COMPANY NAME: BALUBET
FOUNDER: JERUSALEM MERSHA
INSPIRATION TO START THE BUSINESS:
Jerusalem started the company to create jobs for the many youth who became unemployed as a result of the motorcycle ban in Addis Ababa.
BACKGROUND OF FOUNDER:
Jerusalem studied Architecture and Urban Planning/Design at Addis Ababa (EIABC). While a student on campus, she launched an online marketing company called Dinq Design and continued to operate the firm after she graduated. Having an interest in addressing social problems through her platform she came across an opportunity when Addis Ababa placed a motorcycle ban on the city due to an increase in crime by motorcycle drivers.
Jerusalem started Balubet motorcycle company to address the problem by developing a platform that provided a monitoring system to regain trust in motorcycle drivers. Approximately 1,000 motorcycle drivers have resumed operations in Addis Ababa through Balubet as the firm has started a motorcycle service that has installed GPS systems; speed limit indicators; and a proper database of the driver information 24/7. Currently Balubet is working with city police commission and traffic management.
DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES–
Jerusalem is CEO of a company that manage 1000 motorcycle drivers. Balubet services cover four catagouries;
1. Fleet management services that focus on controlling the city motorcycle riders with traffic management and Addis Ababa Police Commission. There is a subscription model partnering with Ethio Telecom.
2. Motor Ride: motorcycle transportation services to alleviate transport shortages for city residents.
3. Providing motorcycle and rider services for other delivery companies
4. Delivery service
– Years in Operation: 1 year and 9 months
– Number of staff: 16
KEY CHALLENGES :
-Changing the negative image of motorcycle drivers as perceived by city residents;
-Gaining acceptance from the drivers as Balubet is a woman owned and start-up company;
-Getting potential customers to accept a different type of service than what they are used to:
SOCIAL IMPACT:
– Returned 1000 motorcycle riders back to their work in better way under improved circumstances;
– Added value to the city traffic management system as we provide a surveillance system through our platform;
– Added value to the city’s peace and security by controlling riders 24/7 location and collaborating with the Addis Ababa police commission when there is criminal activity;
– Added a new transport system that passes the city traffic jams;
– Returned trust in the motorcycle drivers by city residents;
FUTURE EXPANSION PLANS:
We are planning to expand services to include:
- Supporting online markets;
- Expanding services to include trucks and pick up services as well as logistic and fright companies;
- Increasing employment opportunities for drivers;
- Increasing training for drivers;
- Brand building;
- Adding safety equipment like airbags and other safety equipment.
FUNDING REQUEST
Annual Turnover
More than 1 million Birr
Amount of Financing Needed
(USD) 65,000