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Joelson advises Zeelo on its acquisition of Kura

Posted Thursday 1st February 2024

Joelson, the leading London law firm, has advised Zeelo, the leading global transit-tech company on its acquisition of Kura, a specialist in school transportation and transport safeguarding software. The acquisition cements Zeelo as the UK’s leading provider of corporate and education transport.

Joelson and Zeelo

Zeelo, founded in 2016, empowers bus operators, employers and schools worldwide with advanced solutions for efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective transportation programs. Offering software and managed services, Zeelo aims to boost bus occupancy, decrease transportation expenses, lower CO2 emissions, and streamline administrative processes.

Founded in 2010, Kura is a prominent shared transport service provider in the UK, uniting innovative technology with a vision for safer, smarter, and greener travel experiences. Specialising in corporate and education transport solutions, Kura manages Home to Work services, staff and student shuttles, along with charter trips for events and tours.

The acquisition, following on from a recent $14m fundraise, enhances Zeelo’s growth strategy and expands their product portfolio for their clients. Customers now have access to a dedicated team for events, transfers, and school trips, along with leveraging Kura’s SaaS offering designed to digitise bus operations and provide the latest safeguarding features.

Joelson team was led by Managing Partner, Phil Hails-Smith, who was supported by Associate Harriet McDonald and solicitors Daniel Burke and Moses Akanmu.

Sam Ryan, (CEO and Co-Founder) of Zeelo, commented:

“Thanks to Phil and the team for supporting us on our first acquisition and once again doing a sterling job on the fundraise.  We have worked with the team at Joelson since the very early days of founding Zeelo and they have been fantastic in helping and supporting us throughout.  Exciting times at Zeelo as we grow and scale and look forward to continuing our partnership with Joelson.”

Phil Hails-Smith, Managing Partner at Joelson, added:

“We are delighted to have worked with Sam and the Team on this transaction which really establishes Zeelo as a market leader in the UK and sets it up really well for continued growth and expansion.  It’s been a pleasure to be able to support Zeelo to date and we are excited to continue to support such an innovative impact driven business to scale and grow, illustrating our credentials in impact driven transport businesses.”


This article is for reference purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific legal advice about your specific circumstances should always be sought separately before taking or deciding not to take any action.


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