Freenow

Freenow (stylized as freenow) is a major European multi-mobility platform headquartered in Hamburg, Germany. Originally founded as 'mytaxi' in 2009 by German entrepreneurs Niclaus Mewes and Sven Külper, the brand was a pioneer in app-based taxi booking. Over the years, the company expanded through various mergers and acquisitions involving other mobility brands like Hailo, Clever Taxi, and Beat.

In 2019, the brand was officially renamed Freenow as part of a high-profile €1 billion mobility joint venture between German automotive giants BMW Group and Mercedes-Benz Group. This partnership, known as 'YOUR NOW,' aimed to combine various urban mobility services including car-sharing and ride-hailing into a single ecosystem.

A significant shift in ownership occurred in 2025 when the American mobility giant Lyft, Inc. entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Freenow for approximately €175 million. The deal, which was finalized in the second half of 2025, represents Lyft's major strategic expansion into the European market. Today, the platform operates as an operating subsidiary under Lyft, offering services across several European countries including Germany, the UK, Ireland, France, and Spain.