Transport and micromobility app Bolt quadruples in size since start of pandemic

Ride-hailing and micromobility operator Bolt has quadrupled in size since the start of the pandemic. 

The Estonian company, founded in August 2013, now operates in 45 countries and more than 500 cities around the world – an increase of more than 200% since before the pandemic. 

Bolt is also advertising for 350 jobs roles, with a view to hiring 700 new employees before the end of the year. 

Markus Villig, CEO and founder, said: “The pandemic was the biggest economic shock in generations, so hitting milestones like 100 million customers and operations in over 500 cities are achievements we’re really proud of. 

“When Bolt was first founded, our mission was to challenge the traditional taxi industry in Tallinn through a new ride-hailing service. Now our size and the range of products we offer put us in a unique position to revolutionise how people move around the cities. By providing an alternative to private cars, we can help create cities that are greener, safer and more pleasant to live in.

“It’s important to stay grounded though – rising levels of inflation and interest rates mean we have to be disciplined when assessing how and in what markets we invest. This could mean prioritising growth efforts in our existing markets instead of expanding our services into new countries. Our culture of frugality helped us come out of the pandemic in a strong position, but the challenges are not going to stop and the team is focused on preparing for and responding to them.”

Bolt has tripled its customer numbers to over 100 million since the start of 2020, adding more than two million new drivers, and doubling the size of its workforce to over 3,000 employees. 

The business has also opened new offices in the past year, including engineering hubs in Berlin and Nairobi. 

Read more: ‘Greater dialogue with operators and parking alternatives are solutions to e-bike congestion in Central London’

Bolt operates a number of mobility services in Europe and Africa, including ride hailing, e-scooter and e-bike sharing, and also provides car rental and food delivery services. 

The brand does not currently operate its e-bike and e-scooter sharing in the UK, but does provide ride-hailing.