63. minicabit

Founder: Amer Hassan
Founded: October 2010 (launched February 2012)
Website: www.minicabit.com

Taxi quote and hire service Minicabit launched onto the transport tech scene around the same time as a number of major international competitors; nevertheless, the fast growth British start-up has thrived in the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down.

The website and app allows users to compare and book instant quotes from taxi providers for long distance and local trips in 40 UK cities, taking a 10% commission or a £1 booking fee for longer journeys. The company’s success lies in its unique comparison platform, presenting quotes from pickup and destination areas to help users find the best price, as well as partnerships with top players in the travel and leisure space. Minicabit beat mega-funded rivals to secure lucrative deals with The O2, Wembley Arena, London City Airport and Heathrow airport.

Founder Amer Hassan has nine years experience with apps in the mobile industry, and even did a stint as a minicab driver whilst he was at university. He says that despite significant attempts at promotion, most bookings are still taken via the website, so the next year will be spent pushing for wider use of the app. The Dragons’ Den backed-company will also aim to expand its database of licensed cab operators from 600 – one in 10 of all in the UK – to 1,000 by this time next year.