Lightyear Capital Eyes Demand for Mobile Parking; New Catalyst Provides Capital to Ferghana, as Private Markets Firms Continue to Team Up

Why It Matters

The PayByPhone carve‑out gives Lightyear a foothold in a high‑growth urban mobility niche, while New Catalyst’s funding fuels Ferghana’s expansion in emerging markets, illustrating how private capital is reshaping fragmented fintech sectors.

Key Takeaways

• Lightyear to spin off PayByPhone from Corpay.
• Mobile parking demand rising amid urban congestion.
• PE firms targeting tech-enabled parking solutions.
• New Catalyst backs Ferghana's growth with fresh capital.
• Private markets collaborations accelerating niche fintech deals.

Pulse Analysis

The global mobile parking market is entering a rapid expansion phase as municipalities worldwide grapple with congestion, emissions, and the need for real‑time space management. Digital platforms that enable drivers to locate, reserve, and pay for curbside spots reduce traffic loops and generate valuable data for city planners. According to recent industry reports, annual transaction volumes for mobile parking services are projected to exceed $5 billion by 2027, driven by smartphone penetration and municipal smart‑city initiatives. This growth trajectory has attracted private‑equity firms seeking scalable, technology‑enabled assets with recurring revenue streams.

Lightyear Capital’s decision to carve out PayByPhone from Corpay positions the firm to capitalize on that momentum. PayByPhone, a leading app with millions of active users across North America and Europe, offers a proven payment infrastructure and extensive partnership network with local authorities. By separating the business, Lightyear can pursue dedicated growth capital, refine product roadmaps, and explore cross‑border rollouts without the constraints of a broader corporate parent. Analysts expect the carve‑out to unlock valuation multiples above the traditional fintech average, given the niche’s high margins and data‑rich ecosystem.

Simultaneously, New Catalyst’s fresh capital injection into Ferghana underscores a parallel trend of private‑market collaborations targeting emerging‑market fintechs. Ferghana, which provides digital payment solutions in Central Asia, will use the funds to broaden its merchant network and enhance regulatory compliance tools. The partnership illustrates how specialty investors are pooling resources to accelerate growth in underserved regions, creating win‑win scenarios for capital providers and local economies. Together, these moves signal a broader shift toward focused, technology‑centric investments that reshape fragmented financial services landscapes.