Yakubu Audu tells Dash Ride story

BY ORJI ONYEKWERE

Dash Ride is an e-hailing App that provides services where customers can order rides at their convenience and also order food from any restaurant of their choice, while also offering package delivery to any destination within the state. It is the brainchild of Yakubu Akoh Audu.

What schools did you attend from what year to what year?

I attended Kaduna Polytechnic from 2003-2008 where I had my first degree in chemical engineering. Thereafter, in 2023, I obtained another degree in tourism from Yakin Dogu University Northern Turkish Cyprus.

What previous businesses have you run before?

Yes, after my first degree, I started an engineering servicing company called Kubson Engineering Consulting and Services. We deal with general engineering services. I also ran a restaurant business outside Nigeria called L’africana Cuisine and Bar. This restaurant generated good profit and was strictly cash-based. As such, it doubled as an exchange platform for fellow Nigerians abroad who faced difficulty converting the Naira currency for their basic needs.

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What previous businesses have you run?

Yes, after my first degree, I started an Engineering servicing company called Kubson Engineering Consulting and Services. We deal with general engineering services. I also ran a restaurant business outside Nigeria called L’africana Cuisine and Bar. This restaurant generated good profit and was strictly cash-based. As such, it doubled as an exchange platform for fellow Nigerians abroad who faced difficulty converting the Naira currency for their basic needs.

How did you get the idea to start Dash Ride?

It all started when I traveled out of the country. I marveled at how seamlessly taxi services are run. Unlike here in Nigeria, these services were run by locals and citizens so I said to myself, “Nigeria needs this from a fellow Nigerian.”

What are the major obstacles you’ve faced and the ones you’re facing?

Well, one of the major obstacles is reaching people through media and advertising platforms. These platforms are the gold mines to reach the target audience but most times, the costs are outrageous and it forces you to go back to the drawing table. Tackling the best way to reach the public without compromising our core values and quality is very essential.

How do you plan to beat your major competitors?

We have developed a robust partnership package for both drivers and riders through good customer loyalty programs. A secured platform where security is our priority for the lives of innocent drivers and passengers. We also plan to reward the best drivers every quarter of the year with gifts like food hampers to the best drivers of the month. We are going to hold workshops for drivers who stay on the App for a duration of time. First aid stations will be made available at key locations. We want people to feel our presence. Drivers and passengers inclusive.

What would you do differently from the likes of Bolt, Uber, InDrive, and others?

We would partner with local businesses for in-app promotion, offering discounts at restaurants, cafes, and shops at passenger destinations. We would provide drivers with good incentives.

Charity Ride would allow passengers to round up their fare to the nearest amount, donating the difference to local charities. We would provide clear and upfront pricing with no hidden fees and build trust with passengers. We are locally based and we understand the needs of both customers and rivers.

In recent times, there have been incidents of kidnapping and assaults of passengers who hired e-hailing rides; how do you plan to stop this and ensure the security of passengers?

The app is built with the availability of OTP that the rider shares with the driver to be sure of the driver’s identity. The app offers real-time updates on the location, estimated arrival time, and traffic conditions. Riders can share location, car details, and driver information for security reasons. ️

We will also work hand in hand with security personnel for immediate assistance when we have security challenges.

What’s your biggest fear as an entrepreneur?

My biggest fear often revolves around the potential for failure and its associated consequences. These fears manifest in various forms such as Personal financial losses – like losing personal savings; Business insolvency- that is the fear of the business running out of funds and being unable to sustain operations; Product rejection and competition – Fear of being outperformed by competitors who might have more resources or better market positioning.

How do you handle failure?

Handling failure effectively is critical for personal and professional growth, especially as an entrepreneur. My strategies are to navigate and learn from failures.

How do you deal with or relate with major competitors?

In whatever you want to do there will always be major challenges of competition. They are inevitable. In the competitive landscape, it’s essential to understand your major competitors to identify strengths and weaknesses. Conducting a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) can help you assess your position in the market compared to competitors.

By analyzing their strategies, pricing, and customer base, we can adapt and differentiate from other e-hailing apps effectively. Additionally, focusing on our unique value proposition targeted at a sophisticated audience can help us stand out in the market.

How did you get the idea to start Dash Ride?

So, the idea for Dash Ride actually came to me when I saw a need for a more upscale e-hailing service in Africa. I wanted to create an app that catered to a sophisticated audience looking for a premium experience when booking rides. It’s all about offering a classy and convenient option for people on the move.

The idea starts with creating a business that generates daily income and introducing something unique with better alternatives to other foreign brands, something that would create employment opportunities for the teaming unemployed youth.

What would be the impact of your company to Nigeria?

Dash Ride app company could have a significant impact in Nigeria 🇳🇬 by providing a premium transportation service tailored to the sophisticated audience there. By offering a classy and convenient option, we can attract customers looking for a high-quality ride experience. This could lead to increased employment opportunities for drivers, improved transportation options for residents, and contribute positively to the local economy.

What advice would you give to younger entrepreneurs?

For younger entrepreneurs like myself, my advice would be to stay curious, embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors and peers, and never be afraid to take calculated risks. Remember, success often comes from perseverance and a willingness to adapt to change. Keep pushing forward with your ideas and dreams!

How do you manage business with family?

When managing a business with family, it’s crucial to establish boundaries between work and personal life to maintain a healthy balance. Open communication, mutual respect, and clear decision-making processes are key to navigating the unique dynamics of a family-run business. By setting expectations and roles upfront, I create a harmonious working environment while leveraging the strengths of each family member.

How often do you travel and what countries have you been to?

I travel yearly but since I came back to Nigeria for this start-up business, I have not traveled out of Nigeria. I often travel within states to understand how each state operates and the opportunities within. I have also been to a few countries and I understand a couple of foreign languages like Turkish and Russian.

What’s your biggest motivation?

My biggest motivation is to see Nigeria 🇳🇬 grow and Dash Ride have a positive impact in Nigeria. My drive to create something better and achieve success is truly inspiring.