Earlier this year, Zeti, Dollaride, and Chestnut Run Capital Partners came together to finance the deployment of electric non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) vehicles in New York.
The transaction brought together three organizations with complementary roles: Dollaride as the fleet operator, Chestnut Run Capital Partners as the capital provider, and Zeti supplying the operational data and transparency to help support the financing.
Following the transaction, Jon Stafford (Zeti), Su Sanni (Dollaride) and Yeng Felipe Butler (Chestnut Run Capital Partners) sat down to reflect on the journey, discuss what made the collaboration successful, and explore the broader themes shaping clean transportation finance. The conversation covers everything from building financeable businesses and finding the right capital partners to the growing importance of data transparency, risk management, and collaboration in accelerating the transition to cleaner transportation.
Great partnerships start with shared values
One of the strongest themes throughout the discussion was that successful transactions are built on much more than financial models. For all three organizations, the partnership worked because there was a shared belief in the opportunity, aligned values, and a genuine commitment to solving the same problem.
That alignment created the foundation for open collaboration throughout the transaction. Rather than operating in isolation, each organization brought its own expertise while remaining focused on a common goal: helping accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation. Throughout the conversation, it became clear that trust wasn't simply a byproduct of the partnership, it was one of the reasons the partnership succeeded.
"When you can align with people that you're working with on a values perspective, anything's possible." Jon Stafford, Zeti
Building businesses that are ready for investment
Su Sanni's story demonstrates that attracting capital is rarely about one funding round or one successful pitch. Dollaride's journey began by modernizing New York's iconic dollar van network before expanding into electric non-emergency medical transportation. Winning support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) marked a significant milestone, providing proof that the business could successfully deploy electric vehicles at scale. That operational track record helped build confidence with future funding partners.
As Yeng Felipe Butler explains during the conversation, many growing businesses assume equity is the only route to expansion when, in reality, there are often multiple financing options available. The right capital stack depends on the business, the assets being financed, and the stage of growth. Ultimately, capital follows execution.
"We trust where we're headed, and we know we can get there together." Su Sanni, Dollaride
Why data matters just as much as capital
While access to financing is essential, the discussion also explored another critical ingredient: transparency. Historically, lenders have had limited visibility into fleet performance once vehicles have been financed. Without reliable operational data, assessing utilization, asset values, and performance over time becomes much more difficult, increasing perceived risk and ultimately the cost of capital.
Connected vehicle technology is changing that.
By combining financial information with real-time operational data, including utilization, mileage, asset values, and environmental performance, operators and investors can work from the same source of truth. For Zeti, that's where its connected platform, ZetiOS, comes in. By aggregating, normalizing, and visualizing operational, financial, and environmental data from multiple sources, ZetiOS provides operators and capital providers with a single, shared view of financed assets. That greater transparency helps all parties better understand utilization, performance, residual values, and environmental impact throughout the life of an investment.
"When you pull in connected vehicle data alongside financial data, it really helps manage that perceived risk that lenders have." Jon Stafford, Zeti
Financing the future of clean transportation
The discussion reinforced a simple point: technology alone doesn't accelerate the transition to cleaner transportation. Progress happens when operators, capital providers, and technology partners each contribute their expertise while working toward the same outcome. For Dollaride, that meant continuing to expand access to cleaner transportation services across New York.
For Chestnut Run Capital Partners, it demonstrated how specialist capital can support businesses operating in underserved areas of the energy transition. But just as importantly, it showed how greater visibility into financed assets can change the way investors assess and manage risk.
"Our main job is to manage risk, and we see it day in, day out. That transparency is game changing for the industry." Yeng Felipe Butler, Chestnut Run Capital Partners
For Zeti, technology helps make that possible by bringing together operational, financial, and environmental data in one place, enabling operators and capital providers to make better-informed decisions and unlock more opportunities to finance clean transportation. Together, the partnership demonstrates what's possible when innovation, capital, and collaboration come together around a shared purpose.
Key takeaways
- Strong partnerships are built on shared values. The best outcomes come when operators, investors, and technology providers work toward a common goal.
- Data transparency builds confidence. Better visibility into fleet performance helps reduce perceived risk and unlock more effective financing.
- Execution attracts investment. Demonstrating operational success is often the strongest signal to future capital providers.
Frequently asked questions
What is non emergency medical transportation (NEMT)?
Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) provides transportation for patients traveling to and from healthcare appointments when emergency medical care isn't required. It plays a vital role in improving access to healthcare and is increasingly being electrified as operators seek to reduce costs and emissions.
Who is Dollaride?
Dollaride is a New York-based mobility company providing technology-enabled transportation services. Building on the city's long-established dollar van network, the business now operates across several transportation sectors, including electric non-emergency medical transportation, helping improve access to affordable, reliable, and sustainable mobility.
What role did Chestnut Run Capital Partners play?
Chestnut Run Capital Partners provided the financing for the transaction. As a specialist capital provider focused on overlooked opportunities within the energy transition, the team worked closely with Dollaride and Zeti to structure funding that supported the deployment of electric vehicles.
What role did Zeti play?
Zeti provided the technology platform underpinning the transaction, enabling operators and capital providers to access operational and financial data in one place. This transparency supports better decision-making throughout the life of financed assets.
Why is operational data important when financing electric vehicle fleets?
Operational data helps lenders understand how financed assets are performing in real time. Visibility into utilization, mileage, environmental performance, and asset values helps reduce perceived risk, improve portfolio oversight, and create greater confidence in financing decisions.
Why are partnerships important for clean transportation?
The transition to cleaner transportation requires more than innovative technology. It depends on operators, investors, and technology providers working together to overcome commercial, operational, and financing challenges. Strong partnerships make it easier to scale projects and unlock capital for future growth.