Naran Raises $10M for Mobility Financing Expansion

Naran, a nascent player in the mobility financing sector, has successfully closed a $10 million funding round comprising equity and debt. The investment, led by Landel, will fuel the company's expansion into key Latin American markets, specifically Colombia and Peru, while also bolstering its presence in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. This strategic infusion of capital underscores the growing demand for accessible vehicle ownership solutions for gig economy drivers.

Founded in 2025 by Bayaskhalan Alexeev and Alexander Gubarev, both veterans of the ride-hailing industry, Naran aims to bridge the gap in vehicle financing for independent drivers. The company's core offering is a rent-to-own model, allowing drivers to acquire vehicles directly from manufacturers over periods ranging from 12 to 60 months. This approach provides a pathway to asset ownership for individuals often excluded from traditional financing channels.

The company's operational strategy involves forging partnerships with major ride-hailing and delivery platforms, including Yango and inDrive, to identify and onboard drivers. Naran also manages its own fleet management system, encompassing driver onboarding, payment processing, and vehicle maintenance. This integrated approach is designed to streamline operations and enhance the driver experience, a critical factor in the competitive mobility services market.

This funding round arrives at a time when the global mobility sector is experiencing significant transformation. The rise of the gig economy, coupled with increasing urbanization, has created a substantial need for flexible and affordable transportation solutions. In emerging markets, the challenge of vehicle acquisition for drivers is a persistent barrier to entry and growth. Naran's model directly addresses this pain point, positioning it to capture a significant share of this underserved market.

The involvement of Landel as the lead investor highlights confidence in Naran's business model and its experienced founding team. The broader mobility fintech space has seen considerable investor interest, with companies like Moove also raising substantial capital to support driver financing initiatives. Naran's focus on both ride-hailing and delivery services diversifies its revenue streams and market reach.

The expansion into Latin America is particularly noteworthy. This region presents a dynamic and rapidly growing market for ride-sharing and delivery services. By establishing a strong foothold in Colombia and Peru, Naran is strategically positioning itself for long-term growth. The company's ability to navigate diverse regulatory environments and local market conditions will be key to its success in these new territories.

Naran's founders, having previously scaled Yango's operations across both Latin America and Africa, bring invaluable experience to this venture. Their deep understanding of the operational complexities and market dynamics of these regions is a significant asset. This expertise, combined with the new funding, provides a solid foundation for Naran to achieve its ambitious growth objectives and solidify its position as a key enabler of mobility entrepreneurship.