Mobility 54

Mobility 54 is a prominent Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) fund operating as a joint venture between two major Japanese and French conglomerates: Toyota Tsusho Corporation and CFAO SAS. Established in 2019, its primary mission is to foster innovation within Africa's burgeoning mobility sector. The fund strategically invests in startups that offer solutions to pressing social challenges across the continent, leveraging the deep industry expertise and vast networks of its parent companies.

The fund's investment thesis centers on supporting early to growth-stage companies developing innovative solutions in areas such as logistics, ride-sharing, last-mile delivery, energy, and fintech services specifically tailored for mobility. Mobility 54 typically provides first cheques ranging from $500,000 to $5 million, aiming to fuel the expansion of promising ventures. Initially launched with a fund size of $45 million in 2019, the firm demonstrated its continued commitment to the African market by raising a second fund of $25 million in 2022, bringing its total capital commitment to $70 million.

Beyond capital injection, Mobility 54 offers significant strategic value to its portfolio companies. Startups gain access to the extensive operational infrastructure, distribution channels, and market insights provided by Toyota Tsusho and CFAO, which have a long-standing presence and deep understanding of African markets. This unique value proposition helps accelerate growth, facilitate market entry, and establish sustainable business models. The fund's unwavering focus on Africa underscores its belief in the continent's potential for transformative mobility solutions and its commitment to contributing to economic development and improved quality of life.