A Data-Driven Entrepreneurial Experiment
Validating a novel, subscription-based ride-hailing model.
A project by Vedant Mistry ↗ and Hrishikesh Singh ↗ . We tested a new business model for ride-hailing, secured a research grant, and made a data-driven decision to drop the idea.
A New Model: Fair for Drivers, Sponsored for Riders
The Subscription Model
Our model aimed to fix the core problem: driver earnings. Instead of high, unpredictable commissions of 25-30%, drivers would pay a simple, flat subscription fee. This allowed them to keep 100% of their fares, providing a stable income and full financial control.
The Sponsorship Model
For passengers, we offered lower, more predictable fares by creating an AI-enhanced advertising platform. Brands could sponsor rides by subsidizing a portion of the fare , creating a win-win: riders get cheaper rides, and advertisers get direct engagement.
From Hypothesis to Validation
A good idea is just a hypothesis. To test ours, we applied Lean Startup principles. This process was backed by a ₹2,40,000 grant from SSIP 2.0, but our real work wasn't just building a prototype. It was "getting out of the building." We conducted extensive market research by meeting the real people at the center of our idea. We interviewed countless rickshaw drivers, surveyed potential passengers, and learned everything we could about the market's true viability.
What the Data Taught Us
Our market validation revealed a critical insight: the ride-hailing market, particularly in our target cities, was already heavily saturated by competitors like Rapido. Their dominant two-wheeler taxi model created an insurmountable barrier to entry for our new platform.
Ultimately, the data showed our path was unviable. We made the tough, but correct, data-driven decision to discontinue the project. This experiment was a success in entrepreneurial learning, proving our team's adaptability and commitment to following the data.
Prototype
Original Concept Ad
Our concept ad illustrating the 'Hush' brand and vision.
Ad Credits:
- Hush Actor: Kavish Soni ↗
- Upset Actor: Manthan Patel ↗
- Shot by: Krishna Chauhan ↗
- Edited by: Mahipal Chauhan ↗
- Directed & Written by: Vedant Mistry ↗ & Amaan Tai ↗
Incubation & Support
SSIP 2.0 Sanction Letter
Y Combinator Rejection (Spring 2025)
Funded for Validation, Rejected with Experience
We were thrilled to be sanctioned ₹2,40,000 for market research and validation.
Alongside our local incubation, we also aimed high by applying to the Y Combinator (Spring 25) batch. While we were ultimately rejected, the process of articulating our vision for a global audience was an invaluable learning experience in itself.
This grant allowed us to apply Lean Startup principles to test our hypothesis, build a functional prototype, and validate real-world viability through data-driven analysis.
We are deeply grateful for this opportunity, which was facilitated by the GUIITAR Council ↗ and GSFC University ↗ under the SSIP 2.0 ↗ policy.
The 'Hush' Pitch Deck
Key slides from our pitch deck, outlining the problem, our solution, and the business model.
Pitch Deck Credits:
Design by Mahipal Chauhan ↗ and Market Research by Vedant Mistry ↗
Acknowledgements
This project was a journey, and one we did not walk alone. Our deepest gratitude goes to the institutions that believed in this idea from the start. To the GUIITAR Council ↗ and GSFC University ↗, thank you for facilitating the SSIP 2.0 grant and giving us this opportunity.
We were guided by incredible mentors and leaders. Our special thanks to Mr. Bimal Bhayani ↗ (ex CEO, GUIITAR) and Mr. Kiran Parmar ↗ (Senior Manager, GUIITAR) for their invaluable guidance. We were especially fortunate to have Ms. Bhavika Darji ↗ as our Project Mentor; your insights and constant support were a true guiding light.
A vision is only as strong as the team that builds it. We want to thank Mr. Amaan Tai ↗ for his foundational contributions as a founding member, and our Chief Designer, Mr. Mahipal Chauhan ↗, for bringing our entire aesthetic to life. For our concept ad, we owe a huge thank you to Mr. Krishna Chauhan ↗ for his fantastic camera work, and to our talented actors, Mr. Manthan Patel ↗ & Mr. Kavish Soni ↗.
Our market validation and research—the very core of this project—would not have been possible without our dedicated survey team. A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Manthan Patel ↗, Ms. Palak Panchal ↗, Ms. Krina Patel ↗, Mr. Prince Macwan ↗, Mr. Om Panchal ↗, Mr. Vagishya Vaidik ↗ and Mr. Ravi Vyas ↗, for your time and effort on the ground.
Finally, we're grateful to CA Kalpesh Popat ↗ for his expert guidance on company structures and to Prof. G. R. Sinha ↗ & GSFC University ↗ for graciously allowing us to shoot our video on campus. To everyone who listened to our pitch or offered a word of encouragement, thank you.
