#54: Swvl - How the bus mobility platform became one of the largest transportation companies in Africa
Afrobility: Africa Tech and BusinessPlay episode
Show notes
Overview: Today, we’re going to talk about Swvl, the Egyptian and Dubai based mobility platform. We’ll explore the Swvl story across 5 areas:
Egypt transportation context Swvl's early history Product & monetization strategy Swvl's SPAC public offering Overall outlook. This episode was recorded on July 17, 2022
Companies discussed: Swvl, Careem, Uber, Treepz & Rocket Internet
Business concepts discussed: Mobility strategy, Ridesharing, Bus sharing, Public transportation, infrastructure dependencies, IPOs & Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)
Conversation highlights:
(01:00) - Intro and why we’re discussing this topic (06:15) - Context on Egypt and Africa ridesharing (13:50) - Founders’ background and Swvl founding (25:22) - Fundraising and geographical expansion (31:15) - Expansion strategy and acquisitions (38:12) - Product and monetization strategy (59:16) - Competition and SPAC (1:16:55) - Bankole’s overall thoughts and outlook (1:30:15) - Olumide’s overall thoughts and outlook (1:44:35) - Recommendations and small wins
Olumide’s recommendations & small wins:
Recommendation: The Power Law book - About the history of venture capital Recommendation: Nas - One Mic Small win: Upgraded RAM in my old laptop, I haven't done that in a while. It feels awesome to do something mechanical like that Interested in investing in Africa Tech with Olumide: Read about Adamantium fund & contact me at olumide@afrobility.com Founders looking for funding: If you're a B2B founder working on Education, Health, Finance or food, please contact me for funding at olumide@afrobility.com
Bankole’s recommendations & small wins:
Recommendation: What Does A Batsman See & Matter - Reading App & Build by Tony Fadell Small win: Started taking long walks again. No music, just walks over an hour Other content: More Money Than God - Sebastian Mallaby & Dial 911 and Wall Street answers - NY Times
Listeners: We’d love to hear from you. Email info@afrobility.com with feedback!
Founders & Operators: We'd love to hear about what you're working on, email us at info@afrobility.com
Investors: It would be great to link up with you. Contact us at info@afrobility.com
