Afrobility: Africa Tech and Business

#54: Swvl - How the bus mobility platform became one of the largest transportation companies in Africa

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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:

  1. Egypt transportation context
  2. Swvl's early history
  3. Product & monetization strategy
  4. Swvl's SPAC public offering
  5. Overall outlook.

    6. 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 [email protected]
      • Founders looking for funding: If you're a B2B founder working on Education, Health, Finance or food, please contact me for funding at [email protected]


        • 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 [email protected] with feedback!

          Founders & Operators: We'd love to hear about what you're working on, email us at [email protected]

          Investors: It would be great to link up with you. Contact us at [email protected]

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          Afrobility: Africa Tech and BusinessBy Olumide Ogunsanwo and Bankole Makanju
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