European unicorns leading mobility

Next week the European Startup Summit will take place to put the European startup scene in the spotlights. It's a growing scene, as is illustrated by the list of European unicorns, some of which are related to mobility. 

The European Startup Summit will take place on 2 and 3 May and it will be an important summit in the growing European startup market, which provides 11.5% of the world’s unicorns, startups which reach $1 billion value. 

Here's a list of 6 promising European mobility unicorns before the new startups will take stage next week. 

Travel apps

Two travel apps will take the stage, Omio and Flixbus. Omio is at the moment the largest multimodal travel booking platform in Europe, operating in 15 countries and serving 27 million users a month. While the company was created in 2010, it reached its unicorn status in 2018. The former GoEuro allows you to easily book train, bus and flight tickets. 

Only considering bus rides, but a unicorn as well, is the Bavarian startup Flixbus. The sustainable and reasonably priced buses of Flixbus take their passengers throughout Europe. Driving around in 29 countries, Flixbus served about 45 million passengers in 2018 alone. Especially after its acquisition of Eurolines, Flixbus is set to confirm its position. 

Car selling apps

Buying and selling used cars has never been as easy as in the digital era. Nevertheless, some startups made it even more convenient. Letgo and Auto1 Group both offer a market-based platform in which buyers and sellers of used cars can easily connect. The first startup was originally used for al kinds of second-hand goods, and reached unicorn status in only two years. The latter, Auto1 Group, reached this milestone in 7 years' time with an investment of €460 million by Softbank. The startup has a portfolio of over 30,000 vehicles in over 30 countries. 

New mobility apps

Say future and you say new mobility. Of course European unicorns must be found in the new mobility apps as well. Cabify is the Spanish competitor of Uber and Lyft, but it is not only big in Spain and Latin America. The company serves 12 countries and more than 130 cities. 

Same but different is Bolt, formerly known as Taxify, and based in Talinn. They not only offer ridehailing, but also multiple transportation options including taxis, private drivers and electric scooters. Active in 30 countries and serving 25 million users, Bolt covers Europe and Africa in particular. Backed by Daimler and Didi, Bolt received its unicorn status last May. 

With at least 6 European mobility unicorns, the startup scene should be inspiring to bring up their best ideas in the upcoming European Startup Summit. We are looking forward to who’s next at play.