TTE 2020: Iomob mobility-as-a-service platform wins start-up battleground

TTE 2020: Iomob mobility-as-a-service platform wins start-up battleground

Users can discover and book taxis and bike-sharing, scooters, public transportation and trains

New generation mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) platform Iomob won the inaugural Phocuswright Battleground: EMEA prize at Travel Technology Europe this week.

The startup, which launched in 2017, has built an enterprise grade MaaS platform for major travel and transportation clients.

It allows users to discover and book mobility services including taxis and bike-sharing, scooters, public transportation and trains.

Transport operators, start-ups and transit authorities can tap into a single customer demand pool through a combination of open source and blockchain technology, with consumers able to pay in cash, credit card, and cryptocurrency.

Finalists had just nine minutes to pitch their solution to a ‘dragons’ den’ style panel in front of a live audience.

Iomob chief executive, Boyd Cohen, impressed judges with his technology’s seamless integration between public and private mobility and integrated payment functionality.

Head judge Feargal Mooney, Meetingbookers board member and former HostelWorld chief executive, said:

“For me, Iomob is the one presenter who were actually solving a real problem that needs to be ‘solved’, particularly when it comes to the payment element and bringing that together for clients. It makes the whole process simpler, from beginning to end, for the end user.”

Cohen, said: “First of all it was an honour just to be here, being one of the top six. And then to win amongst some really strong startups with great presentations is awesome for Iomob.

“I think it’s also validation for us that with travel tech and transportation, we’re in the right space.”

Iomob will now compete in Phocuswright Summit: EMEA during Phocuswright Europe 2020 in Amsterdam where it will pitch in front of potential investors and partners alongside the ‘best of the best’ travel start-ups in the EMEA region.

In addition to the six start-ups featured within the Battleground competition, Travel Technology Europe also played host to nine promising travel innovators, who showcased their products within the show’s coveted Launchpad exhibition area.

Innovations included Crikle’s live video calling platform that enables businesses to sell package deals to web customers; Data Duopoly’s congestion-solving visitor attraction app; Trstpays trust-based payment system; and a first-of-its-kind platform from Upgrade Pack, which connects airlines and hotels with live customer demand for paid upgrades.

Startups interested in applying for a place in the Launchpad at next year’s TTE should visit traveltechnologyeurope.com, or email srackley@traveltechnologyeurope.com.

Details of how to enter the next Phocuswright Battleground: EMEA competion will also be posted online.