and inclusion. Enakl is setting the standard for sustainable mobility in African cities.”
Adam Abate, CEO of Renew Capital, highlighted the pressing need for such solutions:
“The collective transportation model that Enakl has developed addresses a critical challenge faced by many African cities. The team’s strategic insights and strong execution capacity give us confidence in their ability to scale this solution effectively.”
Since launching its pilot phase, Enakl has achieved significant traction. The platform manages over 15,000 bookings monthly in Casablanca, with a growth rate of 20% per month. The company’s focus on the home-to-work commute has not only simplified travel for workers but also helped employers reduce their carbon footprints while enhancing employee satisfaction.
Cofounders Samir Bennani and Charles Pommarede expressed their vision for the future:
“This funding allows us to deepen our impact in Casablanca, expand our reach, and enhance our AI-driven technology to optimize routes and improve commuter experiences. Our goal is to create a benchmark for sustainable urban mobility that benefits corporations, communities, and governments across Africa.”
Enakl’s expansion strategy aims to replicate its success in other African cities facing similar mobility challenges. By prioritizing environmental sustainability and leveraging cutting-edge technology, the startup is poised to become a leader in the continent’s urban transit sector.
As African cities grapple with rapid urbanization, startups like Enakl represent a beacon of innovation, offering solutions that are both socially impactful and economically viable. With strong investor backing and a clear vision, Enakl is well-positioned to drive meaningful change in the region’s urban mobility landscape.