Sheprd, Inc. Announces Funding from InMotion Ventures
$1 Million investment from InMotion Ventures and agreement to operate additional Land Rover SUV vehicles enables the "On-Demand School Bus" company to expand
NEWTON, Mass., Jan. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sheprd, Inc. - The On-Demand School Bus - announces $1 million in venture capital funding from InMotion Ventures, Jaguar Land Rover's venture capital arm. In addition to funding, the relationship includes providing Sheprd, on a non-exclusive basis, with a fleet of Land Rover SUV vehicles.
"With this funding, Sheprd can expand its service to meet customer demand and further develop our proprietary technology platform to improve the transportation experience for families," said Nick Jasset, CEO and founder of Sheprd. "The investment by InMotion Ventures further validates the positive feedback we continue to receive from parents; Sheprd's service provides a desperately needed solution in the child transportation marketplace."
Sheprd brings modern technology to the legacy school bus model, enabling the secure transportation of K-12 students through a safe, convenient, and easy-to-use service. Parents schedule rides through Sheprd's mobile app, requesting transportation to and from a network of schools, after-school programs, sports, activities, community centers, or home. Sheprd's service was initially launched in May 2017 in Newton, MA, and Sheprd currently has more than 70 locations in its network.
Sheprd's child transportation service addresses a 14 billion ride marketplace in the U.S. for families that increasingly struggle to balance transportation needs. Sheprd enables its partner locations to expand enrollment and focus on programming by addressing their customer's transportation problems.
"Our fund continuously evaluates ride sharing investment opportunities. Nick and his team have uniquely positioned Sheprd to support the transportation needs of families in a way that aligns with our vision of shaping the future of premium mobility," said Sebastian Peck, Managing Director, InMotion Ventures.
About Sheprd
Sheprd is the on-demand school bus for the modern family. Sheprd fulfills rides through its owned and operated fleet of high-quality vehicles, currently Land Rover SUVs, which have been certified as 7D vehicles. Sheprd drivers are employed by Sheprd and have passed the rigorous Massachusetts DOT-administered 7D School Pupil Transport Vehicle certification process, which includes CORI/SORI background checks, a medical exam, and driving test. Sheprd's proprietary technology platform incorporates driver and parent apps with route optimization, vehicle and driver scheduling, real-time tracking, parent communication, and other features to streamline and enhance the child transportation service and experience. Sheprd currently operates in Newton, MA with plans to expand to additional markets in 2018 and beyond. For more information, visit www.sheprd.us or download the Sheprd app.
About InMotion Ventures
InMotion Ventures invests in high-growth companies in the mobility, transportation and travel sector. Powered by Jaguar Land Rover, we're dedicated to backing innovations that will change the way we move. We invest globally in start-ups at all stages. Alongside our core investment activity, we collaborate with the wider Jaguar Land Rover business to develop new products and services that provide unforgettable experiences for new and existing customers.
Investor Contact
Nick Jasset
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Media Contact
Kate Soskil
[email protected]
617-564-0725
SOURCE Sheprd
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