On-Demand Chauffeur Service Blacklane Announces new Investment From Gargash Group & Mercedes-Benz Mobility

Blacklane, a global on-demand chauffeur services provider, has announced Gargash Group, one of the leading business conglomerates in the UAE, as its most recent investor. Long-time backer Mercedes-Benz Mobility has also joined the Series F round of funding.

With the new double-digit million dollar investment, the company will focus on its fleet’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) including a retained super-charging network to accelerate its move to net zero. It will also allow Blacklane to expand operations in the Middle East market.

Gargash Enterprises’ and Mercedes-Benz Mobility’s support will help accelerate Blacklane’s ability to transition to EVs as well as  introducing it to other cities worldwide.

Gargash Enterprises also contributes local expertise in the UAE, whereas Mercedes-Benz Mobility provides Blacklane with electric vehicles (EVs) optimised for chauffeur service experiences.

Mercedes-Benz Mobility, an investor since 2013, holds a share of more than 50% of Blacklane’s global fleet.

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and founder of Blacklane, says: “Gargash Group is the perfect partner to super-charge our growth in the Middle East and globally. Dubai is an important gateway for international clients, a key leisure and commercial city, hungry for innovation, and committed to sustainability. Hence Gargash Group’s expertise and partnership lay the foundation to globally ramp up our premium electric fleet, set up our local chauffeur academies, and support the technical and operational expansion of our innovative platform. The ultimate goal is to continue driving our rapid growth. This new investment round is proof of Blacklane crew’s achievements. In the past three years, we successfully introduced innovative products, thereby winning an impressive amount of new business accounts, quadrupling revenues in 2022 year-on-year, and achieving EBIT profitability. I am very proud of the team!”

Shehab Gargash, Managing Director and Group CEO of Gargash Group, adds: “Gargash Group has been witnessing the progress of Blacklane and believes that their strategic direction is much in line with the vision the Group has for its future. Our decision to make this investment at this juncture is very much aligned with how we see our industry evolving.”

Franz Reiner, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG, comments: “We at Mercedes-Benz Mobility strive to exceed our customers’ expectations delivering an extraordinary customer experience moving ahead into a new era of individual mobility. Blacklane has been a perfect partner for almost 10 years while providing excellent experiences and peace of mind for its customers. We are looking forward to continuing our successful partnership and collaboration.”

Blacklane’s services include on-demand chauffeured rides within cities, hourly bookings, and inter-city commutes, alongside classic airport transfers.