Flash positions itself as a “micro-mobility” company that aims to “unbundle” the car by offering new forms of short-distance transport, starting with shared e-scooters. Founded last year by Delivery Hero creator Lukasz Gadowski alongside Carlos Bhola and Tim Rucquoi-Berger, the company already employs more than 50 people recruited from firms such as Uber, Amazon and Airbnb. Although headquartered in Berlin, the team was first based in China to build supply-chain relationships and design proprietary scooter hardware that will replace the off-the-shelf models used in its initial roll-outs. Flash is quietly operating in Switzerland and Portugal and plans to expand into France, Italy and Spain in spring 2019, followed by broader European coverage in summer 2019. The startup markets itself as “product-first and multi-vehicle,” viewing customers as users, local residents and municipalities, and emphasizes safety and regulatory collaboration. Longer-term ambitions include broadening its vehicle portfolio and potentially investing in supply-chain or complementary technology startups. Financially, the company has secured significant early backing, including a €55 million Series A round detailed below, to fund its aggressive European expansion.

Total raised

$64M

Funding rounds

1

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Jan 2019