HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is a vehicle for hire company that provides service to children. It has operations in eight metropolitan areas in the United States. It is aimed at children between the ages of 1 and 12 years who are legally restricted to use other vehicle for hire services. The service can be accessed by parents via a mobile app. The service employs mostly female drivers who have at least five years of experience in childcare.[1]
 HopSkipDrive logo | |
| Type | Privately held company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Vehicle for hire |
| Founded | May 2015 |
| Founder | Joanna McFarland Carolyn Yashari Becher Janelle McGlothin |
| Headquarters | Los Angeles |
Area served | Los Angeles San Francisco San Diego Sacramento Colorado Washington, D.C. |
Key people | Joanna McFarland, CEO |
| Website | www |
History
In 2013, Joanna McFarland and Janelle McGlothlin met at a children's party where the idea about "hiring moms and babysitters to drive kids around" originated. Later, they teamed up with Carolyn Yashari Becher, a former real estate lawyer, and founded the company.[2]
The service launched in May 2015.[3]
In January 2016, the company raised $10.2 million in a Series A round.[4]
In August 2018, the service launched in San Diego.[5]
In March 2019, the service launched in Washington, D.C.[6]
References
- Brown, Bruce (August 29, 2016). "HopSkipDrive is a California-based Uber for Kids". Digital Trends.
- "HopSkipDrive, a Ride Start-Up for the After-School Set". The New York Times. June 28, 2015.
- LIEN, TRACEY (May 1, 2015). "L.A. start-up introduces on-demand transport... for kids". Los Angeles Times.
- Tepper, Fitz (January 26, 2016). "HopSkipDrive, The Ridesharing Startup for Kids Grabs $10.2 million". TechCrunch.
- "HopSkipDrive: rideshare service for kids launches in San Diego". KFMB-TV. August 23, 2018.
- Clabaugh, Jeff (March 25, 2019). "HopSkipDrive, a kid-friendly ride service, comes to Washington". WTOP-FM.