Real-time ride-sharing company Via is now valued at a $2.25 billion thanks to a new $200 million Series E investment.
EXOR, one of Europe’s largest diversified holding companies, led the financing and will receive an 8.87% equity stake.
Noam Ohana, managing director with EXOR who leads the firm’s early stage investment arm, will join the board of Via.
The deal, which is subject to antitrust approval, is expected to close in the second quarter.
“Especially in these difficult times, we greatly value EXOR's commitment to Via's vision of a dynamic, data-driven public mobility system that provides more cost-effective and equitable transport to communities everywhere,” says Via co-founders Oren Shoval and Daniel Ramot.
“During this emergency period, we are proud to apply our technology and operational expertise to assist cities with optimizing transit networks, transporting essential workers and delivering goods and services to individuals in need.”
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Says John Elkann, chairman and CEO of EXOR: “At this uniquely challenging moment, it is more important than ever to work creatively for a more sustainable future beyond these difficult days.”
Via uses an algorithm to match multiple passengers headed in the same direction, allowing it to combine the convenience of a bus service with expedient trip durations like a private taxi service.
Since launching in 2012, the New York-based mobility company has provided more than 70 million rides and expanded service to 70 cities in 20 countries.
The new funding will help Via will expand its B2C platform into the B2B world.