Casablanca, Morocco — December 3, 2024
Enakl, a Morocco-based urban mobility startup, has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Catalyst Fund, with participation from Renew Capital, Digital Africa, Station F, and 15 business angels. Launched in September 2023 by seasoned entrepreneurs Samir Bennani and Charles Pommarede and later joined by Ahmed Omrane as associate CTO, Enakl aims to tackle Africa’s urban mobility challenges with intelligent, safer, and sustainable collective transport solutions.
The startup focuses on improving the daily home-to-work commute for workers by providing a tech-enabled shared transit platform. Enakl’s model addresses issues like traffic congestion and carbon emissions while ensuring affordability and accessibility. The company collaborates with corporations and local transport operators to streamline commutes, reduce employers’ carbon footprints, and boost employee satisfaction.
Transforming Urban Mobility in Africa
Enakl’s efforts have already made a tangible impact in Casablanca, where the company is managing over 15,000 bookings per month and achieving a 20% month-over-month growth rate. By leveraging AI to optimize routes and enhance commuter experiences, the platform sets new standards for eco-friendly and efficient transportation in Africa.
“This funding allows us to deepen our impact in Casablanca, expand to new cities across Africa, and accelerate our technology development,” shared Samir Bennani and Charles Pommarede, cofounders of Enakl. “Our goal is to create a sustainable and inclusive urban mobility solution that benefits communities, corporations, and governments alike.”
Investor Support for Enakl’s Mission
Catalyst Fund highlighted Enakl’s scalable and environmentally conscious approach to urban transit. “We invested in Enakl because they’re transforming urban transit in Africa with a green, scalable solution,” said Maxime Bayen, Operating Partner at Catalyst Fund. “By reducing emissions and congestion through tech-driven, shared transport, Enakl addresses the challenges of urbanization while enhancing accessibility.”
Renew Capital echoed these sentiments. “Enakl’s collective transportation solutions address a critical problem in many African cities,” noted Adam Abate, CEO of Renew Capital. “The team has demonstrated clear strategic thinking and strong execution capacity, and we’re excited to support their journey.”
A Vision for Sustainable Mobility
Enakl’s mission goes beyond mobility; it’s about creating a cleaner, smarter urban ecosystem. With plans to expand across Africa, the company envisions a future where safe, affordable, and eco-friendly commute options are the norm, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.
The funding marks a significant milestone for the startup, enabling it to scale its operations, enhance its technology, and deliver on its promise of transforming urban mobility in Africa.
