Bolt is an Estonian mobility company founded in 2013 by Markus Villig, now operating in over 50 countries worldwide.

Bolt began in Tallinn, Estonia, originally under the name Taxify. Markus Villig, then just 19 years old, built the first prototype of the app with a €5,000 loan from his family and personally recruited drivers on the streets of Tallinn. His vision was to make urban transportation more affordable and accessible, challenging traditional taxi services and global competitors like Uber.

From its early ride‑hailing roots, Bolt quickly expanded across Europe, Africa, and Asia. By 2016, it had entered markets in South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria, and later launched in London, Paris, and other major cities. In 2019, the company rebranded from Taxify to Bolt, symbolizing speed and versatility. Today, Bolt offers ride‑hailing, electric scooter rentals, food delivery through Bolt Food, grocery delivery via Bolt Market, and car‑sharing through Bolt Drive.

Bolt now serves more than 100 million customers in over 600 cities, employing thousands of people worldwide. With revenues surpassing €2 billion in 2024, it has become one of Europe’s largest tech success stories. Despite challenges—including regulatory battles in London and employment status disputes in the UK—Bolt continues to expand, most recently launching services in Dubai and Toronto. Its growth reflects a broader ambition: to become a “super‑app” for mobility and urban living.