Azmat Yusuf

Azmat Yusuf is the Founder and CEO of Citymapper, a popular urban transportation app that helps users navigate public transport options in cities around the world. He established Citymapper in 2011 in London, initially focusing on providing comprehensive journey planning solutions that integrate various modes of transport, including buses, trains, cycling, and walking. Under his leadership, Citymapper has grown to serve over 50 million users across more than 100 cities globally.134

Background and Career

Before founding Citymapper, Yusuf worked at Google in the media and platforms division from 2009 to 2010. He also had a role at the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC) from 2005 to 2008, where he was involved in tech investments. Additionally, he was a fellow at Seedcamp, a European seed fund, for a brief period in 2010.123

Citymapper's Development

Citymapper revolutionized urban navigation by offering real-time data and multiple transport options within its app. The company gained significant traction and recognition for its user-friendly interface and innovative features, such as the ability to plan journeys using various transportation modes simultaneously. Despite facing challenges in capitalizing on its early success against competitors like Google Maps, Yusuf emphasized maintaining a high-quality user experience over rapid expansion.23

In March 2023, Citymapper was acquired by Via Transportation, which aims to integrate its technology into a broader transportation platform while retaining it as a standalone service for users.24 Yusuf continues to play a crucial role as a transition advisor following the acquisition.

Vision and Impact

Yusuf has consistently articulated his vision for making urban transportation more efficient and accessible. He believes in leveraging technology to enhance the commuting experience in cities, aiming to extend Citymapper's positive impact on communities worldwide.4