Bengaluru is also known as India’s start-up capital. Often the city makes it to the headlines for some unique entrepreneurial ventures. Bengaluru is known for its commute problems. There has been a matter of discontent from both customers and drivers with aggregators, particularly after authorities became strict with them and imposed regulations for overcharging customers last year.
Several groups and associations have since then expressed interest in launching their own applications like the Auto Rickshaw Drivers Union (ARDU) launching the highly successful Namma Yatri app. Cab drivers too are discontent as they are forced to handle high fuel costs, high commissions paid to aggregators per ride (which is said to be as high as 30 percent – EMI repayments on their vehicles), impossible targets along with harsh working conditions, and unbeatable traffic congestions.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a ‘Peak Bengaluru moment’, an entrepreneur named Lokesh launched his ride-sharing app named Nano Travels. He developed this application to counter cab service app giants including Ola and Uber.
A post about Nano Travels was shared by a user by the name “The Bengaluru Man”, which gathered attention on social media
It got more than 48,600 views and around 845 likes. The unconventional marketing strategy of the entrepreneur makes it even more interesting. Lokesh planned to tap into his existing network of Uber passengers to promote Nano Travels instead of targeting a completely new audience.
The distinctive marketing strategy has caught the interest of social media users. According to the post, Lokesh has managed to attract more than 600 drivers to join Nano Travels. This is a tremendous achievement in the city as it is renowned for its fiercely competitive transportation sector.
ADVERTISEMENT
The news further garnered attention as Nano Travels expanded its footprint by launching the iOS version of its app and extending its services to Apple users.
The announcement post also had a photo of Nano Travels’ pamphlet, featuring contact details for customer service, highlighting Lokesh’s hands-on approach to marketing his venture directly to his Uber passengers.
The post read,
Peak Bengaluru: Mr Lokesh my uber cab driver informed me that he has launched his own app to compete with uber and ola and already has more than 600 drivers on his app. Moreover, today they launched their IOS version for apple too.
Peak Bengaluru: Mr Lokesh my uber cab driver informed me that he has launched his own app to compete with uber and ola and already has more than 600 drivers on his app.
Moreover, today they launched their IOS version for apple too. #Bengaluru #peakbengaluru@peakbengaluru pic.twitter.com/IGdiWItPG4— The Bengaluru Man (@BetterBengaluro) December 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Social media users expressed their admiration and amazement for Lokesh’s entrepreneurial idea
What is the benefit for user of this service. If fares are same and as another “aggregator” what is the benefit to even fellow cab driver, if commission is around same or just 5% less?
— BakthaKB (@AdamBZero) December 22, 2023
There was this Taxi driver Lokesh who once gave me a ride from the airport. He was very enterprising and asked me to call him in case I needed a ride to the airport and said he has a group of taxi drivers that work together. Wonder if it’s the same guy.
— SR (@dhinka_cheeka) December 20, 2023
What is the use for us. From my area to airport every time am paying 900 to 1000 but these app showing 1490. Its more expensive than airport taxi. Any way all the best for his new startup. pic.twitter.com/HLh4NUTMcy
— Bharath Kumar Reddy (@37Reddy) December 23, 2023
Haha, good way to drive uber and market his own app. Won’t survive though. Enterprising is cool but its not when its just an app.
— Utkarsh Sinha (@_utkarshsinha) December 21, 2023
This is real entrepreneurship. Hope it does well.
— SuryaPrakash Loonker (@sploonker) December 20, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
This business is tough with cut throughout competition
— Deadpool (@deadpool9051) December 20, 2023
Is he riding Uber to market his own app?
— N K Karwa (@NK__14__) December 21, 2023
Surely would like to connect with him
— Rocky (@ceo_since_1947) December 21, 2023
Nice UI
— Arun Soundararajan (@Arun18061999) December 20, 2023
What are your views on Nano Travels, let us know in the comments.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
