Struggles to Success: The Journey of a Game-Changer
Life often unfolds in ways we least expect. For some, success is a straight path, but for others, it’s a winding road paved with setbacks, failures, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. This is the story of one such individual who turned his hardships into a revolution— one that changed the ride-hailing industry forever.
A Simple Ride, A Powerful Realization
It all started with an ordinary cab ride. Pratik Nilangekar had just landed in Nagpur, his hometown, filled with nostalgia and the hope of rekindling an old connection. But fate had other plans. As he booked a ride through a popular ride-hailing app, he noticed hesitation from the driver before starting the trip.
Pratik asked why. What followed was an eye-opening conversation. The driver revealed that ride-hailing companies were deducting 20-30% of his earnings as commission. Despite working long hours, he struggled to make ends meet.
Pratik, an entrepreneur at heart, was deeply moved. How could those who worked tirelessly behind the wheel be deprived of their rightful earnings? That one conversation planted the seed for what would soon become a revolution in the transportation industry.
A Legacy of Resilience
Pratik’s entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t born overnight. His grandmother had been a trailblazer, the first woman in Maharashtra to secure an auto-rickshaw permit. She had defied societal norms and proved that resilience could break barriers. Inspired by her journey, Pratik felt an undeniable calling—to continue the legacy of challenging the status quo.
But his journey was far from smooth. Before ZeroRiide, Pratik had ventured into the startup world with “Not Will Son,” a promising business that collapsed due to broken partnerships. The failure was devastating, but it taught him a crucial lesson: success isn’t just about ideas; it’s about choosing the right people, fostering transparency, and never losing sight of the vision.
The Birth of ZeroRiide
Armed with a mission to empower drivers, Pratik launched ZeroRiide—a ride-hailing platform where drivers would keep 100% of their earnings. No commissions. No hidden fees. Just fair pay for hard work.
Skeptics doubted the model. “How can a cab service survive without taking commissions?” they asked. But Pratik believed in trust and fairness. By creating a seamless, tech-driven platform, ZeroRiide ensured both drivers and passengers benefited.
However, disrupting an industry dominated by global giants wasn’t easy. Regulatory hurdles, financial constraints, and industry resistance stood in the way. But Pratik, fueled by his unwavering belief, navigated through it all, determined to prove that ethical business practices could thrive.
Overcoming the Odds
Launching ZeroRiide in Chennai was a bold move. Competing against billion-dollar companies seemed impossible, but the response from drivers was overwhelming. Finally, they had a platform that valued them. Their smiles, their gratitude, and their renewed sense of financial stability fueled the movement.
Passengers noticed the difference too. When drivers felt respected and fairly paid, they provided better service. The rides were smoother, the experience more personal, and the safety measures more reliable. ZeroRiide wasn’t just a business—it was a movement toward fairness in transportation.
A Journey Beyond the Roads
Pratik’s story is not just about launching a successful startup. It’s about perseverance, learning from failures, and daring to challenge norms. His journey—from a dreamer with a failed startup to a leader revolutionizing the ride-hailing industry—is a testament to the power of resilience.
What began as a single conversation in a cab has now evolved into a movement. ZeroRiide is expanding, creating opportunities for thousands of drivers, and proving that ethical entrepreneurship is not just possible—it’s the future.
Pratik once started with nothing but determination. Today, he’s not just changing rides— he’s changing lives. And this is just the beginning.
