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The public transportation industry in Europe plays a vital role in connecting cities, towns, and rural areas. Involving various players, from traditional bus and rail operators to innovative ride-sharing startups, this industry caters to millions daily. Growing concerns over climate change have pushed many companies to adopt greener technologies like electric buses and sustainable practices. As urbanization increases, investment in efficient infrastructures, service modernization, and digital connectivity is essential. Thus, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector is moving toward integrated public transit solutions, ensuring a seamless and eco-friendly transportation experience for all citizens while boosting local economies.

The list features a selection of 15 notable investors operating across Europe’s public transportation sector. These firms, from venture capitalists to private equity specialists, represent various sizes and regions, with headquarters in cities like Paris, Luxembourg, and London. Founded primarily in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ last two decades, each has made considerable contributions in 2024, reflecting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in shaping transportation solutions. With investments ranging from startups to established operators, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors share a common goal: enhancing mobility and sustainability within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry.

Top 15 Public Transportation Investors in Europe

1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2015
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 198
• LinkedIn:

Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector, such as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ investment in Tictactrip, a French multimodal travel company that raised â‚�2 million in funding, and Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Rail Europe in partnership with Hivest Capital, which focuses on rail travel. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Ector, a valet parking startup, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in transportation-related ventures.

2. European Investment Bank (EIB)

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 1958
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 99
• LinkedIn:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, founded in 1958, that provides a range of financial services including loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services aimed at supporting sustainable projects across various sectors. In 2024 alone, EIB has made 99 investments, reflecting its active role in financing initiatives that promote growth and job creation. Among its notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector, EIB has invested in FlixBus, which raised over $563 million in Series F funding, and Bolt, which secured approximately $55 million in debt financing. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, EIB's significant investment of $467 million in Adif Alta Velocidad highlights its commitment to enhancing public transportation infrastructure, particularly in high-speed rail systems. These transactions illustrate EIB's strategic focus on supporting sustainable and innovative transportation solutions.

3. EIT Urban Mobility

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 10
• LinkedIn:

EIT Urban Mobility is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2019 and based in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. It aims to transform urban mobility through education, innovation, and collaboration. The organization offers master's programs, consultancy services, and support for startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ urban mobility sector. EIT Urban Mobility actively engages with cities and public transport authorities to develop sustainable transportation solutions. Notable transactions include investments in Cogo, a leading shared mobility aggregator in Europe, and Vianova, which raised over $2 million in a seed round. These investments highlight EIT Urban Mobility's commitment to enhancing public transportation and urban mobility solutions.

4. Via ID - Mobivia

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Via ID - Mobivia is an investment firm and startup accelerator based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in sustainable mobility solutions, providing funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to startups in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ mobility sector. In 2017, Via ID invested in Klaxit, which raised over $1.5 million in a venture round, focusing on improving ride-sharing and mobility services. They also participated in multiple funding rounds for Heetch, a ride-sharing platform, including a Series B round that raised $38 million in 2019. These transactions highlight Via ID's active role in promoting innovative transportation solutions, reinforcing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to sustainable mobility initiatives across Europe.

5. SoftBank Investment Advisers

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 14
• LinkedIn:

SoftBank Investment Advisers, also known as Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ SoftBank Vision Fund, is a venture capital fund based in London, England, founded in 2017. The fund specializes in investing in technology-focused companies, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r advanced technologies. With a diverse portfolio, SoftBank has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ transportation sector, notably in companies like Uber, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in a $1.25 billion funding round and a $7.7 billion secondary market investment in December 2017. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested $1.46 billion in Grab, a leading SouÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ast Asian ridesharing company, as part of its Series H funding round in March 2019, and have also backed Ola with a $1.1 billion investment in October 2017. These transactions highlight SoftBank's strategic interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolving landscape of public transportation and mobility solutions.

6. Mercedes-Benz AG

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
• Founded year: 1883
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Mercedes-Benz AG, founded in 1883 and based in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading automobile manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles and vans. The company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is recognized for its commitment to quality and performance in vehicle manufacturing. In addition to its core business, Mercedes-Benz has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector. Notable transactions include a strategic investment in FlixBus, a prominent intercity bus service, and Via, which raised $250 million in a Series D funding round aimed at enhancing on-demand transit solutions. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Blacklane, which focuses on sustainable travel initiatives, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r underscores Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation landscape. These investments reflect Mercedes-Benz's strategy to diversify its portfolio and contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ evolution of transportation services.

7. Shell

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1907
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 20
• LinkedIn:

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. While primarily focused on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ energy and chemicals sectors, Shell has shown interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation industry through strategic investments. Notably, Shell participated in funding rounds for Masabi, a London-based ticketing company that aims to enhance public transportation through innovative ticketing solutions. In March 2022, Shell was involved in a strategic growth funding round for Masabi, which is intended to accelerate product development and expand its services across various regions, including North and South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Additionally, Shell has invested in Via and Rapido, both of which are involved in transportation services, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r indicating Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector. These transactions highlight Shell's commitment to exploring opportunities within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation industry, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in this space.

8. Ardian

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 21
• LinkedIn:

Ardian is a prominent investment management firm founded in 1996, headquartered in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds. With a global presence and a commitment to sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients. Among its notable transactions, Ardian has invested in Keolis, a leading public transport operator, highlighting its engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector. Additionally, Ardian Infrastructure has made significant acquisitions in transportation-related assets, including a â‚�600 million acquisition of Ascendi Group, which manages a substantial motorway network in Portugal, and a 49% stake in Autovia Padana, which operates a key motorway in Italy. FurÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨rmore, Ardian's involvement with Heathrow Airport Holdings underscores its interest in airport infrastructure, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying its position as an investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ transportation industry.

9. Baillie Gifford

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1908
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 13
• LinkedIn:

Baillie Gifford & Co is an investment management firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in managing equity, fixed-income, and multi-asset portfolios. Founded in 1908, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm serves professional investors, including institutions and high-net-worth individuals, by providing expert investment management and advisory services focused on long-term growth opportunities. Baillie Gifford employs a research-driven approach to deliver sustainable returns for its clients. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ transportation sector, including Lyft, a major ride-sharing service, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds, raising substantial amounts such as $600 million in Series G and contributing to Lyft's valuation growth. Additionally, Baillie Gifford invested in FlixBus, a prominent intercity bus service, with investments totaling over $1 billion across different funding rounds. These transactions highlight Baillie Gifford's active role in supporting innovative transportation solutions that contribute to public transportation systems.

10. Cvc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Luxembourg
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 16
• LinkedIn:

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately â‚�193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notably, CVC has been involved in several transactions relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of PKP Energetyka, which provides energy solutions for railways, and investments in Abertis and Autopistas, both of which are key players in toll road management and infrastructure. These transactions highlight CVC's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ transportation industry, particularly in areas that support public transport infrastructure.

11. Kima Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France
• Founded year: 2010
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 50
• LinkedIn:

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Kima Ventures invested in Pony, which raised â‚�2.2 million to launch transportation schemes in major French cities, starting with Bordeaux. This investment highlights Kima Ventures' engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments in companies like Wingz, Hitch, and Heetch, which, while not strictly public transportation, are related to mobility and transportation services.

12. Index Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 67
• LinkedIn:

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm invests in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare, providing capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs. Notably, Index Ventures has invested in Citymapper, a London-based urban transport startup that raised $40 million in Series B funding, and BlaBlaCar, which raised $100 million in Series C funding. These transactions highlight Index Ventures' commitment to supporting companies that enhance public transportation solutions, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir role in fostering innovation in this sector.

13. EQT Group

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
• Founded year: 1994
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 30
• LinkedIn:

EQT Group is a prominent investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, specializing in private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. Founded in 1994, EQT serves institutional investors by managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. In Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation context, EQT has made notable investments, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of First Student and First Transit from FirstGroup, which are key players in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ school and public transit sectors. Additionally, EQT's acquisition of Molslinjen, a Danish ferry operator, and Hector Rail, an independent rail freight company in Sweden, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on transportation infrastructure. These transactions reflect EQT's commitment to enhancing public transportation services and infrastructure, positioning Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m as a significant investor in this industry.

14. 3i Group plc

• Website:
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 201-500
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

3i Group plc is a London-based private equity and infrastructure investment firm founded in 1945. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mid-market companies, focusing on sustainable growth. With a diverse portfolio and a strong international presence, 3i Group aims to create value for its stakeholders through strategic investments. Notably, 3i Group has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Keolis in 2004, which is a major public transport operator. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir involvement in AGESA, which pertains to a motorway PPP in Spain, highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to infrastructure projects that support transportation. These transactions underscore 3i Group's role as an active investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation industry, alongside Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir broader investment strategy.

15. Volkswagen Group Investor Relations

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
• Founded year: 1937
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Volkswagen Group Investor Relations is a corporate investor based in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany, founded in 1937. As a leading automotive manufacturer and energy solutions provider, Volkswagen Group offers a range of electric vehicles and charging solutions, catering to both consumers and businesses seeking sustainable energy options. The company operates through a multi-brand strategy, providing integrated solutions that include electric vehicles and renewable energy services. Notably, Volkswagen has made significant investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation sector, including a substantial stake in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Israeli ride-sharing startup Gett, where Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y participated in multiple funding rounds totaling over $300 million. This involvement highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir interest in innovative mobility solutions. Additionally, Volkswagen led a consortium that acquired 87.38% of Europcar, a French car rental group, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r solidifying Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ transportation industry. These transactions reflect Volkswagen's strategic focus on enhancing mobility services and sustainable transportation options.

Public Transportation Insights: Key Investors in Europe

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2015	198
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	1958	99
	Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain	51-200	2019	10
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	11-50	2010	2
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	2017	14
	Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany	10001+	1883	1
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	10001+	1907	20
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1001-5000	1996	21
	Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom (UK)	1001-5000	1908	13
	Luxembourg	1001-5000	2005	16
	Paris, ÃŽle-De-France, France	1-10	2010	50
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	51-200	1996	67
	Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden	1001-5000	1994	30
	London, England, United Kingdom (UK)	201-500	1945	3
	Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, Germany	10001+	1937	1

Want to find more investors focusing on Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ public transportation industry?

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