Zum Receives $130M in Funding
With the Series D Softbank Vision funds, Zum plans to accelerate its vision of modernizing school transportation, which includes a path to 100% electric vehicles by 2025 and market expansion to 12 states.
The Series D investment will support Zum's plans to expand to 10,000 EVs on its platform, putting the company on track to achieve its 100% EV by 2025 goal faster than anticipated.
Image courtesy Zum
Student transportation company Zum announced a hefty $130 million in Series D funding led by Softbank Vision Fund 2. Other investors included Sequoia and BMW i Ventures.
As part of the agreement, Andrew Straub of Softbank Investment Advisers will join Zum’s board of directors.
This funding brings the company to a worth of about $930 million.
Zum said it intends to use the new capital to further its mission of reimagining student transportation, expanding its service across new markets and districts, and adding new electric vehicles (EVs) to its platform. The company previously announced plans to deliver 100% EVs by 2025.
"While nearly everyone in the U.S. has an association with the iconic yellow school bus, student transportation is a problem hidden in plain sight," said Ritu Narayan, CEO and co-founder of Zum. "We have developed the technology to reimagine this industry now, to do it safely, and to do it well. We are honored to have the support to help us take this vision to the next level."
"Using data and technology, we believe Zum is modernizing school transportation by offering better services, efficiency, and sustainability — while increasing safety for children," added Andrew Straub, investment director at Softbank Investment Advisers. "We are impressed with the immediate impact that Zum has made for school districts who have deployed its service across their entire network of schools over the past year, including significant cost savings."
Zum previously launched a Net Zero initiative in an attempt to reduce the 8.4 million metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) that diesel school buses emit annually. With this initiative, the company also announced a partnership with AutoGrid to pilot a program with Zum's electric buses and AutoGrid's Virtual Power Plant technology.
The new investment by Softbank will support Zum’s plans to expand to 10,000 EVs on its platform, putting the company on track to achieve its 100% EV by 2025 goal earlier than originally anticipated.
Zum already has worked with 4,000 U.S. schools across four states, and plans to expand service to 12 states. The company signed multi-year contracts with two of the largest school districts in California, San Francisco Unified School District and Oakland Unified School District. Through these two districts alone, Zum says its has increased its total contract value by 10x.
More Management
How to Build a Better Driver Training Program
Ready to boost up your school bus instructor training? Here’s how to pick the right talent and improve recruitment, retention, and safety.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
What Makes a Great School Bus Driver Trainer?
Choosing the right school bus driver trainer takes more than experience. Learn six keys to selecting and developing trainers and evaluating program effectiveness.
Read More →
School Bus Contractors Expand Through New Deals, Acquisitions & Partnerships
STA's Canadian division acquires Ontario-based G&L Stevenson Transport while Durham School Services adds a new district contract in California, First Student adds a New Jersey contract, and Minnesota Coaches acquires Halo Transportation.
Read More →
Logan Bus Company Rolls Out AI Phone System for NYC School Bus Families
A summer pilot found that AI agents could handle most routine calls, freeing up time for customer service staff to focus on emergencies and complex family concerns.
Read More →
From Intent to Impact: What I Learned About Leadership from TAPT
A Texas transportation supervisor shares lessons on self-awareness, accountability, managing stress and building trust — and why investing in leadership development matters at every stage of your career.
Read More →
NAPT Names 2026 Award Recipients, Hall of Fame Inductee
Who earned national recognition for their work in student transportation? This year, NAPT named five recipients of its 2026 awards for service, safety, and leadership, plus its newest Hall of Famer.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Driver shortages. Rising costs. Growing safety expectations. More data, but not enough time to act on it. The 2026 State of Student Transportation Report reveals what transportation leaders say is putting the most pressure on their operations—and where they’re investing next. See how your priorities compare.
Read More →
How to De-Escalate an Angry Person: 5 Steps for Handling Workplace Conflict
What makes emotions run high, and how should you handle an angry colleague or parent? Follow these steps for staying calm, listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflict.
Read More →
What Readiness Looks Like This School Year
Learn about the challenges shaping the 2026–2027 school year, from persistent driver shortages and budget pressure to technology and readiness gaps. See how school districts are responding and adapting in Zonar’s 2026 Back-to-School Readiness Report.
Read More →