BP invests in Whim developer to aid in global expansion

BP Ventures has invested €10 million in MaaS Global, a provider of digital mobility software designed to make transport easier and smarter. The company’s Whim app allows customers to access and connect all available transport on a single platform – from taxis, buses, bikes and rental cars, to ride-hailing services, shared e-scooters and e-bikes.

The investment in the Finnish-based start-up is said to support BP’s strategy of developing and providing mobility and transportation options in an increasingly smarter, digital world. 

Roy Williamson, Vice President Advanced Mobility at BP, said: “Whim offers users a single digital key that unlocks the full spectrum of city transport. It takes the hassle out of planning travel, taking on board users’ preferences and connecting and booking their ideal transport choices. 

“The MaaS Global team is at the forefront of a tech-enabled mobility evolution – from having to own a vehicle to being able to easily connect and use all available forms of transport. Our collaboration is a great example of BP’s vision for the future of transportation, mobility and integrated cities.”

Sampo Hietanen, CEO and Founder, MaaS Global, said: “The world of transportation is going through disruption that is technology enabled but, fundamentally, demand-driven. To us, having BP on board as a strategic investor is a real asset. BP’s global reach, its long experience in serving customers and technical expertise will be invaluable as we continue to build the ecosystem required to offer a seamless mobility platform to our users.”

With over six million trips made since its launch in Europe in November 2017, MaaS Global’s Whim app aims to encompass a city’s entire transport system and allows users to search, book and pay for all their transport needs in one place.

After launching Whim in Helsinki, MaaS Global has made the service available in Birmingham (UK), Vienna (Austria) and Antwerp (Belgium).  BP’s investment will support expansion plans to roll out the app in additional cities across the globe, with immediate plans including Singapore and in the US. 

BP and Maas Global will also explore opportunities to integrate existing BP offers and technology into the platform.