Nox Mobility raises 2 million euros in a sleeping car

The Berlin-based mobility start-up Nox Mobility has closed a pre-seed financing round of 2 million euros. The round is led by IBB Ventures, with Italian investor Tommaso Lucca and industry expert Patrick Andrae also participating.

The capital will go towards building up the team, a full-scale mock-up of a new night train concept and the preparation of the first routes, which are scheduled to go into operation from 2027.

Night train market in transition, but under structural pressure

While night trains are experiencing a renaissance in Europe, the supply has shrunk considerably in recent decades. Between 2001 and 2019, the number of weekly connections fell from around 1,200 to around 450.

It is a good sign that many new rail operators are currently starting or growing in Europe. But we want to be more than just another rail company. Our aim is to fundamentally change the image of the night train

Janek Smalla, co-founder of Nox Mobility

At the same time, the demand for sustainable travel alternatives is increasing. This is precisely where Nox Mobility comes in and aims to reposition the night train as a comfortable and economical alternative to short-haul flights.

Privacy instead of a compartment - focus on a new travel experience

In contrast to traditional overnight trains, Nox is focusing on completely private sleeping areas for every passenger. The trains are designed to combine the comfort of a boutique hotel with the efficiency of rail travel.

The concept combines central evening departures with morning arrivals in the city center. All without airport logistics, security checks or additional hotel accommodation. The aim is to create a new, predictable and convenient travel category for leisure and business travelers.

Capital for prototype, team and market entry

Mobility companies have emerged from Berlin that have changed the face of travel in Europe. Nox has the team to do it again

Roman Pimonov, Senior Investment Manager at IBB Ventures

With the financing, Nox Mobility wants to secure its concept technically and operationally, realize initial vehicle designs and lay the foundation for market entry in 2027. The aim is to establish night trains as an independent product category in the European mobility market. Founded in 2025 by Thibault Constant, Janek Smalla and Artur Hasselbach, Nox is backed by IBB Ventures, Italian investor Tommaso Lucca as well as experts and supporters from the hospitality and rail industry, including HomeToGo co-founder & CEO Dr. Patrick Andrae