Smart Cars and Transport Solutions Startups in the Western Balkans
Prospective startups in the Western Balkans increasingly focus on innovations in smart cars and transport solutions. Such efforts towards introducing modernized features are changing the image of the Western Balkans.
The region encounters many problems when it comes to air pollution caused by fossil fuels. In addition, there’s a problem with old and worn four-wheelers lacking modern vehicle maintenance systems.
Adaptability, flexibility and the ability to change following the needs of the market and testing innovation with customers and the market are elements that favour the formation of startup companies.
Two startups from the Western Balkans stand out by offering innovative transformation agents of the region’s traditional market. Their recent results place these companies at the globe’s forefront in terms of smart solutions.
Koola – A Connected Car Idea
One of the most interesting startups in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is Koola. The startup is a predictive maintenance platform utilizing AI and machine learning that connects car dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers with its clients.
The company’s story dates back to two friends’ idea of forming a company that would focus on a “connected car”. It got founded in 2016 after the idea pitch at the Podim Conference in Maribor (Slovenia) and co-registered in B&H and the United States.
Within a few months, it boasted as one of the nine most promising startups in B&H. Shortly after, the reputable ABC Accelerator ranked Koola as one of the 10 most prospective startups in the region.
SmartCar and transport solutions B&H way
The Koola embodies a smart CRM platform concept which allows dealerships to access information about the situation in their clients' cars. Some examples include wireless diagnostics, vehicle tracking if an error occurs and diagnosing problems.
The Koola’s software runs with the help of an OBD2 device that plugs into the car and sends back data. The platform processes the data and ultimately provides a full overview of the car’s condition.
Several top car manufacturers and dealers have been on the lookout for Koola. However, Koola’s innovative solution transcends the automotive industry with telecom companies also showing interest.
Koola already has deals with tens of European partners bringing it closer to covering the European market.
Car:Go – Set to Become the First Green Ridesharing App in the Western Balkans
Another successful startup story in the Western Balkans is the ridesharing mobile app Car:Go from Serbia. It is set to become the first ride-sharing mobile app to offer green mobility in the Western Balkans.
The story behind the establishment of CarGo is about changing current experiences people get while driving in Belgrade.
The startup was founded in 2015 to modernize the Serbian market through enabling transparent charging for services and easy connection of citizens through an app.
Forbes ranked Car:Go in the top 10 disruptive companies in 2019.
In 2019, CarGo became a profitable startup that built its success over the years without any institutional investment. The company has also achieved positive results in the field of cost estimates, ratings and efficient services. In addition, it created its own ecosystem including a payment app - a kind of digital wallet for a new era.
Innovation connecting people
To promote innovation as socially beneficial activity, CarGo founded an association of citizens (non-governmental organisation) who use their app.
Association includes actions such as support for humanitarian activities, cultural content, projects for the development of smart transport in smart cities and projects that contribute to the protection of the environment.
CarGo has even introduced its vision for the future with steadily embracing features that will make the app as the first green ridesharing app in the world.
These ideas provide a perspective for the development of an innovative economy.
The secret to the success of such a startup lies in the efforts of transforming traditional industries that are recognized by the world's leading companies.