Bumper secured $500,000 seed funding, in a round led by SAIF partners. The platform channelized the fund in building a knowledge house of technology experts in solving all car-related problems. As part of its initial plan, the funds also fostered the startup’s commitment to enhancing customer experience.In an exclusive conversation Bumper. com's co-founder Akhil Gupta, reveals to BWDisrupt his venture vision & future plans:Bumper.com is India’s first network of car workshops focusing exclusively on car body repair. With an aim to reduce the cost of collision repairs by more than 50%, we work on a “virtual garage” model. The app provides upfront pricing for damages with pickup and drop scheduling from the comfort of your home, office or any desired location as per the customer’s convenience. We are renting spaces at multiple garages with our process and our personnel to ensure that affordable work does not compromise on quality.
Excerpts from the Interview:
BW: How is it different from other Auto Replacement/Repair apps?
Akhil:We are a technology company and believe in running an operations light, asset light model. At Bumper.com there are absolutely zero manual workflows. We are making garages, virtual. All your data, reference points and status of your car is available on the app.
We are revisiting the whole body repair process and developing systems to minimise costs. We own the entire process and focus on reinventing it using automation and by building our own IT infrastructure. We already have in-house apps that help our team communicate and manage better.
BW: What is the funding status and monetization model?
Akhil: Bumper.com had earlier raised a seed round through SAIF Partners. Currently, at every transaction, we are profitable. If we continue to scale as per our current plans, a break even is very close.
BW: What are the traction details?
Akhil: We have seen a massive amount of traction at Bumper.com. We have covered work over all types of cars; standard, luxury, vintage and rally; from a Maruti to a Mercedes. On the other hand most bookings are through referrals from existing customers and organic leads. This rate of organic growth shows that there is a natural attraction towards what we’re doing. We’re currently focussed on appeasing to a wider audience.
BW: How do you look at expansion?
Akhil: With excitement, confidence and surety.
BW: What are your future plans?
Akhil: We have built an excellent solution. Bumper.com started with a vision to standardise prices in the market. The solution is ready. It pains us when we see a dented car on the streets and we see that the car owner is unaware that such an affordable and convenient alternative is available in the market. This is our next 10 year plan. We will focus on fixing dented and scratched cars while making people aware of such an option across India, across the globe.
BW: How big is the Auto Replacement/Repair market in India and what opportunity are you looking out in future?
Akhil: The auto repair market is a 4 billion dollar industry. It’s a huge opportunity for Bumper.com. As stated previously, the next few years see us actively ensuring that we have Dent-free, Scratch-free cars on the road.
BW: How has been the people responses so far?
Akhil: Bumper.com has received a very positive response thus far. People see great quality and find it convenient. In fact 56% of our customers come through referrals. They are always pleasantly surprised by the end result.
BW: What are the biggest learnings till date?
Akhil: Painting a car is not as easy as it looks, it involves a lot of skill, patience and perseverance.
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Soumya is a young writer and journalist, with bachelors in Multimedia and Mass Communication. She is an alumini of the Asian College of Journalism, and finds politics and sustainability intriguing beats to work with.
