London-based urban mobility marketplace Karhoo won the prestigious European Startup Gold Prize for mobility on Thursday.
Beating over 500 other mobility startups from across Europe to the top prize, the victory marks a milestone moment for the company which was formed just two years ago.
During yesterday’s main event at the European Parliament in Brussels, Karhoo alongside 49 other finalists, pitched to an esteemed jury of mobility influencers and thought leaders.
Following the pitch, in front of an audience of European leaders, CEOs and investors, the fast-rising company was awarded the Gold Prize alongside three other European startups.
The competition judged companies on several metrics including the strength of their management team, their social impact, level of innovation and speed of execution.
Karhoo, which has 1.8 million vehicles across six continents on its platform, was judged to be the breakthrough innovation with the most potential to shape the mobility landscape in Europe and around the world.
The win comes after Karhoo recently expanded its presence in Eastern Europe, France and notably Spain through a partnership with the country’s leading corporate mobility platform Taksee.
Karhoo is creating a ride-hailing marketplace that brings together regulated, licensed taxi and private hire vehicle (PHV) fleets from around the world in the form of an electronic platform which can integrate with other travel and leisure operators’ platforms and apps.
The win means Karhoo will receive tailor-made mentoring from the Boston Consulting Group, with the support of legal and corporate partners. Karhoo will now be invited to pitch at Europe’s major tech events.
The victory also provides Karhoo with an official economic and ecological rating issued by experts, including Carbon 4, further strengthening the company’s mission: Sustainable mobility for everyone.
After the victory, Karhoo Co-CEO Boris Pilichowski said: “Karhoo was created to demonstrate that mobility is a common project and not an individual service. We want to use that belief to change mobility in Europe and throughout the world for the better.
“We have always believed that the future for Karhoo is very bright, so it is wonderful to see that view is shared amongst the esteemed judging panel here today.
“To be selected as a Gold Prize winner from over 500 strong entries is a huge honour.”
Image: Karhoo