The online car rental industry in Europe is rapidly evolving, fostering flexible mobility solutions. Companies range from traditional rental giants to innovative startups providing peer-to-peer rental services. Players like Getaround and Virtuo adapt to consumer demand for convenience and environmentally friendly options. The market is trending toward digitalization, integrating seamless app-based bookings, contactless pickup, and electric vehicle offerings. As urbanization grows alongside sustainability trends, there is high potential for expansion in shared mobility, promoting reduced congestion and lower emissions. This shift not only enhances accessibility but also transforms the way people access transportation services across the continent.


This list features 17 notable investors in the online car rental sector across Europe. These investors include venture capital firms, private equity investors, and corporate entities from key locations like London, Paris, and Luxembourg. Established between 1883 and 2017, they vary in size from small firms to large organizations, with many actively participating in deal-making in 2024. The collective impact of these investors underlines a robust interest in mobility innovation and the expansion of digital transportation solutions, with notable backing seen from firms like Mercedes-Benz and SoftBank.


Top 17 Online Car Rental Investors in Europe


1. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through various services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. They aim to foster entrepreneurship and innovation through coaching and partnerships, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has invested in key players in the online car rental industry, such as Getaround, which raised $140 million in Series E financing to enhance its connected car technology and expand globally. Additionally, they invested in Virtuo, which raised approximately $59.7 million in Series C funding, further demonstrating their commitment to the online car rental sector. These transactions highlight Bpifrance's role in supporting innovative solutions within the car rental market.


2. Crowdcube

  • Website: crowdcube.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: crowdcube-limited

Crowdcube is a London-based crowdfunding platform founded in 2010 that enables businesses to raise capital through equity investments. It connects startups and SMEs with potential investors, facilitating the funding process. Crowdcube has been involved in several transactions relevant to the online car rental industry, including Hiyacar, which raised funds through equity crowdfunding in 2020 and 2021, and CARLILI, which raised a significant amount in 2022. These investments highlight Crowdcube's commitment to supporting innovative companies in the car rental space, while also promoting diversity and inclusion within its workforce and providing investment management services to its clients.


3. SoftBank Investment Advisers


SoftBank Investment Advisers, founded in 2017 and based in London, is a venture capital firm that primarily invests in technology-focused companies. The firm is known for its substantial investments in growth-stage technology firms, particularly those innovating in artificial intelligence and other tech sectors. Among their notable transactions, SoftBank has invested significantly in Getaround, a leading online car rental platform, participating in both Series D and Series E funding rounds, which collectively raised over $440 million. This involvement highlights their interest in the online car rental market. Additionally, SoftBank has invested in other mobility-related companies like Ola and Uber, further showcasing their engagement in the transportation and mobility sectors. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to fostering technological advancement across various industries, including online car rental.


4. Kima Ventures

  • Website: kimaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 50
  • LinkedIn: kima-ventures

Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, backing two startups per week with financial support and mentorship. Notably, Kima Ventures has invested in companies within the online car rental space, including Virtuo, which raised $2,125,710 in a Pre-Seed round in December 2015, and Drivezy, which raised $10 million in a funding round in October 2017. Drivezy is focused on expanding its car rental services and has also raised $3 million in a Seed round in November 2016. Additionally, Kima Ventures invested in Pony, which aims to launch car rental services in major French cities. These transactions highlight Kima Ventures' active role in the online car rental industry, making them a relevant investor in this category.


5. HV Capital

  • Website: hvcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
  • Founded year: 2000
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 28
  • LinkedIn: hvventures

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Flensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in digital companies and supporting entrepreneurs from seed stage to exit, managing over €2.8 billion in assets. HV Capital has been actively involved in various funding rounds, including a notable Series B investment in Roadsurfer, a Munich-based online car rental company that raised €24 million in March 2021. This investment highlights HV Capital's engagement in the online car rental industry. Additionally, HV Capital has invested in FlixBus, a major player in the transportation sector, although this is more aligned with public transport than car rentals. Overall, HV Capital's focus on digital companies and their investment in Roadsurfer make them a relevant player in the online car rental space.


6. Index Ventures

  • Website: indexventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 67
  • LinkedIn: index-ventures

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, based in London, England. The firm focuses on investing in innovative startups across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. They provide capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, helping them navigate the challenges of growing their businesses. Notably, Index Ventures has made significant investments in the transportation sector, including BlaBlaCar, which raised $100 million in a Series C round in 2014, highlighting their commitment to innovative mobility solutions. Additionally, they have invested in JustPark, a platform that raised funds through equity crowdfunding in multiple rounds, including $2.8 million in December 2017 and $5.4 million in February 2015. JustPark's services are relevant to the car rental industry, as they facilitate parking solutions for drivers. These transactions demonstrate Index Ventures' active role in sectors that intersect with online car rental services.


7. European Investment Bank (EIB)


The European Investment Bank (EIB) is a public entity based in Luxembourg, established in 1958, that provides financial services such as loans, equity investments, guarantees, and advisory services to support sustainable projects across various sectors. EIB's clientele includes both public and private organizations seeking funding for initiatives that promote growth and job creation. In the context of online car rental, EIB has made notable investments, including a EUR 15 million funding round for Autonom Services to enhance its electric car fleet, and a significant investment in Vulog, which focuses on on-demand mobility solutions. Additionally, EIB has provided debt financing to Cabify, a ride-hailing service that operates in the mobility sector. These transactions highlight EIB's commitment to supporting innovative mobility solutions, including online car rental services.


8. Pario Ventures

  • Website: parioventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: pario-ventures

Pario Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in strategic investments in the Energy, Automotive, and Mobility sectors, with a strong focus on NetZero innovations. Pario Ventures aims to empower organizations committed to environmental sustainability and energy efficiency by providing funding, strategic guidance, and operational support. Notably, Pario Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the online car rental context, including a $19 million Series A funding round for UFODRIVE, a car rental company focused on electric vehicles. They also invested in Mycardirect, a car subscription service, to support its growth and expansion into the US market. These transactions highlight Pario Ventures' active role in the online car rental industry and their commitment to fostering sustainable mobility solutions.


9. Via ID - Mobivia

  • Website: via-id.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: via-id---mobivia-groupe

Via ID - Mobivia is a Paris-based venture capital firm and startup accelerator founded in 2010, dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility solutions. The firm provides funding, expertise, and networking opportunities to startups in the mobility sector. Notably, Via ID has invested in several key players in the online car rental industry, including Getaround, which raised $140 million in Series E financing to enhance its connected car technology and expand globally. They also invested in Ubeeqo, a car-sharing service, during its Series A round, and Buzzcar, which was part of their early-stage investments. These transactions highlight Via ID's commitment to supporting innovative mobility solutions that align with their focus on sustainability.


10. DST Global

  • Website: dst-global.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2009
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: dst_2

DST Global is a venture capital investment firm based in London, England, founded in 2009 by Yuri Milner. The firm specializes in internet investments and focuses on identifying and investing in some of the fastest-growing and most valuable internet companies globally. DST Global has a diverse portfolio, with notable investments in the transportation sector, including Didi, a leading taxi app in China, and Ola, a prominent ride-hailing service in India. In addition, DST Global has invested in CARS24, a platform that streamlines the buying and selling of used cars, which is relevant to the online car rental market. With a total of 24 investments in 2024 alone, DST Global continues to be a significant player in the technology and transportation investment landscape.


11. Mercedes-Benz AG

  • Website: mercedes-benz.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
  • Founded year: 1883
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: mercedes-benz_ag

Mercedes-Benz AG, founded in 1883 and headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, is a leading automobile manufacturer known for producing luxury vehicles and vans. The company has a workforce of over 10,000 employees and is recognized for its commitment to quality and performance in the automotive sector. In recent years, Mercedes-Benz has actively invested in the online car rental and mobility services industry. Notably, they participated in Turo's Series D funding round, contributing to a total of $92 million raised, which aimed at expanding Turo's operations abroad and enhancing customer experiences. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz has invested in Blacklane, a Berlin-based startup that provides professional chauffeur services, participating in multiple funding rounds to support its growth and expansion into sustainable travel initiatives. These investments reflect Mercedes-Benz's strategic interest in the evolving landscape of mobility and car rental services, positioning them as a significant player in this sector.


12. Eurazeo

  • Website: eurazeo.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 40
  • LinkedIn: eurazeo

Eurazeo is an investment management firm based in Paris, specializing in private equity, private debt, and real assets. Founded in 1969, the firm has established a strong presence in the investment management landscape, particularly in Europe. Eurazeo focuses on tailored investment strategies aimed at fostering growth and expansion across various sectors, including technology and healthcare. Notably, Eurazeo has made significant investments in the online car rental industry, including the acquisition of Europcar Mobility Group in 2006 for approximately $3.73 billion, which highlights its commitment to this sector. In addition, Eurazeo participated in a Series B funding round for Vay, a Berlin-based startup that aims to launch its fleet in Hamburg, showcasing its interest in innovative car rental solutions. These transactions underline Eurazeo's active role in the online car rental market, alongside its broader investment strategy.


13. Partech

  • Website: partechpartners.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1982
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 24
  • LinkedIn: partech

Partech Partners is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 1982. The firm specializes in providing funding and support to startups across various sectors, particularly in technology. Partech operates globally and has a diverse portfolio of companies. Notably, they have invested in Drover, a subscription car service that raised a total of $31.5 million across Series A and Series B funding rounds, indicating their engagement in the mobility and online car rental space. Additionally, they have been involved with Wunder Mobility, which focuses on mobility solutions, further showcasing their interest in the transportation sector. Partech's strategic advisory services help founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses, making them a valuable partner for startups in the online car rental industry.


14. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Fraikin, a company involved in vehicle rental and fleet management, and RAC, a leading roadside assistance provider, which indicates their engagement in the transportation sector. Additionally, their investment in DKV Mobility Services Group, which provides mobility services, further highlights their interest in companies that operate within the broader mobility and transportation landscape, relevant to the online car rental industry.


15. TA Ventures

  • Website: taventures.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: ta-ventures

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage technology startups across various sectors, including HealthTech and FinTech, while also showing a notable interest in the online car rental industry. Among their relevant transactions, TA Ventures invested in Bipi, a Spanish car-as-a-service marketplace, participating in both its Series A and Series B funding rounds, which raised a total of approximately €17.2 million. This funding is aimed at accelerating Bipi's growth and expansion in Europe. Additionally, TA Ventures invested in Campanda, which raised over $3 million in a seed round, further emphasizing their engagement in the vehicle rental market. With a global presence and a focus on building networks for their portfolio companies, TA Ventures provides capital and strategic support to help startups thrive in competitive markets.


16. LocalGlobe

  • Website: localglobe.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 15
  • LinkedIn: localglobe

LocalGlobe is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2019. The firm partners with exceptional founders and companies at various stages of growth, from pre-seed to scale-up and public markets. LocalGlobe provides venture capital funding and investment management services, focusing on supporting startups in navigating their growth challenges. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the online car rental context, including investments in JustPark, which raised funds to enhance parking solutions, and Cuvva, an insurance disruptor targeting the motor insurance market. These investments highlight LocalGlobe's engagement with companies that intersect with the automotive and mobility sectors, making them a relevant player in the online car rental space.


17. Bgf

  • Website: bgf.co.uk
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 53
  • LinkedIn: bgfinvestments

BGF Investment Management Limited is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth funding and value creation support to small and mid-sized businesses in the UK and Ireland. BGF addresses the funding gap in the market through minority investments and extensive support services. Notably, BGF has invested in Reflex Vehicle Hire, which raised over $11 million in a venture round in 2015, highlighting their engagement in the online car rental sector. Additionally, BGF's investment in FOD Mobility Group, which raised approximately $6.5 million in 2018, further demonstrates their commitment to mobility solutions, which can include car rental services. These transactions reflect BGF's strategy of supporting businesses that are poised for growth in the mobility and transportation sectors.



Online Car Rental Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
CrowdcubeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-20020103
SoftBank Investment AdvisersLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)201-500201714
Kima VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France1-10201050
HV CapitalFlensburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany11-50200028
Index VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200199667
European Investment Bank (EIB)Luxembourg1001-5000195899
Pario VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)1-1020103
Via ID - MobiviaParis, Île-De-France, France11-5020102
DST GlobalLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50200924
Mercedes-Benz AGStuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany10001+18831
EurazeoParis, Île-De-France, France201-500196940
PartechParis, Île-De-France, France51-200198224
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
TA VenturesFrankfurt, Hesse, Germany11-5020105
LocalGlobeLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-50201915
BgfLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)51-200201153


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