Taxify has a new name

Ride-hailing app Taxify has undergone a name change and will now be known as Bolt. The company made this known in a series of tweets from the various countries in which it operates.

1/2) With our entry into Nigeria over 2 years ago, we had one goal – build the best way to move in all the cities we operate.

We have grown in leaps and bounds over the years and are now aiming to solve transportation needs on a broader scale. #TaxifyGoesBolt pic.twitter.com/tXDvSBskVz

— Taxify Nigeria (@Boltapp_ng) March 7, 2019

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2/2) Because of this, we are rebranding to take on a new name, one which encompasses our future.

Our new name Bolt, stands for fast, effortless movement- exactly what you deserve.#TaxifyGoesBolt pic.twitter.com/gZbSf141k6

— Taxify Nigeria (@Boltapp_ng) March 7, 2019

Reasons behind the change

In an interview with Techcrunch, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Mark Villig stated the move was necessary so as to reflect a move away from the internal combustion engine.

“We are bullish that the future is fully electric and so we wanted a name that moved us away from the combustion engine.The old name was too restrictive.””

In addition to its regular operations, the company has an electric scooter service known as Bolt.

The report also indicates the startup may be considering a fundraising round.

Taxify was founded in 2013 by Markus Villig in Estonia. The company has operations in 25 countries and 18 regions. In Africa, it operates in Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana and Nigeria.