Blacklane announces deal with Gargash Group and Mercedes-Benz Mobility

With the investment, the Berlin-based chauffeur service aims to achieve long-term and sustainable growth in the Middle East market.

Berlin-based chauffeur startup Blacklane has made public a funding round with Gargash Group, one of the leading conglomerates in the United Arab Emirates, and existing investor Mercedes-Benz-Mobilty. The exact amount is not known, but the Series F funding is said to be a "significant double-digit million amount." Blacklane's valuation has increased by about 50 percent as a result.

Blacklane plans to use the fresh capital to electrify its fleet. It also plans to build a Supercharger network to do so. Blacklane has also opened its first chauffeur academy in Dubai. The company wants to tap more into the Middle East market. The expansion is also expected to be a test of the company's structure. Gargash is to contribute local expertise, Mercedes-Benz Mobility the vehicles. Mercedes Benz has been investing in Blacklane since 2013 and provides 50 percent of the fleet.

Blacklane was founded in 2011 and now offers its service in more than 50 countries. The company offers on-demand chauffeured rides. "Dubai is an important gateway for international customers, an important leisure and commercial city," says CEO and co-founder Jens Wohltorf about his company's new market.