Wahu Mobility, a pioneering mobility company based in Accra, Ghana, has secured a strategic investment from Blue Lion, a distinguished family office affiliated with the German family-owned Schörghuber Corporate Group. The investment amount, although not disclosed, aims to enable Wahu Mobility to scale up its operations, expand its product portfolio, and extend its reach to more cities in Ghana and across Africa. This strategic infusion of capital signifies a crucial step in the company’s pursuit of creating an open e-mobility platform that connects drivers, passengers, and goods.
Why The Investors Invested:
The decision by Blue Lion to invest in Wahu Mobility can be attributed to several compelling factors. In the first place, the growing problem of urban traffic congestion in Accra and other African cities presents an urgent need for sustainable and eco-friendly mobility solutions. The introduction of Wahu’s electric bikes, with their dual-swappable batteries and impressive range of up to 140 kilometers on a single charge, addresses this issue head-on. Additionally, the bike’s versatility, offering both pedal assistance and throttle features, caters to a diverse range of riding styles and preferences, making it a practical solution for a wide array of commuters.
Furthermore, Wahu Mobility’s partnership with prominent mobility platforms such as Bolt and Glovo, offering electric bike-based delivery services, taps into the burgeoning gig economy in Africa. This not only facilitates income opportunities for drivers but also aligns with the rising demand for efficient and environmentally friendly last-mile delivery services.
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In line with global trends emphasizing sustainability and eco-conscious living, Wahu Mobility’s focus on designing locally manufactured electric vehicles underscores a commitment to green transportation in Accra and the broader African continent. This aligns with Blue Lion’s investment philosophy, which likely seeks to support companies driving sustainable change.
A Look at Wahu Mobility
Wahu Mobility, originally founded as Mana Mobility in 2022, is the brainchild of Ghanaian entrepreneurs Valerie Labi and Toni Heigl, in partnership with German automotive expert Peter Schwarzenbauer. The company later rebranded as Wahu Mobility in 2023 to reflect its vision of creating an open e-mobility platform that connects drivers, goods, and passengers. This innovative startup specializes in crafting eco-friendly fleet solutions for both riders and drivers.
The centerpiece of Wahu Mobility’s offerings is the Wahu bike, an electric bike designed to provide sustainable and affordable urban mobility in Accra and beyond. The bike is equipped with advanced features, including a dual-swappable battery, tracking device, battery management system, and a smart lock controllable via a mobile app. It can transport loads of up to 150 kilograms and offers multiple riding modes, making it suitable for both personal transport and the booming delivery sector.
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Wahu Mobility’s primary markets are in Accra, Ghana, and the wider African continent. The company’s mission is to lead the transition to sustainable mobility in Africa by designing locally manufactured electric vehicles, making them accessible and affordable, and supporting a network of drivers and riders who contribute to a greener, more efficient urban transportation landscape. The company’s innovative efforts and its “Wahu e-bike” are a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable urban mobility in Africa, aligning with the global trend toward electric vehicles and environmentally responsible transportation solutions.
Charles Rapulu Udoh
Charles Rapulu Udoh is a Lagos-based lawyer, who has several years of experience working in Africa’s burgeoning tech startup industry. He has closed multi-million dollar deals bordering on venture capital, private equity, intellectual property (trademark, patent or design, etc.), mergers and acquisitions, in countries such as in the Delaware, New York, UK, Singapore, British Virgin Islands, South Africa, Nigeria etc. He’s also a corporate governance and cross-border data privacy and tax expert.
As an award-winning writer and researcher, he is passionate about telling the African startup story, and is one of the continent’s pioneers in this regard