A seasoned tech product manager used personal challenges with school transportation for her kids to establish a successful AI-powered electric school bus start-up, named Zum. Formerly involved in tech giants like eBay and Oracle, she utilized her expertise and insights into children’s transportation problems to develop an innovative and efficient solution with Zum.
Launched in 2015, Zum offers an efficient solution to parents who can conveniently schedule and track their children’s rides via an app. Starting with self-funding and initially serving Bay Area parents, the platform began attracting investors, expanding to other regions due to its practicality and safety. The model allows parents to connect with a network of vetted drivers and caregivers for their children, thus providing an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
In 2019, schools proposed that Zum function as a privately run school bus fleet, putting founder Narayan in a challenging position. After considering the options, she decided to evolve the company further to compete with larger bus operations. This transition resulted in a transformation that optimized local schools’ needs and their commitment to safe, efficient, and socially responsible transportation.
Despite uncertainties, Narayan transformed the organization, and Zum developed into a billion-dollar company, with contracts worth over $1.5 billion and serving over 4,000 public and private schools across six US states. This resounding success saw the company making it to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. The journey wasn’t without its challenges but under Narayan’s sturdy leadership, the company managed to overcome many challenges, securing a significant position in the school transportation industry.
Narayan’s decision to redirect the company and serve a larger community of children and parents marked the beginning of Zum’s golden era. They sought to offer holistically inclusive activities and teaching solutions for children of all ages. Despite facing significant challenges, such as acquiring new skills, restructuring the team, and convincing board members, securing a contract with the Oakland Unified School District validated her choice. The pause in school transportation due to the COVID-19 pandemic acted as an opportunity for Zum to further refine its operations, thereby solidifying its position in the industry.
