Tech

SA mobility startup LULA acquires UK-based Zeelo’s operations

Published

5 months ago

July 26, 2024

South Africa’s mobility startup, LULA, has announced the acquisition of the operations of UK-based Zeelo in a move that will see it scale up significantly.

LULA, which was founded in 2016 by the duo of Xabiso Nodada and Velani Mboweni, is a tech-enabled ride-sharing solution that enables people to be collected from their homes and taken to work and back again safely and reliably.

Zeelo, on the other hand, is a smart bus platform for organisations with similar operations to LULA in that it provides flexible turn-key and plug-in transportation programs for commuting and school runs.

According to Nodada, the deal will see Zeelo’s South African operations transition to LULA’s solution.

“Over the last five years, LULA has consistently maintained a year-on-year growth of between 2.5x and 4x, despite interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a global recession,” he said in a statement

“The acquisition will mean an increase in customers, vehicles and operating partners, and staff to strengthen and scale LULA’s business in South Africa, as well as into other African markets.

“Significantly, the acquisition of Zeelo‘s operations in South Africa means that LULA becomes a profitable business, with enough breathing room to scale smart, rather than scale fast,” Nodada added.

Also commenting on the deal,
Sam Ryan, founder and CEO of Zeelo said with the conclusion of the deal, the company is now directing its focus toward further expansion in the UK, Ireland, and North America.

“It has been a remarkable journey and we are grateful to our team, clients and suppliers for giving us the opportunity to serve them.

“Whilst the decision to exit the region was a challenging one, we are excited to support the transition of our customers and suppliers to the LULA platform and look forward to witnessing LULA’s future successes in tackling the transportation challenges in South Africa.“

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Tech

Kenya’s ticketing startup BuuPass partners Flexpay for flexible travel payments

Published

3 days ago

December 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Kenyan digital ticketing startup, BuuPass, has entered into a partnership with goal-based savings platform, Flexpay, to offer customers flexible payment plans ahead of holiday travels as well as simplify travel planning and ease the financial burden of holiday travel for Kenyans.

Co-founder and CEO at Buupass, Sonia Kabra, who unveiled the package at a press conference, said the collaboration between the two platforms will allow travellers to save for their journeys in manageable, interest-free installments over four to 12 weeks.

“Travelers can select their travel dates, book tickets, and pay a small deposit upfront, with the remaining balance spread across weekly or monthly payments,” she said.

“This approach offers a stress-free way for families and large groups to secure their tickets early, helping them avoid last-minute price hikes as fares are locked in.

“By partnering with Flexpay, we’re giving travelers the flexibility to budget for their trips in advance. This initiative aligns with our mission to make travel accessible to everyone, providing a solution that meets customers where they are financially,” said Kabra.

Also speaking at the event, Richard Machomba, CEO and founder of Flexpay, said:

“Flexpay’s mission is to empower individuals by providing accessible financial solutions that make it easier for them to achieve their financial goals.

“By partnering with BuuPass, we’re making travel more accessible and stress-free for Kenyans, especially during the holiday season when expenses can be overwhelming,” Machomba added.

Founded in 2016 by Kabra and Wyclife Omondi, BuuPass is a B2B2C mobility marketplace that enables users to search, compare, and book travel tickets via web, app, or USSD, while its SaaS platform helps bus operators manage their operations, inventory, and sales.

FlexPay, on the other hand, is an online and offline payment gateway that allows merchants to offer interest-free targeted savings to their customers in Africa.

Tech

DR Congo sues tech giant Apple over illegal mineral exploitation

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has filed a criminal case against the European subsidiaries of tech giant, Apple, accusing them of illegal mineral exploitation and allegedly using “blood minerals” in its supply chain.

In the suit filed on Tuesday, the DRC alleges that Apple has bought contraband supplies from the country’s conflict-ladden east and Rwanda, zones in which it allege the materials are mined illegally and then integrated into global supply chains before ending up in tech devices.

The DRC suit specifically mentioned Apple subsidiaries in France and Belgium, accusing the tech giant of using conflict minerals in its supply chain.

The DRC is a major source of tin, tantalum, and tungsten which are used in electronic devices, with some mines controlled by armed groups responsible for human rights violations.

International lawyers representing the African country’s government have accused Apple’s local subsidiaries of taking these minerals from conflict areas and laundering them through international supply chains, with one lawyer telling journalists that Belgium had a moral duty to act given its history of exploiting the country’s resources under colonial rule.

However, in its response, Apple claims it conducts supplier audits and does not directly source primary minerals.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1262670-dr-congo-sues-apple-over-alleged-illegal-mineral-exploitation