OVERCOMING OBSTACLES, BECOMING PROFITABLE
HERide isn’t the first rideshare service to be aimed at women. Others have launched and then had to close their doors or pivot due to problems ranging from accusations of gender-based discrimination against men to difficulty raising the capital to compete in a market saturated by two dominant firms. Anderson and Starks are aware of the difficulties they face but believe they can succeed because of their combined skill sets and experience and because of the success they are already enjoying. Currently operating in the Atlanta metro area, the service has been featured in Essence and Black Enterprise magazines, and its founders have appeared on several podcasts. They have also provided 432 rides for customers from March to September 2022, breaking 1K/ week in gross profit. In the fundraising stage, Anderson and Starks hope to raise $1.5 million in venture capital. This was roughly how much it took to get Uber and Lyft off the ground. People can also donate amounts ranging from $1 to $20 on the HERide website or purchase HERide- branded clothing and tote bags. “Built with the needs of women in mind, we aim to improve the lives of women everywhere through safe transportation, job creation, and financial security”
Anderson describes how and why her background and personality suit her for this role. “Not only do I know the market space because I was an Uber driver, but I think like an athlete. I played sports as a teen, and that made me a new person, used to sustained work and improvement and to take risks. And I’m fearless, I will keep going since I don’t want to let customers or investors or our staff down.”
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