'We need a resilient European mobility sector': New head of impact investments at EIT Urban Mobility

This is a paid partnership with EIT Urban Mobility – the largest innovation community for urban mobility in Europe. Discover more about their work in the fact box below.

Most people might recognise EIT Urban Mobility as one of Europe's most active mobility investors, but since its launch it has expanded into a network of more than 1,000 companies and organisations across 35 European countries. Investments are just one part of the toolbox that can help mobility startups grow.

Barcelona-based Daniel Serra Segarra has been on board the entire journey, in roles ranging from leading innovation to establishing ecosystems. Since February 2025, he has taken on the responsibility as Impact Ventures Director.

"As an expert on urban mobility, I see the trends, have experienced the innovation process and know the ecosystem. I have always been working closely with startups, so I know what they need to scale and grow," he tells Impact Loop.

The unique selling point of EIT Urban Mobility, Daniel Serra Segarra emphasises, is the ability to tie the European mobility sector together in an "ecosystem of ecosystems". One important mission is to strengthen and empower startups all across the continent.

"Since we connect all of the different stakeholders, we can help startups with everything from access to incubators and growth into new markets, to support and mentorship from our wide network of experts and investors," he says.

In what phase of the startup journey do you usually create most value for your portfolio companies?

"As Europe's most active investor in European mobility – focusing on seed rounds – we are able to support the European startup ecosystem on this bumpy challenge from seed to A-B-C rounds, strengthening the ties with the kinds of investors that come in at the later stages."

Taking a more active role

Over the past four years, EIT Urban Mobility has invested €18 million in startups, and for 2025 the projection is around €6 million. Daniel Serra Segarra states that both the total investment and the average ticket size will increase over time.

"Depending on the portfolio development, I think we will see even bigger investments in 2026. Many of our early startups are now entering A-rounds, and while we traditionally haven’t been lead investor in that phase, I think we could take on a more active role moving forward."

The positive outlook partly comes from successful activities in Southern Europe, as a result of their ongoing partnership with The Moove Lab which began in 2022.

How do you view the balance between ROI and impact?

"We are always looking for both. We are not a VC in the traditional sense, but we think like one, and have similar expectations on our portfolio companies. Entering early, we need a long perspective."

That being said, Daniel Serra Segarra emphasizes the importance of a positive impact in the mobility startups.

"We only invest in companies that have a positive net impact. Measuring impact is challenging and very important – but it’s not the only factor. Startups focusing on health and micromobility can make a good impact."

Global challenges, European opportunities

At the time of our conversation, Spain has recently been dramatically affected by an unprecedented power cut – which put the entire transport system to a halt.

Daniel Serra Segarra highlights the fact that a volatile market, along with a growing maturity in the mobility sector, brings new parameters to the table. EIT Urban Mobility will soon release a trend report, but he reveals some of the areas that spur his interest at the moment.

"I would say that electrification is still a big focus, along with net zero mobility requirements, clean energy, battery recycling, hydrogen, and AI management of grids."

Resilience is a hot topic right now. How can the mobility sector be of importance?

"The transport sector will be crucial for a resilient society. To become more self-sufficient, Europe needs to create a strong ecosystem in autonomous mobility, while improving electrification and charging infrastructure alongside AI and data security."

In geopolitical turbulence, Daniel Serra Segarra believes that the European collaboration might have a golden opportunity to deepen and strengthen, with an increased focus on continental value chains.

"When change is constant, I think our work is even more important. We need to build a resilient mobility system in Europe."