Today we’d like to introduce you to Ja’Nese Jean.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m an Opera singer from Albany GA; I moved to Atlanta in 2006 after graduating with a STEM degree from Edward Waters College in Jacksonville FL.
While feeding the homeless with STARS Outreach, I encountered a veteran who informed me that many homeless people didn’t have access to healthcare. The concept of SAFETRIP was later revealed to me through a dream and I’ve worked tirelessly to make it come to fruition. Creating an on-demand system for healthcare transport had never been done. So being the first to the market was scary, but it was a challenge that I was willing to face.
After testing the ridesharing concept in metro Atlanta, we successfully made the apps available for download on both Apple and Google Play. SAFETRIP is the only ridesharing app that allows riders to pay using insurance. It’s also the only ridesharing app with wheelchair accessible vehicles and ambulances.
We’re currently on our Series C round of funding raising $50 million to expand SAFETRIP’S technology from the healthcare sector to general ridesharing. Making UBER and LYFT our direct competitors. The round of funding will also allow us to add an aviation travel option.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Even explaining the struggles are stressful. In 2017, while test my app, I decided to start meeting with investors. UBER was one of the investors. I meet with their investment team three times as they showed a strong interest in buying the patents for my technology. I allowed them to test the app (before they were available in the App stores) inevitably showing them trade secrets in preparation for our future partnership.
Well, the communications went silent. While I was under the impression that the deal was going to happen, UBER release an exact clone of my technology months later called UBER Health. The story went viral as not only did they now offer wheelchair accessible vehicles, they also allow users to pay with insurance. Something UBER was definitely NOT known for.
The concept that I created is now labeled a “big grap market.” Instead of quitting, I pressed forward. The viral story gave me the community push and confidence that I needed to sustain my mission.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about SAFETRIP – what should we know?
What differentiates us from other ridesharing apps is training. Our drivers go through sensitivity training, defensive driving training, and CPR training.
I’m proud to be a Black female millennial in this ridesharing arena.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have gained lots of supporters from individuals in STARS Social Club, located in Atlanta GA. They’ve played a big part in my personal success. From learning how to run a business, consistently giving back to the community, and so much more.
Pricing:
- Buying shares of pre-IPO stock in SAFETRIP is $50 per share (minimum 2 shares, no maximum). SAFETRIP.CO/investments
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.safetrip.co
- Email: support@safetrip.co
- Instagram: @SAFETRIP.CO
- Facebook: @SAFETRIP.CO
- Other: Download SAFETRIP DRIVER & SAFETRIP USER on IOS and Android
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
