The influence of startups on the development of new mobility

Congested cities, environmental pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels are just some of the problems that demand an urgent rethink of how we move. These challenges not only affect people's quality of life, but also put the sustainability of the planet at risk. Therefore, it is imperative to change our mobility models to create more efficient, sustainable, and resilient systems that not only respond to current needs but also ensure a healthier and fairer future for all.

Although changing the mobility model is a complex challenge, fortunately, we are making significant strides in the right direction. In this push towards new mobility, entrepreneurs and startups are paving the way, significantly revolutionizing its landscape. These new companies are introducing innovative solutions, from electric and autonomous vehicles to digital platforms that facilitate car sharing and more efficient route planning. In this way, they are not only driving innovation in the sector but are also playing a crucial role in meeting goals at local, regional, and European levels.

The reason for their prominence is their ability to quickly adapt to new technologies and market demands, making them fundamental players in the transformation of mobility. Startups cover a wide spectrum of influence in the sector, from developing hardware such as electric and autonomous cars to promoting new forms of transportation such as micromobility, carsharing, and carpooling. Additionally, they are facilitating the transition to a more sustainable and connected mobility by integrating ecosystems and data, as seen in Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms.

A clear example of the influence of new actors is Tesla, which has redefined the concept of automobile, transforming it from simple hardware to sophisticated software that can increase its value over time. Other notable startups in the electric mobility field include Wallbox and Wattson, the latter born from the collaboration between Porsche and Byld, which are leading the market for electric chargers and ultrafast charging solutions, respectively.

Regarding new ownership models, companies like Bipi and Wabi are gaining popularity by offering flexibility and joining the no-ownership trend. In optimizing routes and mapping new mobility needs, Optibus and Electromaps stand out as key players. Furthermore, carsharing continues to evolve with companies like Voltio, backed by major corporations such as Mutua Madrileña.

All these examples demonstrate that startups are driving a revolution in mobility, adapting it to the needs of the modern user. Their success lies in the fact that, unlike large established companies, they stand out for their agility and ability to navigate uncertainty, their access to cutting-edge technology, and their deep understanding of the users' issues and needs. A startup is tremendously fast compared to a large company; that is their great potential. They have a remarkable ability to learn quickly, fail fast, adjust the growth and development of technology, and listen to the user.

Despite these strengths, these companies face significant challenges such as access to funding and infrastructure development. Regulation and transportation, which are publicly owned, can also pose a significant challenge for startups, especially those with less bargaining power or without a solid track record to convince public institutions.

To tackle these challenges, it is essential to have the support of large corporations. For this reason, collaboration between both types of organizations is crucial. These organizations possess essential assets for scalability, such as customers, infrastructure, and technology. The go-to-market for startups in the mobility sector is a great challenge; a technology may be cutting-edge and innovative, but collaboration with large companies is crucial. 

This collaboration can take place at different levels of complexity and commitment, including commercial agreements, investment, venture client models, revenue sharing, among others, which are essential for exponential growth. Collaboration can even involve the creation of startups themselves through the Corporate Venture Building model, which combines the best of entrepreneurship and large corporations. Indeed, many large companies want to be part of the design of new mobility, aware that we no longer move as we used to, and in the future, we will not do so as we do now. Specifically, at Byld, since the beginning of this year, we have had the opportunity to work jointly with the European Institute of Technology in Urban Mobility (EIT UM) to develop and launch ventures within the mobility field. Undoubtedly, it is a differentiating path concerning understanding the market and designing solutions hand-in-hand with a European institution with a strong track record, knowledge, and high-level ecosystem.

Entrepreneurs are designing our cities of the future, driving innovations that transform mobility to make it more efficient, sustainable, and accessible. However, this is an effort that we must undertake together. Collaboration between startups, governments, large corporations, and citizens is essential to create an urban environment that meets everyone's needs and ensures a healthier and fairer future. Together, we can build cities that not only facilitate and optimize our movements but also improve our quality of life.