There are companies that build products that make it into the pages of economics. And there are also companies built for the customers, who are their greatest assets. Entrepreneurs who attribute their company’s success to the customers usually define leadership for generations. It can be considered that these visionaries think market share, scalability or popularity is just a byproduct when the company’s customers truly vouch for the experience through the product.
The editorial came across the VOLTA Ride App and extended a hand of collaboration as its founder, Shashi Kanaparthi, believes in putting people first over profit figures.
VOLTA Ride App comes as a revolutionary mobility platform which grew from the feedback of the customers, market conditions and most importantly, the drivers. We live in a time where ethical business practice is something of a rare artifact in spite of hefty price tags for the customers. Shashi and Raja Vikram, CEO of VOLTA Ride App, did not take the approach of strategic meetings in boardrooms. But chose to come down to the streets where the real market lies. They spoke less and just listened, took notes, as they deep-dived into astronomical pain points in the urban mobility sector, like unexpected surge pricing, safety concerns, inconsistent fares and many others.
While asking about key areas of improvement from drivers, Shashi often got sentimental while studying the business models of big players in the urban mobility industry. This included delayed payments to the drivers, lack of respect and most importantly an enormous commission. VOLTA was born to answer the market gaps in the mobility industry. And they started with 0% commission.
Additionally, VOLTA App includes other features like instant payouts for the drivers, and real-time support. For the customers, there is no surge pricing and boasts 24/7 support with SOS emergency assistance built right into the app. VOLTA started with just about 10 individuals in 2023 which has now grown to more than 200+ employees in just two years. While it began as a ride-hailing app, VOLTA has rapidly emerged as the fastest-growing platform to expand into other business verticals—such as last-mile delivery and parcel logistics—in just a span of 16 months. One of the most game-changing aspects of the VOLTA App is its EV-first approach, built around a robust EV ecosystem that seamlessly integrates electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and four-wheelers—driving forward sustainable and future-ready urban mobility.
IMAGE: Shashi Kanaparthi & Raja Vikram
Shashi also highlights a unique aspect of the VOLTA app where they have collaborated with Aha, a leading Telugu OTT platform for indulging in entertainment while travelling. VOLTA’s scalable SaaS infrastructure enables its expansion across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, building on its strong operational base in Hyderabad.
VOLTA has a strong presence in last-mile delivery with a growing business on parcel delivery. Furthermore, VOLTA’s platform is powered by AI and real-time data intelligence, helping in optimizing routing, improving delivery accuracy, customer demand, and enhancing both driver and customer experiences.
The company has also partnered with stakeholders in building charging stations across the city for a seamless operational efficiency. VOLTA is Made in India certified and appreciated by startupindia. And Shashi says, “Through careful planning, grassroots-level engagement, and tech-driven efficiency, we managed to grow without overspending.” And this speaks volumes of VOLTA’s leadership skills. Vikram adds, at VOLTA, we’re not just building a mobility service—we’re building a trusted, sustainable brand that stands for affordability, reliability, green mobility and long-term impact.
