Sweden’s Carla hits the road with €19 million to take its EV marketplace up a gear

As Europe races towards a net zero world and city dwellers look for greener ways to travel, funding to EV startups reached a 10-year high last year. It seems the momentum continues unabated even this year in spite of market choppiness and supply-chain imbalances.

According to a recent McKinsey report, new emissions regulations in Europe which have come into effect in 2021, explain why EV-model launches have increased significantly. And to top it all, we now have the soaring fuel prices. EV startups and its marketplaces are, thus, riding high. Joining the fleet of startups which have geared up with more funding in the recent times, Swedish EV e-commerce company Carla has raised €19 million in a fresh round of investment.

Right after it was founded by Patrik Illerstig and Niklas Jungegård in 2021, the electric vehicle marketplace raised €10 million in funding. Since then, the Nordic e-commerce company for electric cars, has grown at a rapid pace with an annual turnover rate of over €55 million.

The company promises pick-up and delivery of an electric vehicle sold on its platform within 72 hours nationwide. It offers ’bonnet to boot coverage’, including service, full insurance, winter and summer tires, and vehicle tax.

So, what’s next for the platform? The money raised will be used to boost international expansion, product development, increased capacity for deliveries, repair of cars, and development of aftermarket services.

The funding was led by Bonnier Ventures, with participation from investors, including Inbox Capital, Black Ice, and VNV Global. This investment brings total funding to date to €32 million.

Patrik Illerstig, CEO and founder of Carla said: “Despite the current global and market situation, it is reassuring that we, together with our investors, share the long-term vision of radically improving the experience of selling, acquiring, and owning an electric car.”

Dajana Mirborn, investment director at Bonnier Ventures added: “The investment is part of our increased focus on sustainability and an important investment in relation to the transition to a more sustainable society.”