Ride-hailing firm Bolt launches ‘Bolt Franchise’ for local entrepreneurs to build off their platform

Image credit: Bolt

Ride-hailing firm Bolt has launched ‘Bolt Franchise‘ which they say will bring “affordable, convenient and responsible urban transport and delivery services to more customers worldwide”.

The new franchising programme aims to further accelerate Bolt’s growth by expanding outside its core markets in Europe and Africa, to regions like Latin America and Asia.

According to Bolt, it is the first mobility platform globally to launch an international franchise programme for on-demand transportation and food delivery.

Nikita Utkins, Franchise Expansion Manager at Bolt, said: “We have almost doubled the number of our customers in 2020, growing to 50 million users in 40 countries and 200 cities. Today we’re launching Bolt Franchise, enabling local entrepreneurs to build businesses on top of Bolt’s industry-leading technology and expertise. We’re excited to bring ride-hailing, micromobility and delivery services to millions of customers in regions like the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and beyond."

Bolt will team up with approved franchisees for running mobility services in their markets on a revenue share basis. Entrepreneurs joining Bolt Franchise will be in charge of the local operations, such as marketing, customer support and onboarding drivers and couriers.

Companies can choose to partner with Bolt to launch one or several services, including ride-hailing, micromobility with scooters and electric bikes, and food delivery.

The franchising programme is based on Bolt’s experience of long-term collaboration with partner organisations who manage its local operations in select markets.

Nikita Utkins, Franchise Expansion Manager at Bolt, said: “Despite the growing popularity of on-demand services in recent years, there is still tremendous potential for innovation in the industry. This has been proven by our successful partnerships with local entrepreneurs in countries like Mexico, Russia and Saudi Arabia. We want to enable great local entrepreneurs to have access to world-class technology and bring better services to millions of people.”