This startup provides an end-to-end sustainable transportation service using electric rickshaws equipped with cloud-based cameras and smartphones. It enables women to become micro-entrepreneurs in last-mile transportation while facilitating rural access to formal loans and occupational support.
Funding
$810K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Many electric rickshaw drivers in India rent their vehicles, preventing them from building equity and increasing their income. These drivers, often from marginalized communities, face barriers to vehicle ownership, including lack of access to formal finance, vehicle registration, and insurance.
Solution
SMV Green Solutions provides an end-to-end service that enables marginalized drivers to become owners of electric rickshaws, increasing their income and promoting sustainable transportation. The company offers electric vehicles, access to formal finance and banking services, insurance, and vocational training. SMV's "Vahini" program specifically empowers women by providing them with e-rickshaws equipped with cloud-based cameras and smartphones for safety, along with access to loans and occupational support.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes marginalized communities and women in India seeking sustainable livelihood opportunities in last-mile transportation, as well as commuters seeking safe, affordable, and eco-friendly transportation options.
Features
- Electric vehicle sales and service
- Facilitation of formal finance options and insurance coverage
- Vocational training and support for drivers
- "Vahini" program for women empowerment, including e-rickshaws with safety features
- SMART Charge battery swap service for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
- Cloud-based camera and smartphone integration for enhanced safety and monitoring