#54: Swvl - How the bus mobility platform became one of the largest transportation companies in Africa

Overview: Today, we’re going to talk about Swvl, the Egyptian and Dubai based mobility platform. We’ll explore the Swvl story across 5 areas:

Egypt transportation context

Swvl's early history

Product & monetization strategy

Swvl's SPAC public offering

Overall outlook.

This episode was recorded on July 17, 2022

Companies discussed: Swvl, Careem, Uber, Treepz & Rocket Internet

Business concepts discussed: Mobility strategy, Ridesharing, Bus sharing, Public transportation, infrastructure dependencies, IPOs & Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)

Conversation highlights:

(01:00) - Intro and why we’re discussing this topic

(06:15) - Context on Egypt and Africa ridesharing

(13:50) - Founders’ background and Swvl founding

(25:22) - Fundraising and geographical expansion

(31:15) - Expansion strategy and acquisitions

(38:12) - Product and monetization strategy

(59:16) - Competition and SPAC

(1:16:55) - Bankole’s overall thoughts and outlook

(1:30:15) - Olumide’s overall thoughts and outlook

(1:44:35) - Recommendations and small wins

Olumide’s recommendations & small wins:

Recommendation: The Power Law book - About the history of venture capital

Recommendation: Nas - One Mic

Small win: Upgraded RAM in my old laptop, I haven't done that in a while. It feels awesome to do something mechanical like that

Interested in investing in Africa Tech with Olumide: Read about Adamantium fund & contact me at [email protected]

Founders looking for funding: If you're a B2B founder working on Education, Health, Finance or food, please contact me for funding at [email protected]

Bankole’s recommendations & small wins:

Recommendation: What Does A Batsman See & Matter - Reading App & Build by Tony Fadell

Small win: Started taking long walks again. No music, just walks over an hour

Other content: More Money Than God - Sebastian Mallaby & Dial 911 and Wall Street answers - NY Times

Listeners: We’d love to hear from you. Email [email protected] with feedback!

Founders & Operators: We'd love to hear about what you're working on, email us at [email protected]

Investors: It would be great to link up with you. Contact us at [email protected]