Allianz X co-leads a Series B investment in major African ride hailing platform SafeBoda

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Allianz X, the digital investment unit of the Allianz Group, announced an investment in SafeBoda, based in Kampala, Uganda. SafeBoda is a major African ride hailing platform that also offers various on-demand consumer and payment services.

SafeBoda, winner of the 2018 AppsAfrica Award, aims to offer reliable and safe transportation to its customers and its mobile payment platform is an example of digital companies contributing to financial inclusion across Africa.

This is Allianz X’s first investment in an African-headquartered company.

For the Series B investment, Allianz X is co-investing with Go-Ventures, a venture fund whose cornerstone investor is GO-JEK. Allianz and GO-JEK are already partners in GO-JEK’s home market of Indonesia. 

allianz african ride hailing platform safeboda

“Our investment in SafeBoda underlines our continued commitment to growth markets. We are excited to participate in the development of ride hailing ecosystems in Africa,” said Oliver Ullrich, Corporate Development Director at Allianz X. “SafeBoda has successfully established itself in the ride hailing market in Uganda and we look forward to supporting the company’s expansion into additional countries and services.”

Allianz intends to leverage its regional presence and capabilities, working with SafeBoda to transform transportation, logistics, and payment sectors in Africa.

“SafeBoda is a promising start-up with substantial growth potential, including the development of relevant financial services and insurance products,” said Coenraad Vrolijk, CEO of Allianz Africa. “We look forward to our strategic collaboration and to being part of SafeBoda’s success story.”

“SafeBoda is excited to have Allianz X join our investor group, particularly as we deepen our platform and add a number of important FinTech services for both SafeBoda drivers and passengers,” said Alastair Sussock, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Safeboda. “We are confident that collaborating with Allianz  will enable us to grow the business and impact the wider community across East and West Africa.”

About Safeboda

SafeBoda is a leading on-demand transportation service provider in East Africa. SafeBoda provides value to consumers, drivers and passengers, with additional financial services, payments and other on-demand services to keep Africa moving forward.

About Go-Ventures

Go-Ventures is a venture fund that aims to invest in early stage businesses globally. 
Allianz X invests in digital frontrunners in ecosystems relevant to insurance and asset management. It has a portfolio of over 25 companies and AuM of more than 1.5 billion euros. Allianz X has counted 12 unicorns among its portfolio so far. The heart and brains behind it all are a talented team of around 40 people. As one of the pillars of the Allianz Group’s digital transformation strategy, Allianz X provides an interface between Allianz Operating Entities and the broader digital ecosystem, enabling collaborative partnerships in insurtech, fintech, and beyond. As an investor, Allianz X supports mature digital growth companies to take the next bold leap and realize their full potential. Keep up with the latest at Allianz X on Medium, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter)

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Daniela Markovic
Allianz SE
Gregor Wills
Allianz X
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