EIT Urban Mobility, an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the EU and a driving force in sustainable mobility solutions, will headline Slush 2024, focusing on impact investing and the pivotal role of clean mobility startups. This presence at the renowned event provides EIT Urban Mobility with a platform to share key insights and perspectives on the future of urban mobility.
As a key driver of sustainable urban transformation, EIT Urban Mobility funds startups and scale-ups, fosters collaborations, and offers extensive pan-European networking opportunities. This support empowers innovators to tackle sustainability challenges and advance eco-friendly transport solutions that create positive environmental and social impact.
EIT Urban Mobility is set to lead an insightful session at Slush 2024, featuring Tuukka Yrttimaa, Head of Investor Business at Upright and Fredrik Hånell, Director of Impact Ventures at EIT Urban Mobility, to explore the evolving landscape of impact investing. Scheduled for 21 November from 10.00 to 10.30 at the EIT booth, the session will delve into strategies for achieving positive societal and environmental impact through investment. It will also serve as the launch platform for the EIT Urban Mobility Impact Report 2024, highlighting the organisation’s accomplishments in advancing sustainable urban mobility.
EIT Urban Mobility has built a robust network of mobility-focused investors and is expanding an ecosystem that already includes over 1000 stakeholders across Europe, further accelerating the growth of innovative startups in the mobility sector. Committed to advancing sustainable urban transformation, EIT Urban Mobility actively supports 15 portfolio startups, which have been invited to the upcoming VC and startup event at Slush 2024. There, they will connect with key investors as they prepare for their next funding rounds. The selected startups – ARXAX (UK/Italy), BEEV (France), Dreamwaves (Austria/Portugal), Everimpact (France), Futurail (Germany), Luvly (Sweden), Meep (Spain), Move By Bike (Sweden), Ridergy (Germany), Second Ride (Germany), Standab (Sweden), MIOO (Sweden), Walk 15 (Lithuania), Whee! (Norway), and Zeabuz (Norway)—represent the forefront of sustainable mobility innovation.
EIT Urban Mobility’s investment strategy
EIT Urban Mobility’s investment strategy is centred on creating impactful and lasting benefits in Europe’s towns and cities, while making investments that give strong financial returns. The organisation evaluates portfolio companies based on impact metrics and financial indicators, emphasising a commitment to businesses that contribute to a net positive impact on the world. In a mere span of five years, EIT Urban Mobility’s startup portfolio has surpassed industry standards in terms of potential for societal and environmental improvement.
EIT Urban Mobility’s portfolio is a highly net-positive group of companies with a net impact ratio of +46%. The portfolio highlights impressive diversity and growth, spanning 30 countries and with 45% of the ventures being women-led. In addition, the EIT Urban Mobility equity portfolio features 131 invested ventures that have collectively raised €117 million. This diverse portfolio reflects EIT Urban Mobility’s commitment to fostering inclusive and impactful urban mobility solutions across Europe and beyond.
“While traditional ESG approaches are valuable for promoting responsible practices, EIT Urban Mobility recognises their limitations in cultivating the companies our future demands,” commented Fredrik Hånell, Director of Impact Ventures at EIT Urban Mobility. “We focus on investing in net-positive impact-oriented companies committed to creating liveable urban areas. Our evaluation process is rigorous, emphasising both impact metrics and financial indicators. Our ultimate goal is to support businesses that deliver tangible benefits for the world, generating a net positive impact on our planet. As a European impact investor, we aim to empower visionary entrepreneurs to tackle these challenges. By fostering collaboration across governments, corporations, and innovators, we are helping shape a cleaner, more efficient urban future. We remain committed to backing those driving sustainable mobility and creating long-term value for cities, the environment, and Europe’s future competitiveness.”
The portfolio companies play a crucial role in addressing the complex urban mobility challenges that cities around the world face through the development of sustainable solutions. The report aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of the sustainability efforts and outcomes of these dynamic companies, shedding light on their contributions to create a more sustainable and liveable urban future.
Journalists are invited to join EIT Urban Mobility for a unique networking opportunity on the Slush tram ride in Helsinki. This special tram ride to the city centre will take place on 20 November at 19.15. It offers a chance to connect with EIT Urban Mobility representatives, meet startup founders and explore innovations in urban mobility. They can register here.
