What motivated you to get started with DriveMe?
While I worked in a logistics company, I discovered the biggest challenge we had at the time was drivers’ issues, from finding a qualified driver to testing them and then managing them. At home, I also faced a similar problem when I had to hire a driver for my family. These experiences shaped the idea and gave the inspiration to birth DriveMe.
What specific problem are you solving with your startup and how are you solving it?
At DriveMe, we are solving the problem of low access to quality driver education in the transport industry and access to verified and professional drivers in Africa.
Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain customers?
In attracting customers, we have been fortunate to have many customers who are evangelists of DriveMe and have consistently referred our company to their friends and family. To retain customers, we are consciously creating an outstanding customer experience and rewards for loyalty.
Customer retention is always a top priority for us at DriveMe because we understand for every customer that remains satisfied, we are sure to get many referrals from them.
Describe what makes your business unique.
At DriveMe, we are operating in a space that is the engine of the logistics and mobility industry. Vehicles currently will not move themselves and the need for drivers continues to soar. We are the No. 1 company offering digitizing driver education as well as building the largest database of professional drivers on the continent.
How did you fund your startup?
The company was bootstrapped until 2022 when were comfortable enough to raise some venture capital.
Worth Reading: How I Created Riby After 8 Failed Startups – Abolore Salami
Have you had any failed business?
Oh, yea I have. My first company was a computer hardware distribution company. Long story short, it failed.
What is your greatest business achievement to date?
I will say being able to lead a company that is responsible for the livelihood of several people is a great achievement. I really do not take the privilege for granted.
What have been the most influential books, podcasts, or other resources for you?
One of my favourite books is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins, I also listen to a lot of podcasts, but I have 2 favourites, Akimbo by Seth Godin and How I built this by Guy Raz.
Where would you like your startup to be in five years?
We are working smart to ensure we can utilize the technology we have built to scale across several African cities. In the next 5 years, we would be present in 3 countries and be doing millions of $ in revenue annually.
What software or technology has made the biggest difference to your business?
We built a platform that aggregates driving schools in different cities/countries. This has made a huge difference in our business and has shaped our direction over the next few years.
What one thing do you wish someone had told you when you started on your business journey?
I wish I saw enough failure stories from entrepreneurs, it would have braced me for the challenges I experienced trying to operate a growing business like ours. Entrepreneurs need to tell their failure stories better.
What are some sources for learning you would recommend for entrepreneurs who are just starting?
There are several available resources online to learn from, but I think every entrepreneur should read the book called ‘The Personal MBA” by Josh Kaufman and read “The Bezos Letters” by Stephen Anderson.
Are you looking to hire for certain positions right now?
Yes, Startups like ours are always looking for great hires. Visit here
