What is it about the app that has got Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom and other tech bigwigs hailing it? We meet Hailo co-founder Jay Bregman
Meet the Mavericks Behind Hailo
From left to right: Ron Zeghbibe, Jay Bregman and Caspar Woolley. These three pioneers are redefining how you catch a cab in London – and beyond.
Jay Bregman: The No‑Car, No‑Licence Prodigy
Ever hear of someone who runs a transport empire but hasn’t owned a car or licensed to drive? Jay Bregman fits that bill perfectly. He’s been steering two major London transport ventures, all while keeping a quirky personal touch.
The Early Days of eCourier
- 2003: Jay co‑founds eCourier, a London start‑up focused on streamlining package delivery.
- Key innovation: online ordering and real‑time tracking made shipping a breeze.
- After eight years and a string of awards, Jay sells his stake and leans into the app world.
Hailo – The App That Makes “Hey, Cab!” Easy
November 2011 marks the birth of Hailo, a free-to‑download taxi hailing app. Think of it as the Uber that’s more community‑friendly and less flashy.
- Backed by Atomico (the venture arm of Skype’s founder) and Wellington Partners (the minds behind Spotify).
- HQ? A permanently moored boat, the HMS President, drifting on London’s Victoria Embankment.
- In March, Accel Partners injects $17 million (£10.6m) – the squad that’s backed Facebook and Groupon before.
Hailo’s traction is impressive: roughly 6,000 drivers (25% of London’s 23,000) and successful launches in Dublin, New York, Chicago, Boston, and Toronto.
Q & A With Jay Bregman: The Inside Scoop
Q: How did Hailo come about?
A: As a New Yorker and Londoner, Jay noticed the classic “wave‑and‑whistle” chaos. He teamed up with friends Caspar and Ron, sat down with three London cabbies – Russell, Gary, and Terry – at a café on Charlotte Street, and hashed out the pain points. Cabbies weren’t catching enough rides, and commuters were hunting for cabs. The solution? A tech platform that makes hailing a two‑click affair for passengers and a wallet‑friendly, “Photoshop‑for‑taxi” tool for drivers.
Q: How does the app actually work?
A: After downloading Hailo, users see the nearest driver and estimated arrival time. Tapping “Pick me up here” books the ride – payment can be cash or card. Drivers receive the job pop‑up and choose to accept or decline. Drivers also get driver and vehicle photos, registration numbers, and a countdown so their passengers know exactly when to meet them.
Q: What’s the business model?
A: Straight‑up 10% commission from each driver per ride. That’s the “take” per trip; the rest goes to the drivers.
Q: Why are drivers swooning over Hailo?
A: Most apps ignore drivers. Hailo flips the script: joining is free, the vetting process is quick, and drivers finally get a steady stream of rides. Instead of hustling for hours, they can now tap into hotspots, use the app’s social network features, and no longer charge extra for card payments. It’s a win‑win for economists and honest drivers.
Embracing Smart, Friendly Transport
Hailo is more than a hailing app; it’s a community that blends tech, convenience, and empathy for both passengers and drivers. Wherever you’re headed, pick it up and you’ll probably find a friendly face ready to roll.
Hailo Unveiled: Why Riders and Drivers Are Rushing to the App
Hey there, welcome to the story behind Hailo—a ride‑hailing platform that’s taking the taxi world by storm. Grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s break down what makes Hailo stand out, how the big‑name investors are hands‑on, and the roadmap that’s aiming to conquer a $35 billion market.
Core USP: The Network That Works for Everyone
- Proximity Advantage: Hailo’s smart routing gets drivers closer to real‑time hails, so you never wait outside a busy street for months.
- Affordable Access: Riders enjoy higher availability without breaking the bank—no compounding surge fees that splash out a fortune.
- Taxi‑Tribe Cred: The very people who used to drive for a living now run the platform, so cabs get them straight from a trusted source.
Investor Touch‑Down: The Skype Founder’s Wisdom
When big names like Skype co‑founder Niklas Zennström put money into Hailo, they didn’t just hand over cash—
- They treated the team like a consumer squad, giving brutally honest feedback on every feature.
- His golden mantra: “Crack the core first, then sprinkle on the fancy extras.” This keeps the product lean and sharp.
Scaling the Idea: From London to the World
Hailo’s successful launch in London, New York, and Chicago isn’t a fluke. The strategy is simple:
- Replicate the proven model in other major markets.
- Leverage the $35 billion global taxi scene to climb mountains—one city at a time.
- Keep the cost model scalable so both drivers and riders can thrive.
Odd Office Vibes: A Boat on the Thames
Who’d think a boat office would work? Turns out a phone call from the owner’s son sparked the idea, and the team of 85 high‑spirits has been buzzing aboard ever since.
Future Plans: Stake, Exit, Repeat?
For the founders, the mantra is straight: “I enter to exit.” They’re open to selling the stake once the company reaches certain milestones—ready to cash out on the game plan’s success.
The Biggest Oops Moment
We learned the hard way that a two‑fold salary gap can translate into a ten‑fold performance jump. It’s all about aligning pay with value, and that’s now in the roadmap.
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