In the ever-changing world of startups, a group of young entrepreneurs is bravely stepping into new territory. Among these pioneers are Rajarshi Nag and Paramartha Saha, the dynamic duo behind the innovative venture called ‘Drivers4Me.’ Starting in 2018, this unique mobile app has become a leader in on-demand driver hiring platforms, aiming to fulfil the need for reliable, skilled, and standardized on-demand drivers for both individuals and businesses. What’s even better is that it’s available on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Looking back on their journey, Rajarshi reflects on the many challenges they faced. “It was clear from the start that starting a successful startup would be difficult. We felt the scepticism and concerns from family and friends about the risks of entrepreneurship. Despite these doubts, we took on the challenge and started building something meaningful.” The idea for ‘Drivers4Me’ began during the founders’ third year of Computer Science Engineering at IEM, Kolkata. It stemmed from a mix of boredom with routine assignments and past experiences, gaining momentum with invaluable support from their college founder, Dr. Satyajit Chakraborty. Thanks to his generosity, they were given office space at the Ashram Campus, which played a crucial role in their growth. As their team grew, they opened their next office in South Kolkata.
Drivers4Me has achieved remarkable success with a customer base exceeding 240,000 and onboarding over 10,000 drivers. Their hard work has paid off, though they acknowledge the challenges, especially for Bengalis entering this unconventional territory. Building a startup, especially in Bengal, where the startup culture is still developing, is tough. Changing the mindset towards more entrepreneurial endeavours is crucial. They recognize the efforts by the governments of India and West Bengal to support startups. Despite starting from scratch, they aim to collaborate with more startup owners and encourage the establishment of more ventures in West Bengal, aiming to turn it into a thriving entrepreneurial hub in India.
Setting itself apart from the current disorganized process of driver hiring, Drivers4Me offers a hassle-free booking process, online payment options, short trips, various trip types, flexible scheduling, and standardized driver uniforms for easy identification. Drivers undergo thorough screening, including background checks, rigorous physical and psychometric tests, and police verification, ensuring their safety and reliability. They are also tested for driving proficiency in different car segments and assigned work accordingly. The platform offers a flexible fare structure and real-time driver tracking through the app, ensuring transparency and peace of mind. The quick arrival of drivers within just 25 minutes after booking is truly impressive!
The app is currently operational in three vibrant cities – Kolkata, Delhi, and Hyderabad, with plans to expand to other bustling cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Pune soon. The co-founders have a vision for the company’s future as a comprehensive solution for all car owners’ needs, showcasing their dedication to providing a holistic experience for their customers.
For more information, visit the Drivers4Me website at www.drivers4me.com.
