Belgium’s Mayten, a mobility tech company, has announced its acquisition of a majority stake in the US-based Micromobility Industries, a renowned global media platform for small electric vehicles. This move highlights Mayten’s strategic push to expand its influence in the growing micromobility sector, which encompasses electric scooters, bikes, and other lightweight electric vehicles. The acquisition positions Mayten to further integrate media and mobility technologies, bolstering its portfolio and industry presence.
What is Micromobility Industries’ role in the market?
Micromobility Industries, founded in 2018 by Horace Dediu and James Gross, specializes in promoting the small electric vehicle sector through events, podcasts, newsletters, and various media initiatives. Their work has contributed to building a global community focused on innovation and adoption of micromobility solutions. The company’s founders, Dediu and Gross, will remain involved post-acquisition, continuing to steer the brand’s development.
How does Mayten’s strategy evolve with this acquisition?
This deal follows Mayten’s earlier 2024 purchase of Cogo, a Danish shared mobility aggregator, underscoring its commitment to diversifying its services in the mobility domain. Mayten, also established in 2018, offers software and hardware solutions to shared mobility operators, OEMs, and city governments. Its existing brands, such as the Cogo app and OTD mobility data services, complement this acquisition, aiming to provide an integrated mobility ecosystem.
Prabin Joel Jones, the founder and CEO of Mayten, will expand his leadership by taking on the CEO role at Micromobility Industries. Reflecting on the deal, Jones stated:
“Micromobility Industries played a pivotal role in the global shared micromobility boom, building a strong community around small electric vehicles across the globe.”
James Gross of Micromobility Industries also shared his thoughts on the sector’s potential:
“I’m proud of what the micromobility movement has become and I believe it is just getting started.”
In the past, Micromobility Industries primarily focused on advocacy and awareness around small electric vehicles, hosting popular events like the Micromobility Conference. By partnering with Mayten, the organization is poised to transition from being a content-driven entity to a broader mobility solutions provider. This evolution marks a new collaborative approach in the sector that blends technology with community engagement.
These developments align with the growing demand for sustainable urban transport options and the increasing market presence of smaller electric vehicles. The acquisition allows both companies to capitalize on synergies, merging Mayten’s technology expertise with Micromobility Industries’ media capabilities. For consumers, this could mean more integrated platforms that offer both mobility services and relevant industry insights.
The small electric vehicle sector is witnessing rapid growth, with global trends favoring eco-friendly, compact, and efficient transport solutions for urban environments. This acquisition is likely to contribute to streamlining shared mobility services while fostering greater awareness and adoption of electric micromobility options. Both Mayten and Micromobility Industries will need to navigate market competition and evolving city regulations to achieve their objectives effectively.
