Join us for this MERI Podcast episode, which features Samrawit Fikru, Co-Founder and CEO of RIDE, a pioneering ride-hailing service in Ethiopia with over 5 million users and 70,000 + active drivers. Samrawit is also part of Sewasew and Tirita FM Radio. In this episode, we discuss a broad range of topics, including: - The journey of scaling RIDE from its inception to a leading company - Insights into the Ethiopian tech ecosystem and entrepreneurial challenges - Strategies for managing operations and maintaining competitiveness in the ride-hailing market - Lessons learned from failures and successes - The importance of partnerships and fundraising Discover the experiences and practices employed by our guest, Samrawit, and gain valuable knowledge and life lessons from her journey. More from our partners: Dashen Bank Website: https://dashenbanksc.com Telegram: https://t.me/DashenBankEthiopia EthioTelecom Download Telebirr Remit App on Playstore : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ethiotelecom.telebirr.remit&hl=en&pli=1 Appstore: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/telebirr-remit/id6642675033 Website: https://www.ethiotelecom.et/ 00:00 - Introduction 02:12 - Opening 04:29 - From the start - to scaling of RIDE, What do your first year look like 28:07 - Moving to code 3 vehicles 31:54 - coping in difficult times (government banning RIDE) 50:32 - coming up with the Cash depositing practice 53:48 - Call center users vs App users 59:26 - Handling attacks from lada drivers 1:00:59 - the game changer activity you took that made RIDE a success 01:06:30 - Current Operation size (drivers, customers, geographical, total money created) 01:09:28 - Why launch in Djibouti? 01:10:55 - managing to stay competitive 01:12:08 - Operating in Djibouti vs Addis Ababa 01:13:13- When did you feel like you made it? 01:14:45 - the future of RIDE, do you think of exit or retaining RIDE forever? 01:32:48 - Lessons learned from having investors and advise for those looking to raise? 01:31:02 - Mentorship 01:31:46 - Do you use ride? 01:14:45 - The most important business lesson you learned 01:34:34 - How do you test new business opportunities? 01:36:09 - Happiest business day 01:42:12 - How much luck and how much hard work 01:43:04 - Your one lesson learned by going to different business events in the world? 01:51:23 - Safety concerns 01:54:49 - Closing Remarks 01:56:53- Life Wisdom Social Links https://www.linkedin.com/company/meripodcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@meripodcast https://twitter.com/MERI_Podcast https://www.instagram.com/meripodcast/ https://t.me/MERI_PODCAST https://youtube.com/@Meriwoch?si=yIpJ3byprnVNwKi1 Copyright Notice for Meri Podcast: All rights reserved. The content featured in this podcast is protected by copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any portion of this podcast is strictly prohibited. For permission to use our content, please contact us at info@meri.et Thank you for respecting our copyright.