Elevator Pitch is a regular feature on Lifehacker where we profile startups and new companies and pick their brains for entrepreneurial advice. This week, we’re talking with Johnann Grunberger and Manutea Dupont from RideSurfing.
In 128 words or less, explain your business idea.
RideSurfing is a growing community that allows people wanting to travel around Sydney, to connect with fellow, friendly members willing to give them a ride!
Through a simple and handy app, it allows drivers to make the most of those empty seats, while riders get an enjoyable and inexpensive RideSurfing travel experience in a safe and fun environment. Unlike other services that are based on fares, RideSurfing allows riders to donate an amount they feel is suitable to the community. The ride concludes with both the driver and the rider rating each other, creating an open, transparent and reliable community.
What strategies are you using to grow and finance your idea?
We have been founded in Sydney and are supported by investors who believe in the great potential behind RideSurfing. We intend to grow organically through word of mouth and social media and are getting great initial traction!
What’s the biggest challenge facing your business?
We are getting great initial traction but of course we want to grow as fast as possible to make sure that all Australians benefit from the sharing economy as soon as possible. We are having great feedback from our Riders, as soon as people experience RideSurfing and try it once, they are hooked! They just need to give it a go!
How do your differentiate your business from your competitors?
RideSurfing is unique in its offering — the major difference between Ridesurfing and other companies that offer ridesharing opportunities is the fact that we do not charge any fixed fare for a ride given but offer an ability to donate to the community. RideSurfing runs on a donation-based community, decided upon by the rider and the experience they had.
We also wish to stress that safety is RideSurfing’s highest priority. All drivers must undergo our onboarding process where we meet them, check their car and run an independent criminal background and driving history check.
What one phone, tablet or PC application could you not live without?
Google Maps! One, because it allows RideSurfing to exist, but also because I find it fascinating how many times I can use it per day, not only to direct me somewhere but also now to check points of interests around me.
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?
If you have ever considered building a business/launching a company, then do it now. This craving will not leave you so you might as well giving it a go now.
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