[Funding] zingbus secures an undisclosed pre-Series A investment from Venture Catalysts and others

zingbus is  startup that aims to improve the levels of quality and safety in the intercity bus travel space. It has recently secured an undisclosed pre-Series A investment led by Venture Catalysts. Titan Capital and Better Capital also participated in the Series A round. Further, the fundraise also saw the participation of Ritesh Agarwal (OYO) and Anupam Mittal (People Group). The funding round also saw participation from 9Unicorns accelerator fund, AdvantEdge Founders, Smile Internet, MG Group, and several other marquee angel investors. The platform will utilize the funds to increase its operational footprint across the country. It will expand the scale of its fleet operations to 500 buses. It also aims to complete 1 million safe and hassle-free journeys in the next 12 months.

IIT Kharagpur graduates Prashant Kumar and Mratunjay along with Ravi Kumar Verma cofounded zingbus in 2019. The starup aims to 'Change the Way India Travels'. The company is already a highest-rate bus line in the country across digital platforms and social media. It aggregates fleets of buses to deliver end-to-end standardized intercity travel experience at affordable prices. The emerging brand in the intercity bus services believes that the Right to affordable and dignified travel is fundamental to human existence and development. It further aspires to provide access to safe, reliable, and affordable travel to everyone.

From the leaders

Speaking about the funding, Prashant Kumar, CoFounder and CEO, zingbus, said that the journey looks bright under the guidance of the investors and leaders. Further, Ravi Kumar Verma, CoFounder and CTO, zingbus, added, “A major part of the funds will be utilized in building a technology stack that will allow us to deliver 10x better experience to travelers at 10% lesser fares. We also aim to scale up to become the largest intercity bus fleet operator in the country.”

Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma, Cofounder and President, Venture Catalysts, commented on zingbus' high rating. “It aggregates fleets of buses to deliver end-to-end and standardized intercity travel experiences at affordable prices. The platform has the potential to revolutionize the intercity travel services space in India,” he said.

Bipin Shah, Partner – Titan Capital, said, "zingbus's technology provides a much better online presence as compared to traditional bus operators. It also reaches the end-customer digitally in a more effective manner. The brand has emerged as the most affordable service provider on popular routes. It has unique route designs and dynamic pricing algorithms."

Kunal Khattar, Managing Partner & Investorpreneur – AdvantEdge Technology Founders, said, "zingbus is a true differentiator in its space, guided by its founders who hold profound domain insights and years of experience in the intercity travel industry. zingbus runs buses on specially designed routes which permit it to optimize the usage of assets and cater to more travelers per bus per day."