Mauritian Startup Yugo raised funds with Angel Investment Group “Mo Angels”, and reached the 20k users milestone.
20,000 users milestone reached by Mauritian startup Yugo
After a successful marketing campaign leading to the acquisition of more than 20,000 users, Yugo is continuously innovating to enhance its users’ experiences, both digitally through its mobile app, and also in providing a customer-oriented service. Ordering a taxi through the app is gradually becoming a way of life on the island.
These are exciting times for not just the founders but also for the stakeholders, as current figures show that the proof of concept and model work! There was a need in the market and Yugo has been able to respond to that need.
Yugo’s startup story
Yugo is the brainchild of Kaushik and Evanee Rathod. When the couple decided to call Mauritius home in 2015, the island sorely lagged in terms of mobility apps. At the time, taking a taxi meant walking to a taxi stand, lengthy fare negotiations and unfair pricing, lack of cashless payment solutions and no security.
They decided to create a Native Mobile App, to connect users to transport providers, from anywhere and at any time, at a reasonable and transparent fare.
The Founders’ personal experience gave rise to the project and inspired the various innovative features of the app.
The first feature of the Yugo app is the taxi-booking feature. It required a lot of groundwork from the Founders and was a major innovation for the local market. Yugo has constantly been increasing its market share and adding innovative features to keep its customers and partners engaged.
Yugo Partners – registered taxi drivers – join the network because with Yugo, they instantly reach out to more customers. Apart from innovating their business, taxi drivers can connect beyond their usual pool of customers and earn more.
Yugo’s acceleration
Yugo Ltd is a Mauritian tech start-up, incubated at La Plage Factory. Yugo has been able to benefit from an inclusive network and professional mentorship, as well as further opportunities to scale up.
Last year, Yugo became the first Mauritian startup to raise funds from Mo Angels, for its marketing campaign and the enhancement of the app. Mo Angels is a syndicated Angel Investment group, which provides early-stage start-ups with a much-needed platform to pitch their business ideas to investors. It regroups individuals who understand the reality of African start-ups, as well as the particularities of their market dynamic.
Yugo is now proudly accredited by the prestigious label “Made in Moris”. The label works alongside the brand to promote Mauritian businesses. In that spirit, Yugo has partnered with local startups to help the ecosystem grow together.
The best transport app
Yugo is a highly scalable, fully custom-built App and technical platform.
For Kaushik Rathod, Co-Founder and Managing Director, it was vital that the App responds to the prevailing transport rules and regulations, as well as the local culture. The UI/UX design had to resonate with the users and stakeholders, so that Yugo carves a place in the local lifestyle.
Easy and Convenient – To book a taxi, the user simply plots the pick-up and destination. They can also request a trip with multiple stops, as well as return trips.
Safe and Reliable – Yugo connects users to legally registered taxis across the island. Drivers are screened and understand the importance of safe and service-oriented rides.
Fair pricing – Fares are calculated by the App, based on distance and time of transfer, making it a fair and transparent pricing system for both clients and taxis. No more frustrating negotiations.
Multiple payment options – The App allows those who like to plan ahead to book their ride in advance but can also connect users to taxis instantly. It enables the user to select from several payment options including cash, credit card and my.t money at the end of the trip. Alternatively, users can top their Yugo Wallet prior to their ride by several digital payment methods.
Loyalty features – Users collect points each time they book a Yugo. They will enjoy free credits by referring friends and family with their exclusive Yugo code. They can redeem their points against rewards from the Rewards’ catalogue through the App.
Advanced features – Real time tracking, push notifications, in app chat & in app call provide users with a personalized and engaging experience. The SOS and privacy features, live ride sharing, and rating system are there to keep the network safe, reliable and enjoyable for both passengers and drivers.
Yugo Partner App – We continuously enhance and upgrade the Yugo Partner App, so that it remains the perfect tool for taxi drivers on the island.
The App provides our partners with accurate pick up and drop off locations and it takes into consideration extra KMs and waiting charges. This way, they do not lose out when they are requested to wait or travel further than was initially booked.
Yugo Partners collect points each time they serve a Yugo user. Their points are allocated based on customer reviews, daily trips. The more active they are on the network the more they are rewarded. Many Yugo Partners have now made Yugo their main source of income.
By staying attentive to the needs of taxi drivers, Yugo wants to remain their best business partner.
Founder’s vision and perspective: Partnering with taxi drivers
The Founders are well on their way to their vision of making Yugo the Mauritian “super-App” which will respond to all transport needs within a single platform, from taxi booking to car rentals.
For startups, it is imperative to secure a strong foothold in the market and anticipate the competitive business climate. Evanee and Kaushik Rathod have planned app enhancements, as well as communications campaigns, to encourage people to change their traditional habits and adopt modern mobility practices.
Yugo’s business relies on a solid partnership with licensed taxis. We have been continuously registering taxi partners and we are proud that they have chosen to embrace modern technology to innovate their profession.
It is a mutual partnership which we have at heart since our inception, and which we strive to grow together.
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