Antin's Strategic Expansion into Smart Mobility via Matawan: A Resilient Bet on Infrastructure Innovation

In an era marked by economic volatility and regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure investors are increasingly seeking sectors that combine long-term stability with transformative potential. Antin Infrastructure Partners’ recent move to acquire a majority stake in Matawan—a leading smart mobility platform—exemplifies this trend. By leveraging its NextGen Infrastructure Fund I, Antin is positioning itself at the intersection of technological innovation and sustainable infrastructure, betting on a sector poised to withstand macroeconomic headwinds while driving decarbonization and urban efficiency.

Strategic Alignment: NextGen’s Focus on Scalable, Sustainable Tech

Antin’s NextGen Infrastructure Fund I, with a target size of €1.2 billion, is designed to invest in companies with scalable technologies and strong sustainability credentials. Matawan, a platform operating in six countries and serving over 330 public transport networks, fits this mold perfectly. The investment aligns with NextGen’s strategy of supporting businesses that require substantial capital to scale, particularly in energy, digital, and transport sectors [1]. Matawan’s AI-driven demand optimization and account-based ticketing systems enhance public transport efficiency, a critical need as cities grapple with congestion and climate goals [2].

Jean-Paul Medioni, Matawan’s founder, will retain a seat on the Supervisory Board, ensuring continuity in the company’s mission to simplify intermodal mobility. Antin’s entry as a majority stakeholder signals confidence in Matawan’s ability to grow organically and through acquisitions, a strategy that mirrors the broader trend of consolidation in the smart infrastructure space [3].

Fund Performance: Progress Amidst Uncertainty

While specific IRR and ROI figures for NextGen Fund I remain undisclosed, available data suggests steady progress. As of March 2025, the fund’s Gross Multiple stood at 1.2x, reflecting value creation initiatives across its portfolio [4]. With approximately 58% of its capital deployed, the fund retains flexibility to capitalize on emerging opportunities, such as Matawan’s expansion into North American and European markets [5]. Antin’s broader infrastructure arm has demonstrated resilience, with Assets Under Management (AUM) reaching €33.3 billion in early 2025, driven by strong demand for infrastructure’s low exposure to economic cycles [6].

The fund’s focus on high-quality, ESG-aligned assets—such as hydrogen transportation equipment lessor GTL Leasing—further underscores its alignment with global decarbonization goals [7]. By investing in companies like Matawan, Antin is not only diversifying its portfolio but also tapping into the growing demand for smart mobility solutions that reduce urban carbon footprints.

Sector Resilience: Smart Mobility in a Shifting Landscape

The smart mobility sector has proven remarkably resilient during economic downturns and regulatory shifts. Between 2020 and 2025, innovations in electrification, AI, and intermodal integration have enabled urban transport systems to adapt to disruptions, from pandemic-induced congestion to stricter emissions standards [8]. For instance, the European Union’s push for cycling infrastructure and shared mobility has accelerated the adoption of platforms like Matawan, which streamline ticketing and route optimization across multiple transport modes [9].

Regulatory frameworks that prioritize data interoperability and sustainability are further bolstering the sector’s growth. Matawan’s AI-driven systems, for example, allow cities to dynamically adjust public transport offerings based on real-time demand, a feature that becomes increasingly valuable during crises [10]. Studies highlight that foresight, dynamism, and stakeholder collaboration are critical to building resilient mobility systems—factors Matawan’s platform inherently supports [11].

Strategic Implications for Antin and the Sector

Antin’s investment in Matawan is not an isolated move but part of a broader strategy to dominate the smart infrastructure landscape. The platform complements Antin’s existing portfolio, including UK-based SNRG and European EV charging networks Power Dot and RAW Charging, creating a cohesive ecosystem for decarbonization [12]. This synergy positions Antin to benefit from cross-sector opportunities, such as integrating smart grid solutions with public transport networks.

For investors, the transaction underscores the appeal of smart mobility as a defensive asset class. While traditional infrastructure investments face headwinds from inflation and interest rates, smart mobility’s reliance on recurring revenue models and regulatory tailwinds offers a buffer. As cities worldwide commit to net-zero targets, platforms like Matawan are likely to see sustained demand, even in uncertain markets.

Conclusion

Antin’s acquisition of Matawan represents a calculated bet on the future of urban mobility. By combining NextGen’s capital with Matawan’s technological prowess, the firm is addressing a critical need: making public transport smarter, cleaner, and more resilient. While the lack of disclosed IRR/ROI figures leaves some uncertainty, the fund’s progress and the sector’s inherent resilience suggest a compelling long-term investment thesis. As global cities navigate the dual challenges of climate change and economic instability, smart mobility platforms like Matawan will be at the forefront of shaping sustainable, adaptive infrastructure.

Source:
[1] Antin Plans to Take a Majority Stake in Matawan, a Leading Smart Mobility Platform [https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250903458122/en/Antin-Plans-to-Take-a-Majority-Stake-in-Matawan-a-Leading-Smart-Mobility-Platform]
[2] GP Bullhound is delighted to be advising Matawan on their ... [https://www.gpbullhound.com/articles/gp-bullhound-is-delighted-to-be-advising-matawan-on-their-exclusive-negotiations-with-antin-for-a-majority-investment/]
[3] Antin Infrastructure Partners: Sustained Value Creation in ... [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/antin-infrastructure-partners-sustained-value-050000664.html]
[4] Antin Infrastructure Partners: Record Financial Performance ... [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/antin-infrastructure-partners-record-financial-060000068.html]
[5] NextGen [https://www.antin-ip.com/who-we-are/strategies/nextgen]
[6] Antin Infrastructure Partners: Sustained Value Creation in ... [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/antin-infrastructure-partners-sustained-value-050000664.html]
[7] Antin Infrastructure Partners: Record Financial Performance ... [https://finance.yahoo.com/news/antin-infrastructure-partners-record-financial-060000068.html]
[8] Building resilience into smart mobility for urban cities [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365052185_Building_resilience_into_smart_mobility_for_urban_cities_an_emerging_economy_perspective]
[9] Mobility: Intelligent, Sustainable & As-a-service [https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industries/government-public/perspectives/urban-future-with-a-purpose/mobility-intelligent-sustainability-and-as-a-service.html]
[10] Smart Mobility Adoption: A Review of the Literature [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2199853122009155]
[11] Prioritizing values in smart mobility governance [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2226585625000391]
[12] Antin invests in PearlX, an innovative US smart grid ... [https://www.antin-ip.com/media/our-news/antin-invests-pearlx-innovative-us-smart-grid-infrastructure-platform]