John Zimmer and Logan Green launched a company in 2007 called Zimride, which aimed at connecting people wishing to carpool with those that owned cars and were willing to drive. By 2012, Zimride closed carpooling network had been used by thousands of users, as well as 150 participating universities and companies. However, John Zimmer felt that the business still felt like it had a long way to go. To him, the goal was to connect people in such a way that would provide a full alternative to car ownership. At the time, Uber only was applied to a higher-class customer base, but Zimmer felt that he could create a product that can connect everyone. In 2012, Zimmer’s team then developed a mobile app that would revolutionize the way people and drivers can connect with one another and would increase the frequency of ride sharing. Lyft was founded shortly afterward, and the company is now worth 11 billion, and is providing a ride sharing alternative to Uber to customers around the world.
The story of Lyft started out as a side project for John Zimmer and his partner Logan Green. Neither took a salary for the first few years of Zimride, both slept in their “apartment-office”, eating microwaveable meals while building their company. Zimmer had a vision for his idea, and kept working to bring that vision to fruition. Even with a competitor as notorious as Uber, Zimmer created a business that can compete and stand on its own, bringing ride-sharing into the mainstream.
What I find most compelling about Zimmer is that he saw Uber only catering to people in the upper-classes. He was able to adapt his company, even though it was incredibly similar to Uber, and still be successful.
That’s a great way to offer a car service. I like the original thought behind it of carpooling, which both saves money and reduces pollution, along with keeping the streets less crowded. The fact that they successfully created a business that competes with Uber through differentiating their target market was a very good way to establish the company.
One common thread with the posts I see is that many of these entrepreneurs sacrifice a great deal in order to bring their ideas to fruition. It definitely takes dedication to do what these guys did.
I like seeing some good competition in the world of innovation and this is one of the best examples of this to be sure. This is hard work paying off to fight against a rising monopoly. I like their product and how it appeals to the everyday kind of person.