Invygo Secures $8 Million in Series A Extension to Expand Car Subscription Model in Saudi Arabia

  • Invygo, an automotive subscription platform based in the Middle East, has raised $8 million in Series A extension funding led by STV’s NICE Fund to enhance its "Subscribe to Own" model in Saudi Arabia, bringing its total funding to over $22 million since its inception in 2019.

  • The company aims to address the challenges of car ownership financing in Saudi Arabia, with a goal of reaching profitability by the end of the 2024 financial year, highlighting its innovative approach to transforming traditional auto ownership.

  • Invygo operates primarily in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, offering a user-friendly app that allows customers to select, drive, swap, and eventually own vehicles, simplifying the complexities of car ownership through a subscription-based service.

  • Utilizing a data-driven strategy, Invygo enhances vehicle utilization and customer experience, akin to subscription models in the entertainment industry, while its annualized gross merchandise value (GMV) has surpassed $100 million.

  • The company’s recent funding and sustainable model position Invygo as a significant player in reshaping mobility access across the Middle East, with commitments to innovation and exceptional customer value amid rapid technological and economic growth.

Invygo, the pioneering automotive subscription platform in the Middle East, has successfully raised $8 million in a Series A extension to further its innovative “Subscribe to Own” (STO) model. This funding round was led by STV’s NICE Fund, emphasizing the company’s commitment to making car ownership more accessible and sustainable across the region.

Founded in 2019, Invygo operates primarily in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. The platform offers an app-based service that enables users to select, drive, swap, and eventually own vehicles with just a few taps. This user-friendly approach aims to transform the traditional car ownership landscape, providing customers with flexibility, transparency, and affordability.

Since its inception, Invygo has raised over $22 million from a mix of regional and global investors. The recent Series A extension, completed in June 2024, showcases Invygo’s focus on establishing financially sustainable operations while simultaneously challenging conventional car ownership models.

Leadership and Investment Details

The NICE Fund, newly launched by STV, led the recent funding round, offering non-dilutive capital through a unique equity-based structure. Existing investors, including Al Rajhi Partners, Arab Bank Ventures, SPV, MEVP, and C5, also participated in this round.

The investment reinforces Invygo’s mission to redefine mobility access throughout the Middle East. Notably, the company’s annualized gross merchandise value (GMV) has now surpassed $100 million, marking a significant milestone in its growth trajectory.

Eslam Hussein, co-founder and CEO of Invygo, expressed enthusiasm about the new partnership with STV, highlighting the strong support from existing investors. He stated that this funding round comes after a two-year hiatus from external financing, underscoring the company’s commitment to building a sustainable business model.

Hussein emphasized that Invygo aims to create a meaningful impact in customer experience and contribute to the evolving global mobility landscape, particularly from its base in the Middle East.

The Subscribe to Own Model

The innovative STO model has primarily driven Invygo’s growth, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where securing financing for vehicle ownership has historically posed challenges for many.

This model offers Saudi nationals and residents a clear and affordable path to owning a car, making Invygo a significant player in the mobility sector. The convenience of a subscription-based service simplifies the complexities often associated with traditional car ownership.

Pulkit Ganjoo, co-founder and Chief Data Officer at Invygo, highlighted the importance of a data-driven approach to the company’s operations. He noted how empowering access to mobility through Invygo has revolutionized car ownership, akin to how subscription services have transformed access to music and films.

By leveraging data to understand supply, pricing dynamics, and customer preferences, Invygo has developed a scalable product ecosystem. This ecosystem ensures optimal vehicle utilization, which supports robust unit economics as the company advances toward profitability.

Achieving Profitability

  • Invygo is on the verge of achieving profitability, with expectations to reach this milestone by the end of the 2024 financial year.
  • This achievement is remarkable, especially considering the company has managed to operate without external capital for the past 24 months.
  • Such a feat demonstrates Invygo’s effective business strategy and operational efficiency, paving the way for future growth.

The Future of Mobility in Saudi Arabia

Ihsan Jawad, General Partner at STV, commented on the significance of Invygo’s innovations within the broader context of Saudi Arabia’s economic growth. He stated that the country’s rapid technological adoption directly correlates with its economic development, and Invygo plays a pivotal role in this evolution.

The Subscribe to Own model has provided individuals across Saudi Arabia with an accessible pathway to vehicle ownership through mobile technology, streamlining the process significantly.

Invygo’s vision extends beyond simply providing a platform for car ownership; it aims to reshape the mobility landscape in the Middle East. By focusing on customer needs and enhancing the overall experience, Invygo stands at the forefront of a changing industry. The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it well to meet the evolving demands of consumers in the region.

Looking Ahead

Altogether, Invygo’s recent $8 million Series A extension marks a significant advancement in its mission to transform car ownership in Saudi Arabia. With the support of STV’s NICE Fund and continued backing from existing investors, Invygo is poised for substantial growth. Its unique Subscribe to Own model not only simplifies vehicle ownership but also empowers individuals through technology.

As the company moves toward profitability, it remains committed to delivering exceptional value and redefining access to mobility in the Middle East, paving the way for a more innovative and customer-focused future.


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Here’s a breakdown based on the provided information regarding Invygo:

Startup Information

  • Startup Name: Invygo
  • Founded: 2019
  • Primary Operations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar
  • Business Model: “Subscribe to Own” (STO) model for automotive subscriptions

Founders

  • Eslam Hussein – Co-founder and CEO
  • Pulkit Ganjoo – Co-founder and Chief Data Officer

Funds Raised

  • Total Funds Raised: Over $22 million since inception
  • Recent Funding: $8 million in Series A extension, completed in June 2024

Fundraise Series

  • Series: Series A extension

Investors

  • Lead Investor:

    • STV’s NICE Fund (newly launched)
  • Existing Investors:
    • Al Rajhi Partners
    • Arab Bank Ventures
    • SPV
    • MEVP
    • C5

Key Metrics

  • Annualized Gross Merchandise Value (GMV): Surpassed $100 million
  • Profitability Goal: Expected by the end of the 2024 financial year

Purpose and Vision

  • Objective: Redefine mobility access in the Middle East, particularly through improvements in car ownership financing and enhancing customer experience using a data-driven approach.

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