Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Schaer.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Before becoming the co-founder and CEO of Kango, I worked as a Product Manager at Snapfish.com, an online photo and video service that was later acquired by HP in 2005. I was the second product manager to be hired and ended up building a global product team from 0 to 50 people across 3 continents, covering North America, Europe, and Asia. I was working around the clock across global time zones, with two young kids at home – definitely a balancing act!
I found myself struggling to get my kids ready for school while trying to get myself prepared for work, and then there was the logistics of how to get us all to where we needed to be on time, as my husband had a long commute as well. The idea for Kango arose out of my own frustrations combined with my passion for technology. I knew we could leverage smartphones and mobile technology combined with trusted caregivers, to build a service that would help busy families go places!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
As most founders will tell you, running a startup is hard and calls for resilience among other qualities. For example, we applied to an accelerator called 500 Startups because they were knowledgeable about family and child-related technology, and I saw them investing in female founders.
Kango seemed like the perfect fit. However, we weren’t accepted until the third time we applied. Each time, we were asked to go back and grow the business and reapply with more traction. When you are focused and persistent, you manage to open doors even against all odds.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kango – what should we know?
Kango is an app-based ride and childcare service for busy families with kids of all ages.
Our trusted drivers and sitters help parents when they need a hand with transportation to and from school, camps, practice, etc. We started in San Francisco – where we have been named best “Uber for Kids” for the last two years! – and expanded to Los Angeles in the late Fall of 2017. I was very excited to expand Kango’s Rides and Care service to LA as I was born here and understand the distances and driving challenges. As expected, LA families have been very welcoming and eager to use the service.
I think what sets Kango apart from others is our dedication to safety along with a unique level of personalized customer service. Our drivers are heavily background checked, screened, interviewed, DMV checked, fingerprinted, and Trustline certified because we know they are carrying precious cargo.
Our drivers also are the only drivers insured to give rides to children of any age, and we have not only boosters but car seats for young kids who need them. Unlike any other service, parents can request to meet a driver beforehand, and express preferences for favorite drivers their kids know. As a mom myself, I built Kango to not only be useful but to be a trusted service meeting the different needs of all families.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kangoapp.co
- Phone: (415) 494-9957
- Email: [email protected]
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