Drivy the car rental company owner, accelerates – Challenges.fr

This is one of the gems of the French Tech. And like its big brother BlaBlaCar member Join in carpooling Drivy claims to be the world leader in its niche, that of car rental between individuals. Yet the race is just beginning.

This Thursday, April 2, its founder, Paulin Dementhon, announced a capital raising of € 8 million and the repurchase of item 3 of Buzzcar sector. Among the investors, in addition to the historical site partners, Index Ventures and Alven Capital, one finds BPI France and Via ID, money Norauto owner Buzzcar. “We have 500,000 users, explains this young start-upper graduated from HEC. In 5 years, we are targeting a turnover of 500 million euros and 200 000 shared vehicles.”

A car rental replaces 9

Drivy is a marketplace that connects individuals while guaranteeing the payment of rent and vehicle insurance with Allianz. The average transaction is 29 euros per day, including 30% commission site carsharing. The startup, which is in the sharing economy, is based on a simple observation: many car owners use their vehicles slightly while paying the costs associated with it, such as insurance or maintenance.

“This is a historical anomaly,” considers Paulin Dementhon. According to him, a car to rent on Drivy replaces 9 cars and saves 8 parking spaces. He also created his company in 2010 as seen in his street in Marseille three families who shared a car and costs such as gasoline using an Excel spreadsheet .

Collaborative Economics

The young entrepreneur took up the idea by developing it on the Internet. As Airbnb for apartment rentals between private car owners create their ad on Drivy and mobile application. They indicate their availability and the address where the vehicle is parked. “It is for them to fix the price according to the category and seniority, but we recommend them.” Individuals looking to rent enter their address and hire dates. A list will appear and they have only to select. As is the rule in the collaborative economy at the end of the contract, both parties are evaluated and noted. Some members even hire contractors since, according to the site, 3% of the proposed cars were purchased for leased Drivy.

With the funds raised, wants Drivy make it even more seamless service to reduce the length of rental and simplify handling. “One day it will be simple and easy to find a car, even at the last minute,” said Paulin Dementhon. For this, the startup has already recruited nine engineers developing. It also relies on international development to consolidate its leading position. After the German subsidiary open this fall, the site will be established in Spain this year and then in another country. And already plans to launch a new round of funding, 40 million euros this time.