Mazi, a mobility-as-a-service (Maas) startup backed by global venture builder, Satgana, has launched its flagship electric motorcycle fleet in Nairobi, Kenya.
Mazi said in a statement that by working with motorcycle operators, technical institutions and manufacturers to ensure the successful implementation of their service, it is taking a multi-stakeholder approach to drive forward the e-mobility sector.
The Kenyan start-up, which uses motorcycles, locally known as bodas, to accelerate the transition to efficient, affordable and clean transport in the city, also introduced battery swapping stations that provide on-demand energy, thereby reducing transportation costs by 50 percent. The MK3 feature offers a choice between a single and dual battery capable of up to a respective 70km and 140km range.
On the deal, Konstantin Behr, a venture builder at Satgana, said, “From the get-go, we analyse how impact-driven a founder is – that helps us determine if we’re a right fit for them and vice versa.
“I am very passionate about Africa and I do a lot of sourcing for foreign investors who also have eyes on different regions on the continent. Mazi Mobility is our first venture in East Africa.”
Romain Diaz, founder and CEO, Satgana, elaborating on the launch of their first portfolio venture said, “The urgent need to decarbonise our economies places transportation at the cusp of a fundamental shift towards electric solutions and mobility in Africa is ripe for disruption. As such, Satgana is beyond excited to be involved in the launch of Mazi and truly believes in the founding team’s ability to make it happen. Since day-1, we have been impressed by Jesse’s vision and execution capability. As a venture builder, we are humbled to be able to support Mazi in its mission to make urban transportation sustainable while empowering low-income drivers.”
In line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal number eight, eleven and thirteen, which respectively targets decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, as well as climate action, the global venture builder is lending their support to Mazi.
Satgana aims to build and invest into startups alongside purpose-driven entrepreneurs, wherever they are, by using innovation-led and market-based approaches to solve the greatest social and environmental challenges
The venture capitalist, through strategies hinged on advising their portfolio companies per year while also providing them with venture building and operational support, helps young entrepreneurs who are at the core of their problem-solving approach.
