A new company that provides mobility as a service Hip, an app that facilitates connections between riders and private shuttle and bus companies, has announced a $12 million funding round and the introduction of business-to-business services. The sudden change caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 over a year ago led to a rapid crash in the ridesharing industry and stopped the daily commute for millions of Americans.

Hip Lands $12 Million to Help Companies Plan a More Efficient Way to Get Employees to Work (hip 12m b2bkorosectechcrunch)

Hip is an app-based commuting platform that helps companies plan a more efficient way to get employees to work. It offers features such as real-time bus tracking, accurate ETAs, and the ability to reserve seats on buses. It also helps companies manage costs and offers features such as an in-app health and safety consent flow.

The funding comes as the startup has been able to expand its services beyond Columbus and into other cities. It has raised over $12 million from various investors, including the federal government and Paul Allen’s Vulcan investment firm. It is building a high-tech transit system for cities and has been in discussions with several other cities. It wants to change the way people commute and make the convenience of using public transportation a benefit for employees.

The startup has already expanded its services to 15 locations in the Seattle area, including Boeing. Additionally, it serves the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Seattle Children’s Hospital. It also plans to expand to other cities in the coming months. The new investment will help it become a global leader in helping companies and their employees commute more efficiently.