Rideshare fleet operator Moove plans to expand its footprint in Latin America by acquiring Brazil-based urban mobility provider Kovi.
The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions, will add Kovi’s fleets in Brazil and Mexico and its proprietary IoT software and driver behavior algorithm to Moove’s fleet and technologies that power mobility platforms, the companies said in a Wednesday (Jan. 29) press release.
It will also expand Moove’s global fleet to 36,000 vehicles and its global presence to 19 cities on six continents, according to the release.
“Kovi’s proprietary IoT software and advanced driver behavior models complement our existing capabilities, supporting our focus on safety, efficiency and innovation in AI mobility,” Moove Co-founder and Co-CEO Ladi Delano said in the release.
Kovi CEO Adhemar Milani Neto said in the release: “Together, I believe we will become a truly global category-defining business and will leverage scale and deep expertise never seen in our market. We are also excited to continue our expansion across Latam now with robustness with such strong partners.”
Moove raised $76 million in new funding in August 2023, saying it would use the funding to “double down” on its already profitable markets in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India, the United Kingdom and South Africa; continue to invest in its customer experience; and accelerate its product development.
Faris Sohail Al Mazrui, head of ventures and growth at Mubadala Investment Company, which led the funding round, said at the time in a press release: “Moove has built a highly scalable tech-enabled platform to serve mobility entrepreneurs globally by providing them access to credit and other financial services previously unavailable to them.”
In December, Moove and autonomous driving technology firm Waymo formed a partnership in which Moove will manage and dispatch Waymo’s fully autonomous fleet, beginning with operations in Phoenix in 2025 and expanding to Miami in 2026.
“We understand that mobility isn’t a ‘one size fits all,’” Delano said in a Dec. 5 press release. “While we’re expanding into [autonomous vehicles] in the U.S., we remain deeply committed to serving our customers around the world where we will continue to provide our unique financing solutions to underserved mobility entrepreneurs.”
Cryptocurrency apps in the U.S. have surged in popularity due to factors such as the potential for profit, low transaction fees, and increasing user accessibility. These platforms allow users to trade cryptocurrencies easily, offering a decentralized, peer-to-peer model that reduces reliance on traditional financial institutions.
The ability to buy low and sell high has attracted investors seeking financial gains, while lower fees compared to traditional payment methods make these apps more appealing for online transactions. The increased acceptance of cryptocurrencies by businesses, along with advancements in blockchain technology, security, ease of use, and high liquidity, is fueling the belief that crypto could shape the future of finance.
PYMNTS’ Provider Rankings of Cryptocurrency Apps evaluate the performance of leading platforms based on factors such as user experience, transaction volume, security features and customer service. By analyzing consumer preferences and industry trends, these rankings provide insights into which apps are best meeting the needs of cryptocurrency users, and highlighting the platforms that offer the most reliable, user-friendly and innovative services.
No. 1 is Binance with 98 points.
Founded in 2017, Binance offers a range of services for new and experienced investors. The platform supports over 350 cryptocurrencies, including popular options like bitcoin and ethereum, along with niche altcoins. This variety, combined with high liquidity, ensures users can quickly execute transactions with minimal price slippage.
A key feature of Binance is its competitive fee structure, which includes discounts for paying with Binance Coin (BNB), making it attractive for frequent traders. The platform also provides advanced trading tools, such as charting and real-time data, and offers margin and futures trading. Its user-friendly interface, including a mobile app, makes it accessible to traders of all experience levels.
Security is a top priority for Binance, with multi-signature wallets, two-factor authentication (2FA), and a Secure Asset Fund for Users (SAFU) protecting funds and personal information. Binance also offers staking, lending and savings options for passive income, appealing to long-term investors.
No. 2 is Bybit with 91 points.
Bybit is accessible in over 180 countries and offers an intuitive mobile app that provides most of the desktop version’s features, making it convenient for users to manage their crypto investments anywhere. With access to more than 1,200 cryptocurrencies, Bybit allows users to buy, sell, and trade with ease, while offering up to 100x leverage for experienced traders looking to maximize potential profits.
Additionally, Bybit offers Bybit Earn, a feature that allows users to earn interest on their cryptocurrency holdings. This range of services and tools caters to beginner and experienced traders, making it a popular choice in the crypto space.
Tied for second with 91 points is Crypto.com.
Based in Singapore, Crypto.com offers a wide range of services including an app, exchange, DeFi wallet, and NFT marketplace, providing access to over 350 cryptocurrencies. The Crypto.com app allows users to buy, sell and track cryptocurrencies with more than 20 fiat currencies, offering features like price alerts, recurring buys, and TWAP bots to optimize trading. Users can also earn interest on their holdings, spend crypto through the Crypto.com Visa Card, and receive up to 5% cash back on purchases.
For more advanced traders, Crypto.com’s exchange supports over 200 cryptocurrencies, with spot, margin and derivatives trading options. It offers low fees and discounts for those who stake its native token, CRO. The platform also includes automated trading bots and emphasizes security with 2FA.
KuCoin and Coinbase round out the top five with 83 and 76 points, respectively.
Checking in tied at No. 6 with 74 points is HTX and OKX.
Nos. 8-10 comprise MEXC, Blockchain.com, and BTCC with 65, 62, and 54 points, respectively.