Nigerian Mobility Startup Metro Africa Xpress (MAX) has launched to connect businesses and commuters to safe and affordable motorcycle taxis on demand using apps and a network of trained agents.
MAX was co-founded in May 2015 by Adebayo Bamiduro (CEO) and Chinedu Azodoh (CTO), both who are alumni of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts, United States.
In an interview with Innovation Village, Azodoh while explaining the concept behind MAX said, “MAX is an acronym for Metro Africa Xpress, MAX is on a mission to fix Africa’s notorious last-mile mobility using mobile and web platforms to connect consumers and businesses to independent drivers in real-time. We are changing the landscape, empowering 500 drivers and making navigating Africa’s challenging road infrastructure safe, affordable and reliable.”
“Nigeria has over 37 million small and medium enterprise as at 2013 according to a survey conducted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agencies(SMEDAN) in conjunction with the national Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Small and medium scale enterprise has an existing problem where we have a substantial amount present in the online retail market but do not have an efficient logistic solution in place to fulfil consumers orders, Max is the bridge between the online retail market and consumers, We have created a solution where consumer can get items delivered to them the same day requested.
“The Lagos traffic hustle is also a problem every Lagosian has figured to embrace but with MAX in the picture, we have created an alternative for people to get to their destinations in time by just placing a request to get a 200cc and above professional motorcycle driver to pick them up and drop at a designated destination,” Chinedu said.
MAX is a company that nurtures and believes in the Nigerian talent as the startup has created a technological platform from scratch with a strong technical team; MAX has also created a peculiar platform to empower youths by creating jobs and trainings.
The startup’s current platform is enhanced to optimize transportation and logistics for businesses and individuals in Lagos with the drivers being professionals and experienced in customer satisfaction compare to the informal market.
While commenting on how the platform works, the Co-founder said, “ MAX connects businesses and commuters to safe and affordable motorcycle taxis on demand using apps and a network of trained agents. Drivers are required to take psychometric tests, pass background/security checks and provide responsible guarantors.
“Selected drivers are trained on safety and app usage, and are required to wear helmets. All passengers are also required to wear helmets to comply with local regulations in line with global best practices,” he explained.
As pertaining the challenges faced so far by the startup, Chinedu said, “The major challenges we have faced have been the absence of assets based financing, inconsistent/lack of government regulation, exposure to harassment even if it is heavily reduced. Also very limited access to qualified technical training partners,” he lamented.
Chinedu also gave words of advice to young and upcoming entrepreneurs, in his words, “Focus on the processes, I feel like now that I know what I know, you tend to have a lot of distractions starting out, so figure out what it is important and decided what you need to focus, You know how people say “the devil is in the details?” that detail is the processes.
Co-founder, Adetayo Bamiduro also lent his voice; he said while counselling young entrepreneurs “Build a real business instead of building a tech start up.”
