Berlin-based ground transportation marketplace Distribusion has successfully completed an oversubscribed $80 million Series C funding round, led by TQ Ventures and featuring significant participation from existing investor Lightrock. This new investment will further enhance Distribusion’s mission to revolutionize mass transport accessibility across the globe.
Dr. Thomas Doering, CEO of Distribusion, emphasized the urgency of their mission, stating, “With only 10% of the world’s population having access to private vehicles, we already see infrastructure stretched and environmental exhaustion. Getting mass transport right for the future is imperative. We need to change the way we deliver mass transport. Distribusion has proven it can play a crucial role in driving accessibility worldwide.”
Operating in over 70 markets, Distribusion connects a diverse array of transportation providers—from buses to ferries—to a global network of travel retailers, including industry giants such as Google, Booking.com, Alipay, Trainline, and Amadeus. The company’s innovative standardization layer allows these retailers to offer tickets for any carrier through a single API, streamlining operations and expanding market reach for transportation providers.
With an extensive rail portfolio that includes major European carriers like Deutsche Bahn and SNCF, as well as global names like Amtrak and Brightline, Distribusion is well-positioned to serve millions of travelers. The funding will be directed towards global expansion and advanced retail technology to support its 2,000+ carriers and retailers.
Schuster Tanger, Co-Managing Partner at TQ Ventures, remarked, “We have followed and greatly admired Distribusion for over two years now. Thomas and the team have built a product-first company spearheading technology innovation in ground transportation with durable competitive advantages.” He highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to its partners.
Chris Steinau, Partner at Lightrock, added, “Since leading the Series B in 2022, Distribusion has executed phenomenally well, expanding to the Americas and Asia, growing tenfold and achieving cash profitability. Distribusion creates a positive environmental and social impact by promoting and making access to ground transportation easy, aligning with our mission to support purpose-driven companies tackling climate change.”
Editorial Perspective
Distribusion stands at the forefront of a significant shift in the transportation industry, particularly in an era where sustainable practices are not just encouraged but necessary. The company’s focus on integrating various modes of public transport into a cohesive platform showcases its innovative approach to addressing the challenges of urban mobility. By leveraging technology to streamline ticketing and expand access, Distribusion is not merely enhancing the travel experience; it is actively contributing to a more sustainable future.
Moreover, as urban centers worldwide grapple with congestion and pollution, the need for effective public transport solutions has never been more critical. Distribusion’s model not only facilitates greater access but also promotes a collective movement toward reducing reliance on private vehicles. This vision aligns seamlessly with global sustainability goals and represents a forward-thinking approach that can inspire other sectors to adopt similar models.
As Distribusion continues to grow, it will be fascinating to observe how it navigates the complex landscape of global transport, balances profitability with social impact, and establishes itself as a category champion in the ever-evolving transportation ecosystem.
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