Veezu Unveils New Era for Go Carz, Shropshire’s Premier Private Hire, with Extensive Rebrand

By Anushka Malhotra

1 minute 12 seconds

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Quick Read: Shropshire's major private hire operator, Go Carz, is rebranding to Veezu, the UK's fastest-growing private hire technology platform. The transformation aims to revolutionize transportation services in the region, offering enhanced technology, an upgraded mobile app, and community support initiatives under the 'Funded by Veezu' campaign. Passengers and local communities are invited to embrace the change, marking a significant milestone in Veezu's commitment to safe, efficient, and community-centric transportation services.

Shropshire's leading private hire operator, Go Carz, is undergoing a transformative rebrand, adopting the name Veezu, aligning with its parent company's status as the UK's fastest-growing private hire technology platform. Acquired by Veezu in 2020, Go Carz has evolved into a major player in the region, partnering with over 1700 driver-partners and expanding its footprint with the acquisition of local brands like Diamond Cars.

Graham Hoof, Regional Operations Director for Veezu in the Midlands, emphasized that the rebrand signifies more than a name change. It is a strategic move to establish Veezu's presence in the West Midlands while reinforcing its commitment to serving the local community. The transformation includes the introduction of new technologies to enhance transportation accessibility across the region, alongside continued support for hyperlocal causes to remain a community-centric service.

Passengers can still utilize the familiar local numbers and existing mobile app, but Veezu is introducing an upgraded mobile app for a seamless booking experience. The enhanced app features smarter address search capabilities, improved functions, and multiple payment options, including Google Pay, Apple Pay, AirPay, card, or cash, ensuring a convenient travel experience for passengers.

As part of its rebranding initiative, Veezu launches the 'Smarter Local Rides' marketing campaign in the Shropshire private hire vehicle market. The campaign introduces the 'Funded by Veezu' initiative, offering grants and support to local not-for-profit initiatives as part of the new community support program.

Driver-partners, local businesses, and passengers are encouraged to embrace the Veezu identity as the company strives to continue providing safe, efficient, and affordable transportation services to the communities of Shropshire and beyond. The rebrand marks a significant milestone in Veezu's mission to revolutionize transportation services and leave a lasting impact on the region.

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Inicio AI Raises £2.6M in Seed Round to Scale AI-Powered Financial Platform

Inicio AI, a Coventry-based fintech innovator, has raised £2.6 million in seed funding to fuel growth and roll out its FCA-regulated consumer affordability platform.

The funding round was supported by a consortium of high-profile investors, including Rigby Group, Morgan Stanley, Haatch Ventures, Angel Academe, Mint Ventures, and a number of individual angel investors. It also includes a £500,000 investment from the West Midlands Co-Investment Fund (WMCO), managed by Midven, part of Future Planet Capital.

The raise follows Inicio AI’s recent win at Birmingham Tech Week’s OneToWin pitch competition, where it earned recognition for Budgie AI, its intelligent virtual agent designed to help individuals better manage their finances.

The funds will be used to scale the company’s operations, including the launch of the UK’s first FCA-regulated specialist consumer affordability passporting service. This innovation will allow consumers to share verified affordability data with third parties, streamlining financial assessments across sectors.

The company also plans to grow its West Midlands headquarters, adding new talent in tech and data roles to support ongoing development.

Rachel Curtis, CEO of Inicio AI, commented:

“This investment, alongside our OneToWin recognition, represents a major milestone. It enables us to enhance our technology, scale our impact, and help more people take control of their financial future while improving efficiency for lenders.”

The WMCO, jointly launched by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and the West Midlands Pension Fund, aims to back high-growth SMEs driving innovation and economic growth in the region through matched equity investment of up to £1 million.

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said:

“Inicio AI is a fantastic example of regional innovation. With the right investment and support, local companies like this can launch groundbreaking solutions that improve lives and grow our economy.”

Rupert Lyle, Investment Director at Midven and Fund Principal of WMCO, added:

“Inicio AI’s cutting-edge approach to affordability assessments is reshaping how the financial sector operates. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”

By Anushka Malhotra

16 Apr

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