Volvo Cars Tech Fund invests in ride sharing platform for children, Zūm

Volvo Cars has acquired a stake in Zūm, a fast-growing on-demand ride sharing service for children, via the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, its venture capital investment arm.

Zūm, a California-based company, was founded in 2015 and provides a trusted network of vetted drivers that allows parents and schools to schedule transport for school commutes, after-school events and other activities. It also provides the option of adding child care before or after a ride as needed. By doing so it helps busy parents solve the daily life puzzle in a safe and trusted way.

Zūm applies advanced routing algorithms and machine learning to create the most efficient routes possible and to match drivers with rides. A mobile app and online dashboard allow both parents and schools to follow and track their kids' journeys in real-time as they are being driven.

Because of the predictable nature of the business as well as Zūm's lean and efficient business model based on smart algorithms and machine learning technology, it is a credible competitor to existing school bus operators and increases choice for parents and school districts.

Zūm currently has thousands of certified drivers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and other urban areas in California that together serve 80% of the state's population. Volvo Cars' investment comes as a part of a funding round by Zūm, with which it aims to expand its business into other US states and continue developing its technology.

The customer group targeted by Zūm, families with children, significantly overlaps with Volvo Cars' own customer base. While no decisions have been taken, Volvo Cars sees a potential for collaboration with Zūm. Possible areas of collaboration include adding Zūm to the digital consumer services offered as part of its Care by Volvo premium subscription service, as well as the deployment of Volvos as part of Zūm's fleet.

“Parents lead busy lives and we all understand the challenge of solving the daily life puzzle,” says Zaki Fasihuddin, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “So we like what we see in Zūm: they offer a trusted and safe service that gives parents comfort that their kids are in good hands. Add to that their innovative technology, and it is easy to see why they are a good fit for our portfolio of investments.”

The Volvo Cars Tech Fund was launched last year and aims to invest in high-potential technology start-ups around the globe. It focuses its investments on strategic technology trends transforming the auto industry, such as artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous driving and digital mobility services.