A London-based tech start-up is seeking to revolutionise the way fuel is delivered to vehicles by eliminating the need for petrol station visits. The company has recently raised $2.5 million in seed funding to support its ambitious expansion plans.
Founded in 2016, the start-up currently serves 3,000 customers in London, with plans to broaden its range of services and geographic reach. The goal is to make fuelling vehicles faster, cheaper, and less harmful to the environment.
Innovative Fuel Delivery
The start-up offers a unique service where fuel is directly delivered to vehicles, mirroring the convenience and efficiency associated with Formula 1 pit stops. This eliminates the need for drivers to visit petrol stations, saving valuable time and making the process more convenient.
Expanding Services
Initially providing diesel, the company intends to expand its offerings to include petrol, eco-friendly diesel, and electric vehicle charging. This expansion aims to cater to a broader range of vehicles and customer preferences, further enhancing the service’s appeal.
CEO Reda Bennis has stated that the ultimate goal is to replace petrol stations entirely, making the process of fuelling vehicles both faster and more environmentally friendly.
Future Plans and Investments
With the recent seed funding of $2.5 million, led by VC investor LocalGlobe along with Firstminute Capital and Zoopla founder Alex Chesterman, the start-up plans to grow its team and fleet. Expansion is on the horizon, with a Paris launch set for later this year and operations in four European capitals within the next two years.
The company’s immediate focus will be on augmenting its fleet of vans and drivers to support its growing customer base and expanding service offerings.
The founders envision offering a range of products through their app, akin to how Amazon has diversified its product offerings to become a one-stop shop for various needs.
Eco-Friendly Initiatives
One of the key future products will be ZebraBio, an exclusive eco-friendly clean diesel that aims to improve air quality. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
In addition to ZebraBio, the start-up plans to offer hydrogen fuel once the technology becomes more widely adopted. This forward-thinking approach aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote green energy solutions.
24/7 Service Availability
The start-up offers the convenience of overnight fuel deliveries, allowing customers to wake up to a fully-fuelled vehicle. This service is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on a fleet of vehicles, as it minimises downtime and enhances operational efficiency.
By providing fuel deliveries through the night, the company ensures that customers do not have to worry about fuel-related delays, thereby optimising daily schedules.
This level of service availability is designed to cater to both individual and corporate clients, further broadening the company’s market appeal.
Ambitious Growth Plans
The founders are not just stopping at fuel delivery. They aim to turn their app into a comprehensive platform that offers various automotive services, emulating Amazon’s model of diversified services. This vision includes products and services that go beyond fuel delivery, making their app a one-stop solution for car-related needs.
This strategy of diversification is intended to create a more robust and versatile platform, capable of addressing a wide array of customer requirements.
Initial Inspiration
The inspiration behind the start-up came when co-founder Reda Bennis ran out of fuel in central London. This incident highlighted the inconveniences associated with traditional fuelling methods and sparked the idea for a more efficient solution.
The start-up’s innovative approach to fuel delivery is poised to transform the automotive service industry. With significant funding secured and ambitious plans for expansion, the company is well-positioned to become a major player in this space.
By offering a range of products through a convenient app, the start-up aims to provide an unparalleled level of service, making it the ‘Amazon for your car’.
