Milan, Italy Feb 27, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - SWITCH and Wayla, two startups revolutionizing the mobility sector with AI-powered solutions and shared transportation models, announced their Pre-Seed investment rounds at the beginning of 2025, raising €946,000 (SWITCH) and €900,000 (Wayla), respectively.
The investment rounds for SWITCH and Wayla confirm the growing interest of both Italian and international investors in smarter, more efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions. The startups’ achievements in their early months of operation also highlight the increasing demand for such solutions from both businesses and end consumers. With the funding secured, SWITCH and Wayla will be able to accelerate their impact in supporting the transition toward smarter and more sustainable cities.
The smart mobility and connected car market in Italy is growing, reaching a value of €2.9 billion in 2023, a 17% increase from the previous year, according to research from the Politecnico di Milano’s Connected Car & Mobility Observatory. Additionally, a study by Assolombarda reveals that 5.7% of Italy’s innovative startups - 836 companies - operate in mobility-related sectors, introducing groundbreaking solutions that support the industry.
SWITCH: AI-powered Fleet Management optimization
SWITCH, a startup accelerated by Berkeley SkyDeck Europe, develops advanced optimization solutions for urban fleets and logistics operators, leveraging a proprietary AI simulation engine. Its flagship products, Urban CoPilot and Urbiverse, enhance operational efficiency through demand forecasting and strategic planning tools, helping mobility and logistics companies manage fleets more efficiently.
The €946,000 Pre-Seed round—comprising €728,000 in equity and non-dilutive grants—attracted notable investors, including Magic Spectrum, EIT Urban Mobility, Berkeley SkyDeck Europe, NextSTEP, Spreentech Ventures, MobilityUP, and Apuliasoft Srl.
“We are committed to building smarter and more sustainable cities by addressing the critical challenges of fleet optimization and strategic planning,” said Matteo Forte, CEO & Founder of SWITCH. “This investment will enable us to accelerate our innovation journey and expand our impact on urban mobility.”
To date, SWITCH has processed over 5 million trips across multiple countries, providing essential data and insights to enhance urban transportation.
Wayla: van-pooling revolutionizing nighttime mobility
Wayla is Italy’s first van-pooling startup, designed to improve mobility during evening and nighttime hours. Launched in Milan on October 31, 2024, it has already reached nearly 50,000 users and ranked among the top three most downloaded apps on the Italian App Store. The service allows passengers to share optimized routes, reducing the number of vehicles on the road and offering a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to traditional transportation.
The €900,000 Pre-Seed round was secured with support from MobilityUp, Moffu Labs, Sullivan Ventures, and business angels. With these funds, Wayla aims to expand its fleet, increase service area coverage, and extend operating hours.
“Wayla was born out of the need to introduce new sustainable mobility solutions in Italian cities and our commitment to improving urban quality of life,” said Carlo Bettini, CEO & Co-Founder, and Mario Ferretti, CSO & Co-Founder of Wayla. “With this investment, we can expand our service, enhance the user experience, and contribute to more efficient and accessible mobility.”
Two complementary models for a more sustainable mobility future
SWITCH and Wayla represent two tangible examples of how technology can transform the mobility sector. On one hand, SWITCH helps fleet operators and mobility/logistics companies optimize vehicle management, reducing waste and inefficiencies. On the other, Wayla introduces a shared transportation model, decreasing urban congestion and promoting a more sustainable mobility ecosystem.
The success of these two startups and their recognition from investors highlight the rapid acceleration of innovative mobility solutions in Italy and confirm SWITCH and Wayla as key players in the transition toward smarter and more sustainable cities.
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