SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - With the cost of living going up in San Diego, a lot of people are looking for ways to make extra cash. A new startup in San Diego called Bounce wants to help drivers maximize their income.
"The drivers are the most important element," said CEO Mark Potter.
Potter transformed the front of his law office into the startup space. He is a longtime fan of rideshare.
"Before there was rideshare, I was hiring people off craigslist to give me rides," Potter said.
His model for this new company is to focus on the driver and give them more incentives to want to stay and work for the company.
"Our drivers are owners. They earn ownership in our company through stock options," said Potter.
This stake in the company is one of the main reasons Pamela Bernier signed on to be a driver.
Bernier said, "Working my own hours, calling my own shots, still enjoying the income and the people at the same time."
Bounce also has a repeat customer option. Riders have the freedom to create a list and request their favorite drivers. They also have the luxury to arrange future rides in advance. According to the company, this provides a safer environment for both the rider and driver and also gives the driver a more consistent cash flow.
"I could bounce you here, I can bounce you there, I bounce you home, where you wanna bounce let's go," said Bernier.
Uber and Lyft are two other companies dominating the rideshare space. According to Lyft, 68% of drivers are primary earners of their household, and so far in 2018, Lyft passengers also spent an additional $73 million on local businesses in town.
According to Uber, rideshare and delivery drivers in California took home more than $2.97 billion in gross revenue for 2017.
Bounce is set for a September launch, and the company is currently interviewing drivers. They require in-person interviews and background checks for each driver. They are also in the process of putting in a panic button option in the app for riders to feel safer during their ride.
"We envision is that our company will be very successful with loyal drivers that put Bounce first. That will make us win," Potter said.
