A Little Bird
In this section, we have a delightful GIF of a blinking cat bird, accompanied by an image credit to Bryce Durbin. While this section doesn’t provide much substantial content, it adds a touch of whimsy and visual interest to the article.
Deals!
Moving on, we have an exciting update about Zepto, an Indian delivery and e-commerce startup. Zepto has successfully raised $1 billion in the past 90 days, as reported exclusively by TechCrunch. This funding round confirms our earlier report on the startup finalizing a $340 million funding round led by General Catalyst. Other notable backers include Nexus Venture Partners, Lightspeed, Avra, YC Continuity, Contrary, and StepStone Group. This massive funding demonstrates the confidence and support Zepto has garnered within the industry.
Additionally, we have a couple of other notable deals to highlight. E Daddy, a UAE-headquartered business specializing in two-wheeler EVs, recently raised $15 million in a funding round. This investment will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and development of the company.
Another startup making waves is Oxylus Energy, which originated from a Yale chemistry lab. Oxylus Energy focuses on refining the production of green methanol and has successfully raised a $4.5 million seed round. The funding was led by Toyota Ventures and Azolla Ventures, with participation from Earth Foundry and Connecticut Innovations. This investment will aid Oxylus Energy in their mission to help airlines and shipping companies achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Lastly, WeMob, a fleet management and telematics SaaS company in Iberia, has been acquired by Alerce for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition further solidifies Alerce’s position in the logistics industry.
Notable Reads and Other Tidbits
In this section, we have a collection of interesting news and tidbits from the world of mobility. Let’s dive in:
ADAS:
A tragic incident involving a woman charged with DUI homicide while allegedly using Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driver-assistance product, sheds light on the importance of responsible usage of advanced driver assistance systems.
Autonomous Vehicles:
Tesla is planning to unveil its highly anticipated robotaxi at an event held at Warner Bros. Discovery Inc.’s movie studio in the Los Angeles area. An insightful observation made by a hacker suggests that Tesla may be pre-mapping the area before the event, indicating the company’s meticulous planning.
Electric Vehicles, Charging & Batteries:
Tesla’s recent move to delete all of its blog posts prior to 2019 has left many puzzled. These blog posts contained a wealth of information about the company’s history and milestones, and the reasoning behind this decision remains unknown.
Archer Aviation, a leading player in the future of flight, has completed an impressive 402 test flights so far this year. The company’s progress signifies its readiness for for-credit flight testing with the FAA.
Ride-Hailing and Car-Sharing:
Lyft, one of the major players in the ride-hailing industry, is restructuring its operations and laying off about 1% of its workforce. This move comes as Lyft aims to streamline its operations and focus on docked bikeshare services.
Uber, on the other hand, is doubling down in South Korea, directly challenging market leader Kakao Mobility. This strategic move demonstrates Uber’s commitment to expanding its presence in key markets.
Vay, a startup specializing in teleoperated car-sharing, is making significant strides in the industry. With recent deals with automaker Peugeot and car-sharing company Poppy, Vay is expanding into commercial and B2B services. The startup’s unique approach to car-sharing is gaining traction and attracting partnerships with various delivery-focused companies.
This Week’s Wheels
Finally, we have an in-depth review of the 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV 2LT. The author spent a few days testing the vehicle and shares their positive experience with the software and functionality. The Equinox EV boasts an 85 kilowatt-hour battery and an estimated range of 319 miles. With a suggested retail price of $45,995, this electric vehicle offers a seamless and enjoyable driving experience.
In conclusion, this article covers a wide range of topics in the mobility industry, from funding rounds and acquisitions to technological advancements and product reviews. Each section provides valuable insights and updates, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the future of transportation.