QuickBus, a African-British Startup which allows travellers to simply book and pay for bus tickets, has closed an undisclosed round of seed funding to speed its international expansion.
QuickBus aggregates booking for all major bus operators to create greater simplicity for travellers who can book via WhatsApp, USSD and web. QuickBus has integrated with dozens of payment providers across Africa to give a seamless customer experience whilst reducing “cash” fraud for the Bus Operators.
Having initially launched in Kenya, the startup has already expanded to Angola, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia as well as securing partnerships in a further seven markets across the continent. This expansion process will now increase in pace as a result of the seed round.
Humphrey Wrey, QuickBus founder and chief executive officer (CEO) commented:
“Our platform allows customers to see reviews and select seats based on their preferences because knowing if your 18-hour journey will be very uncomfortable or quite comfortable is valuable information. That was the genesis of the QuickBus idea. QuickBus promises to provide Africans ‘the most uncomplicated and hassle-free booking experience by booking your tickets in just a few clicks.’ Users can pay for bus trips on the platform via one of three options: credit card, mobile money and internet banking.”
The Nairobi-based startup joins a nascent African long-distance mobility space which has a “massive potential,” according to Kunal Savjani, partner at Shorooq Partners. Savjani says they had been “actively studying the East African market to see who was leading the way” in the sector based on trends from other emerging markets.
