We’re thrilled to announce that Liftsearch has been selected as one of the standout startups to receive funding from the Bolt Accelerator Program in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.

This support marks a powerful milestone — not just in our journey, but in the broader push for smarter, more inclusive urban mobility across South Africa and beyond. At the heart of our mission? Safe, reliable and convenient carpooling for everyone.

A Boost for Bold Ideas

The Bolt Accelerator Program Awards, hosted in Johannesburg, spotlighted 10 promising South African startups focused on reshaping the transport and mobility sector. Each recipient, including Liftsearch, received a €2,000 (approximately R40,000) grant to scale their business. But more than just a financial contribution, this award is a vote of confidence in our mission to bring safe, reliable and convenient carpooling to communities across the region.

Why This Matters

For Liftsearch, this funding is about more than capital. It’s about alignment. Bolt — one of the world’s leading mobility platforms — and the Gauteng Department are championing the same values that fuel our work: local innovation, inclusive access, and tech-driven solutions that meet real-world needs. These are the building blocks of safe, reliable and convenient carpooling, and it’s exactly what we’re here to deliver.

This partnership underscores the growing recognition that the future of transport depends on smart, scalable solutions designed by local entrepreneurs who understand their communities — and who are committed to making safe, reliable and convenient carpooling a reality for all.

How It Supports Our Vision

At Liftsearch, our vision is clear: to make mobility smarter, more accessible, and more human-centered — with safe, reliable and convenient carpooling at the core of everything we do. This funding will help us accelerate our product roadmap, expand our partnerships, and deepen our community outreach.

We’re investing in tools that empower commuters, support drivers, and deliver value to the entire mobility ecosystem, all while staying true to our mission of providing safe, reliable and convenient carpooling options that reduce congestion, cut emissions, and connect people more efficiently.

What This Means for Our Community & Partners

To our users, this means an even better Liftsearch experience — one that prioritizes safe, reliable and convenient carpooling with every update.

To our partners, it’s a chance to scale alongside a platform that’s now better resourced and more determined than ever to deliver shared value and innovation.

And to our broader ecosystem — developers, city planners, advocates, and allies — it’s a signal that safe, reliable and convenient carpooling is not just possible, but essential for the future of urban mobility.

Looking Ahead

We’re honored to stand among the first recipients of the Bolt Accelerator Program Awards, and we see this as a stepping stone toward greater impact. We’re building momentum, and with the support of visionary partners like Bolt and the Gauteng Department, we’re moving faster toward a future built on safe, reliable and convenient carpooling for all.

Stay tuned — and follow our journey as we grow. Together, we’re transforming how communities move.