Blacklane, a Berlin-based company providing high-end transport on demand service has raised its largest investment to date from a consortium of investors, led by UAE-based automotive and travel conglomerate, AlFahim.

The Series D, which will fund new cities, global airport concierge services and product innovation, raised close to $40 million, according to data in Crunchbase.

Other investors included Daimler AG, through subsidiary Daimler Mobility Services, and btov Partners.

Blacklane’s global network of professional driver partners covers more than 250 cities and 500 airports in 50 countries. This year, Blacklane will reach more than 300 cities, with major growth across the Middle East and Africa.

“Combining our nationwide expertise and diversity with Blacklane’s reinvention of the professional driver industry for the benefit of travellers, drivers and partners, will bring unequivocal innovative luxury services to the Middle East and Africa,” said Ahmed AJ Al Fahim, chairman of AlFahim. “Blacklane’s ambition and brand strength make it the ideal company to add to our global portfolio.”

The investment will also reduce stress and wasted time in hundreds of airports. The company will launch Blacklane Premium Airport Services & Solutions (Blacklane PASS) worldwide, allowing travellers to book curbside and planeside meet-and-greet, connecting flight assistance and airport lounge services.

“Blacklane made professional driver services accessible to the mass travel market, and will do the same for airport concierge services. This is huge untapped opportunity for Blacklane and its partners,” said Jochen Gutbrod, Partner, btov Partners and Blacklane Chairman of the Board.

Jens Wohltorf, CEO and co-founder of Blacklane, said: “The most stressful part of a trip is the time between your front door and accessing the airplane. Our premium services and global reliability turn anxiety into assurance and concern into comfort. This investment accelerates Blacklane’s ability to bring end-to-end peace of mind onto the road and into airports around the world.”

Product improvements will include continuous innovation of Blacklane’s booking and management channels as well as further integrations with new travel companies. Current partners include Amadeus, Asia Miles, Expedia, Finnair, Hertz, Miles & More, and Saudia.

Jörg Lamparter, head of Mobility Services for Daimler Financial Services, said: “Daimler’s network of mobility options meets travellers’ diverse worldwide needs. Blacklane provides a premier experience at every customer touchpoint. It perfectly fits Daimler’s mobility services portfolio and approach.” - TradeArabia News Service