In our BonBillo Founder Spotlight session, we had the chance to sit down with Saivya Chauhan, Founder and CEO at Blitz, Southeast Asia's leading EV enabler platform. With a background rooted in mechanical engineering and an early career stint at Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, Saivya has been instrumental in steering Blitz to revolutionize last-mile logistics in Indonesia. This journey, marked by innovation, adaptability, and a touch of serendipity, offers rich insights into the world of electric mobility and sustainable business growth.
Saivya Chauhan’s journey into the world of electric vehicles (EVs) began with an ambitious idea: EV-based tourism. Inspired by the bustling streets of San Francisco, he envisioned shareable electric scooters, bikes, and cars. However, the onset of COVID-19 and its ensuing lockdowns forced a pivot. "Tourism was down, and it was impossible to launch a sharing mobility product when nobody's even able to go outside their house," Saivya recalled. This led to a critical realization: gig workers were being squeezed during the pandemic, working long hours yet barely making ends meet.
Blitz's focus shifted to empowering these gig workers by providing them with EVs, enabling them to boost their incomes through delivery services. This pivot wasn't just about business; it was a mission to create social impact. Saivya noted, "We are a B2B company, but really the driver is an important stakeholder."
Building Blitz wasn't an overnight success. For the first three years, Saivya grappled with finding a product-market fit. It was the interviews with drivers and constant feedback from customers that steered Blitz towards its current model. Saivya emphasized, "You need to do real customer interviews and understand what your customer really wants." This approach eventually led to the realization that Blitz could significantly impact the logistics sector by offering a reliable, rapid delivery service powered by EVs.
Saivya shares that the top two priorities of Blitz’s customers are:
Fundraising for Blitz has been a journey filled with lessons. Saivya highlighted the importance of updating investors regularly, stating, "You'll be shocked at how few founders send updates to their existing investors, let alone future investors." His strategy involved building long-term relationships, where continual engagement and transparency are key.
One of the most valuable tips Saivya shared was to tailor the pitch according to the investor's interests. "Different things work with different people," he said, explaining how he would emphasize aspects like climate impact or logistics efficiency based on the audience. This personalized approach has been instrumental in securing investments, despite the challenges of a post-COVID investment landscape where investors are more cautious.
Blitz operates in a highly competitive market, yet it stands out due to its B2B focus and tech-driven solutions. Saivya explained, "We've signed on big brands in long-term contracts, allowing us to have more or less stable revenue." By focusing on quality over quantity, Blitz has built a strong foundation for sustainable growth.
The sales strategy at Blitz is another area where Saivya’s entrepreneurial acumen shines. He shared how founder-led sales have been crucial, noting, "Nobody's ever gonna sell harder than the actual founder." His approach involves leveraging LinkedIn to identify decision-makers and using WhatsApp for direct outreach, a method that has proven effective in the Southeast Asian context.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Blitz's journey is its commitment to social impact. By enabling gig workers to own EVs, Blitz is not only enhancing their earning potential but also contributing to significant environmental benefits. With over 18 million kilograms of CO2 emissions reduced, Blitz is making strides towards a more sustainable future.
Saivya’s dedication to improving the livelihoods of gig workers is evident. He shared anecdotes of engaging with drivers directly, emphasizing the importance of transparency and treating gig workers with respect. This focus on humanizing the gig economy sets Blitz apart and aligns with Saivya’s vision of creating a positive social impact.
Saivya recounts the journey of how Blitz landed its first customers in the competitive EV market. He spent almost 8 hours a day reaching out to potential clients on LinkedIn, which led to Blitz securing a pivotal pilot with DHL. They leveraged that success to attract interest from other major companies like Lazada and Domino's. He further explains how this prompted Blitz to transition from an EV rental model to a comprehensive logistics company, guided by customer requirements and market demand.
Saivya Chauhan’s journey with Blitz is a compelling narrative of innovation, impact, and perseverance. From navigating fundraising challenges to implementing effective sales strategies, Blitz is a beacon of how businesses can thrive while contributing positively to society. As we wrapped up the session, one thing was clear: Blitz is not just delivering packages; it’s delivering change, one electric vehicle at a time.
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