Philippine logistics startup Mober is accelerating the integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into its fleet after raising $2 million in seed funding, according to a company announcement.
The funding round was anchored by RT Heptagon Holdings, a local company that manages a diverse family of businesses headed by chairman and president Rex Tiri.
Mober said the fresh funding will expand its EV fleet to 60 vehicles as it seeks to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly logistics services. The startup’s move into the EV space is in line with the global shift towards sustainable practices in delivery operations.
Mober was established in July 2015 with a focus on assisting businesses in the country in decarbonizing their delivery operations. It has become a pioneer in green deliveries in the Philippines.
The company has developed a system, dubbed Transport Management System (TMS), which not only optimizes delivery efficiency but also tracks the CO2 savings achieved through the use of EVs.
Mober’s partners include major companies such as Kuehne + Nagel, Nestle, and Maersk. The company said the partnerships include the electrification of logistics operations.
It also partners with IKEA Philippines, which aims to electrify 100% of its home delivery services by 2025, according to the announcement.
The collaboration resulted in the inauguration of Mober’s flagship EV charging station in Pasay City, which is designed to support its growing fleet, particularly those serving IKEA in the Philippines.
Dennis Ng, Founder and CEO of Mober, expressed his gratitude towards RT Heptagon Holdings for its support, emphasizing the significance of this funding round in Mober’s mission to promote sustainable urban mobility.
Despite the challenges of a tough funding climate for startups in 2023, Mober said its robust, sustainability-focused business model has enabled it to secure this crucial seed funding.
Looking ahead, Mober anticipates further investments by the end of the first quarter of 2024, which will accelerate its green logistics initiatives and broaden its impact within the industry.