BlaBlaCar: Europe’s Long-Distance Mobility Platform
BlaBlaCar is the world’s largest long-distance carpooling platform, valued at €1.6 billion, connecting 100+ million members across 21 countries. Founded in 2006 by Frédéric Mazzella, it has expanded from ride-sharing into a comprehensive mobility marketplace including bus services.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Valuation | €1.6 billion |
| Members | 100+ million |
| Countries | 21 |
| Rides Per Quarter | 28+ million |
| Revenue | €250M+ (est.) |
Multi-Modal Expansion
BlaBlaCar acquired Ouibus (rebranded BlaBlaBus) from SNCF, adding long-distance bus services. The platform now combines carpooling, bus, and rail options into a single booking interface, competing with FlixBus and traditional rail operators. This multi-modal strategy dramatically increases addressable market and booking frequency.
Profitability Path
BlaBlaCar achieved EBITDA profitability in recent years — a significant milestone among European mobility startups. The asset-light model (drivers own their cars, BlaBlaCar takes a booking fee) enables high margins at scale. The company is considered a strong IPO candidate.