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Wheels provides comprehensive fleet management and mobility solutions designed for corporate clients. The company offers services that optimize vehicle fleets, focusing on cost reduction, enhanced productivity, and operational efficiency across a diverse range of industries. Their offerings extend to include specialized electric vehicle fleet management, guiding businesses through the transition to sustainable transportation with expertise and tailored tools.
The company was founded in 1939 by Zollie Frank and Armund Schoen, establishing itself as one of the pioneering vehicle leasing companies. Their foundational insight recognized the burgeoning need for outsourced fleet services, allowing businesses to streamline logistics and focus on core operations. This early understanding of corporate mobility challenges laid the groundwork for Wheels' enduring presence in the industry.
Wheels primarily serves businesses aiming to manage their vehicle assets more effectively and sustainably. The company's vision centers on enabling clients to operate fleets that are safer, greener, more productive, and cost-efficient. They aim to remain at the forefront of fleet management innovation, supporting clients in navigating the evolving landscape of corporate transportation.
Wheels has raised $53.0M across 2 funding rounds.
Wheels has raised $53.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Wheels has raised $53.0M in total across 2 funding rounds.
Wheels's investors include DBL Partners, Alumni Ventures, Anderson Angels, Avanta Ventures, Bascom Ventures, Clearstone, Family Office, FirstMark Capital, F-Prime Capital Partners, Garden City Companies, Greycroft, Modern Venture Partners.
Wheels has raised $53.0M across 2 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $50.0M Series A in April 2020.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2020 | $50M Series A | — | DBL Partners | Announced |
| Sep 1, 2019 | $3M Series U | — | Alumni Ventures, Anderson Angels, Avanta Ventures, Bascom Ventures, Clearstone, DBL Partners, Family Office, FirstMark Capital, F Prime Capital, Garden City Companies, Greycroft, Modern Venture Partners, NextView Ventures, Plug & Play Ventures, The HIT Forge, Tribe Capital, Uprising, Alain Hanover, JOI ITO, Matt Mazzeo, Shane Battier | Announced |
# Wheels: Fleet Management and Mobility Solutions Provider
Wheels is a fleet management and mobility solutions company, not a pure technology company, though technology is central to its operations[2][3]. Founded in 1939, Wheels invented the modern fleet industry and has evolved into one of North America's largest fleet management providers[3]. The company manages over 800,000 vehicles across North America and more than 4 million vehicles globally through alliances in 59 countries[2][5]. Wheels serves a diverse client base including 80+ Fortune 500 companies across industries ranging from agriculture and construction to pharmaceuticals and government[2].
Wheels' core mission is to optimize every aspect of mobility programs for its clients—from vehicle leasing and maintenance to fuel management, telematics, driver safety, and EV charging infrastructure[5]. The company positions itself as a comprehensive mobility partner that helps businesses reduce costs, enhance safety, improve sustainability, and maintain operational efficiency across their mobile workforces[2].
Wheels was established in 1939, making it one of the oldest and most established players in fleet management[3]. The company's modern structure reflects significant consolidation: in December 2022, Wheels Donlen and LeasePlan merged within Athene Holdings Ltd, creating a powerhouse organization that unified three major fleet management entities[2]. This merger positioned Wheels to offer integrated mobility solutions at unprecedented scale, combining decades of expertise across vehicle leasing, maintenance, and fleet optimization.
Wheels operates at the intersection of several major industry trends. The company is positioned to capitalize on the accelerating shift toward fleet electrification, as businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability and regulatory compliance[5]. Its technology infrastructure—including telematics, real-time monitoring, and advanced analytics—reflects the broader digitization of logistics and mobility management.
The company's scale and integrated service model address a critical market need: businesses require consolidated partners who can manage complexity across vehicle acquisition, maintenance, driver safety, and sustainability initiatives. Wheels' role extends beyond service provision to industry influence—as an innovator that "invented the fleet industry" in 1939, the company continues to shape mobility standards and best practices[3].
Wheels is well-positioned to lead the industry's transition to electrified, data-driven fleet management. The company's 2022 merger created a unified platform with unmatched scale and service breadth, enabling it to serve increasingly sophisticated client needs around cost optimization, sustainability, and workforce safety.
Looking ahead, Wheels' trajectory will likely be shaped by three factors: the pace of EV adoption across commercial fleets, the growing importance of real-time data analytics in fleet optimization, and client demand for integrated mobility solutions that reduce operational complexity. As businesses face mounting pressure to decarbonize their operations and improve driver safety, Wheels' comprehensive platform and technological capabilities position it as an essential partner in the evolving mobility ecosystem.
