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Draft:VOI Technology

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Voi Technology AB (commonly referred to as Voi) is a Swedish micro-mobility company that offers electric scooter (e-scooter) sharing services in urban areas across Europe. The company was founded in 2018 and has since grown to become one of the leading providers of shared electric scooters and e-bikes in the region. Voi operates in more than 70 cities across over 11 countries, offering sustainable transportation alternatives to help reduce carbon emissions and improve city life.[1]

History

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Voi Technology was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2018 by Fredrik Hjelm, Douglas Stark, Emil Sundblad, and Adam Jafer. The company launched its first fleet of electric scooters in Stockholm later that year and quickly expanded across Europe.[2] By 2019, Voi had raised substantial venture capital from investors like VNV Global, Balderton Capital, and Creandum, which allowed it to grow its operations and enhance its vehicle fleet.[3]

In 2020, Voi introduced its next-generation scooter, the Voiager 3 model, marking a significant improvement in sustainability, durability, and safety features.[4] Since then, Voi has continued to develop new models of e-scooters and e-bikes, including the Voiager 4, Voiager 5, and Voiager 7.[5] Additionally, the company launched an e-bike sharing service, expanding its product offerings.[6]

Operations

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Voi operates primarily in Europe, with a significant presence in cities such as Stockholm, Berlin and Oslo. The company works in close collaboration with city authorities and transportation departments to integrate its services into local infrastructure.[7] Voi scooters are available via the company's app, where users can unlock and ride the scooters for short urban commutes.

Voi emphasizes sustainability as a core aspect of its operations. The company is committed to achieving carbon-neutral transportation and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact.[8] These include the introduction of swappable batteries in its newer scooter models and partnerships with local recycling and energy companies.[9]

Technology

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Voi scooters are designed for safety, durability, and sustainability. The Voiager 3 and Voiager 4 models feature advancements such as improved suspension, larger wheels for better stability, and swappable batteries to reduce downtime for charging.[10] The Voiager 7, launched in 2023, further enhanced the scooter’s safety features with improved braking systems, better lighting, and real-time GPS tracking.[11]

In addition to e-scooters, Voi launched its e-bike sharing service in 2023, offering both a large and small e-bike model, providing users with a broader range of micro-mobility options. These e-bikes are equipped with high-end features like built-in locks, GPS, and swappable batteries, much like the scooter models.[12]

Partnerships and Regulations

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Voi works closely with local governments to comply with regulations, obtain permits, and create safe riding environments in cities.[13] The company has been a part of numerous pilot programs aimed at reducing traffic congestion and promoting green transportation in urban areas.[14]

Voi has also partnered with organizations such as the European Transport Safety Council to promote safety initiatives for e-scooter riders, including campaigns on helmet usage and safe riding practices.[15]

Funding and Financials

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Since its inception, Voi has raised over $500 million in funding. Its notable investors include VNV Global, Balderton Capital, Creandum, and Raed Ventures.[citation needed] The company has used this capital to expand its operations, develop new products, and improve its service infrastructure.[16]

Competitors

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Voi operates in a highly competitive micro-mobility market alongside companies like Tier Mobility, Lime, and Dott.[17] Each company offers e-scooter and e-bike services, and competition is primarily focused on securing operating permits in major cities, developing innovative technology, and maintaining sustainability initiatives.

Awards and Recognition

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Voi Technology has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the mobility sector. In 2021, Voi was awarded the Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the Nordic Startup Awards for its efforts in reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly urban transportation.[18]

References

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  1. ^ "Voi Technology Official Website". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  2. ^ "Swedish e-scooter startup VOI raises $50 million to expand across Europe". Tech.eu. 18 November 2018. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  3. ^ "Voi raises $160M as it passes 2 million riders". TechCrunch. December 2, 2020. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  4. ^ "Voi launches Voiager 3 scooter". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  5. ^ "Voiager 7 launch". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  6. ^ "Voi expands with e-bike services". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  7. ^ "How Voi works with cities for sustainable mobility". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  8. ^ "Voi's sustainability initiatives". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  9. ^ "Swappable battery innovation". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  10. ^ "Voiager 4 scooter technology". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  11. ^ "Voiager 7 safety improvements". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  12. ^ "Voi launches e-bikes". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  13. ^ "Voi's partnerships with city authorities". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  14. ^ "Pilot programs for Voi e-scooters". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  15. ^ "Safety campaigns with the European Transport Safety Council". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  16. ^ "Voi's funding and growth". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  17. ^ "Competitive landscape of micro-mobility". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
  18. ^ "Nordic Startup Awards 2021". Retrieved 2024-09-13.
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Official website