Zeelo raises $23 million Series B for AI powered transportation-as-a-service pitched at employers and schools
Zeelo, a transportation-as-a-service (TaaS) provider for employers and schools, has announced the close of a $23 million Series B funding round. This was led by impact investor Blue Earth Capital, with participation from existing investors including Direttissima Growth Partners and Peter Bauer’s family office.
The cash will be used to strengthen Zeelo’s position in the UK and Ireland, accelerate commercial growth in North America, enhance its proprietary routing software and AI powered transport management platform, and pursue further M&A following the acquisition of UK competitor Kura in 2024.
Zeelo provides daily commuter transportation with the aim of helping to reduce employee turnover and cut carbon emissions, leveraging a network of 650+ vetted third-party operator partners with access to over 10,000 vehicles. It is used by some of the world’s largest employers and school groups, including Amazon, Barclays, and UPS. The company’s AI powered virtual transportation management workflow, which automates route design, incident management, and customer support, is at the heart of its service.
“Our mission is to empower opportunity through sustainable transportation,” says Sam Ryan, Co-Founder and CEO at Zeelo.
“With this new investment, we’re scaling our impact - delivering inclusive mobility programmes that not only reduce CO₂ emissions and car dependency, but also connect people to work and education in areas not served by public transit. Our proprietary tech platform and AIpowered operations are driving incredible ROI for customers, while our team continues to raise the bar for service quality. This capital gives us the resources to further integrate with industry partners, including operators, electric and autonomous vehicle providers, and to strengthen our market presence through focused go-to-market and acquisition strategies.”
“Our Private Equity team is excited to partner with Zeelo on their mission to decarbonize and democratize access to transportation,” says Kayode Akinola, Head of Private Equity at Blue Earth Capital. “Zeelo's ability to shift commuters from cars to shared bus trips and optimize routes delivers significant GHG reduction potential and supports our focus on efficiency gains, whilst their role in accelerating adoption of EVs in the shuttle market aligns well with our electrification theme, an important pillar towards decarbonization.”
RTIH AI in Retail Awards
Our sister title, RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries.
As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.
With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.
Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.
Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.
This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in theGarden Room.
Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com
Key 2025 dates
Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline
Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed
Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days
Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.
